Azzaz

Azzaz was a title at the court of the Negus Negest ( Emperor ) of Ethiopia and means the one who commands . This high dignity already existed in the 15th century. The title was held by various high dignitaries and has been one of the highest secular and state dignities of the empire since the 16th century . The highest imperial court consisted of four Azzaz personally appointed by the emperor. Initially, only members of the ruling family were appointed to Azzaz. Emperor Tewodros II (1855–1868) also conferred this title on members of other Ethiopian princely families. Under some emperors, the treasurers and commanders of the Imperial Guard were also honored with the title of Azzaz. In the more recent past Azzaz was then a high title in the administrative hierarchy of Ethiopia and associated with the exercise of various departments.

Due to the complicated transcription from Amharic , the spelling of Ethiopian proper names can be different in different publications.