The city of Jimma is found in south western part of Oromia state. The city is marked for its coffee, green environment, agreeable weather and cordial people. In addition to this, it was the capital city of Oromia during the 19th century, during King Aba Jifar tenure.
The Kingdom of Jimma’s Abba Jifar was established in the 1830s by Aba Jifar I.The kingdom was among the five most powerful Kingdoms ever founded in southern Ethiopia, says Samuel Mutema, History Lecturer at Addis Ababa University.
According to him, Jimma was the hub of trade and politics that used to attract traders from nearby areas and other neighboring countries. With Maria Theressa as its currency, it had been trading salt, gold and other agricultural products.
He adds that even if the Oromo people are noted for their UNESCO inscribed democratic political system known as Gadda system, Jimma and Gibe states had underwent feudal political system in the 19th century and Aba Jifar II was standing out as the most powerful King during that time. As he had economic and military might, he built a magnificent palace in his capital.
The palace was constructed in the 1888s seven kilometers far from the heart of Jimma in the northern direction. It was chosen by the King’s father, Aba Jifar I. The palace’s architectural style is amazing and it was built in a way of reflecting the cultural and historical aspects of the Oromo people. It displays a superb architectural design having motely colors.
Located at the outskirt of Jimma, Aba Jifar’s palace is among the most astounding tourist attraction in the state.
‘‘It was built by tones of egg which was used at that time as cement. It was olive tree wood used to build the palace. Because of the quality of the construction materials used the palace has managed to endure the tide of time almost intact. It is still exhibits stamina for another century even after the lapse of more than 100 years. The hilltop was chosen as strategic site as a fort to monitor and repel enemy from a distance. It was also selected due to its temperate climate which bars room for malaria epidemic,’’ he said.
Samuel adds that the palace is the oldest and well preserved surviving traditional wooden architectural wealth in Jimma and its surroundings.
‘‘The palace was built using indigenous architectural style of south-western Ethiopia. This style has similarity with Indo- Arab architectural style, which is mostly practiced in East African and countries found around Indian Ocean. Hence, the palace represents the cultural relations between southern Ethiopia and Indo-Arab countries,’’ the lecturer highlighted.
It comprises residential palace of Aba Jifar, mosque of Aba Jifar and residential palace of Aba Jobir and Aba Dula (the grandsons of Aba Jifar). As a museum, Aba Jifar is displaying many ancient artifacts of the royal family and other heritages.
Though it has endured the tide of time, it has not been immune against fragmentation. Its wooden elements such as fascia boards, column capitals and decorated brackets are on the brink of falling down. In cognizance of this tragedy, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Culture and tourism Bureau of Oromia, Authority for Research and Conservation for Cultural Heritages (ARCCH) and other pertinent stakeholders are working to renovate this historical heritage.
Recently, the U.S Embassy in Ethiopia in collaboration with RCCH has injected a 347,000 USD fund to renovate the palace. The renovation process will take place in such a way that the palace’s historical and cultural aspects are well preserved. If so, Aba Jifar palace would continue as one of the most astonishing tourist destinations of the country.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 3 November 2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
