“Recently merchants from various African countries arrived in Addis to visit Mercato, the largest open air market in the continent. But more than the scenery of Mercato, they were thrilled to see their country’s names in the streets of Addis” says Mekbib Gebremariam, Intangible Traditional Heritages Senior Researcher with Addis Ababa Culture, Art and Tourism Bureau.
As part of the efforts to maintain Addis Ababa’s status as the seat of African Union (AU), the Municipality decided to assign streets in the metropolis with the names of African countries. As a result all African countries have a street named after them. This was related with the PanAfricans’ movement, establishment of the Organization of African Unity in Addis, hoping with creating integrated continent after liberation of all African countries.
This indicates the commitment of Ethiopia to strengthen the integration of the continent and its future diplomatic ties without any difference. But the streets of Addis Ababa bear the names of not only African countries, but also that of other friendly countries famous personalities, among others. According to documents more than 60 countries are also named in Addis Ababa streets, squares and avenues including all African countries, Mekbib noted.
Beyond serving as mere references or addresses, the names of streets and squares in Addis play further role in signifying historical places, personalities and incidents. “Mirror of Addis Ababa” a book published by Addis Ababa Municipality in 1950 on the occasion of the 58 Emperor Hailessellassie I states that the official name of streets and squares of Addis was given to respect Ethiopian patriots and to remember individuals and countries who did favor to Ethiopia mainly during the Italian invasion in 1930s.
The document listed the official names of the squares and streets during that time. According to the document around ten squares and 25 principal street names are listed which are names of higher officials, war leaders, patriots, foreigners and foreign countries who played vital role for Ethiopian freedom. Menelik II, Haile Selassie I, Miazzia 27, Yekatit 12, Yekatit 23, Independence and Parliament squares were among the listed squares during the time.
Haile Silassie I Avennue, King George VI street, Empress Menen street, Queen Elizabeth street, Weatheral Street, Emperor Tewodros street, Churchil road, Colson Road, Cunningham street, Field Marshal Smuts street, Russia Street, John Melly street are also few among the principal avenues, streets and road names listed on the document in 1950. Mekbib stated that the officially given names of squares and street of Addis carry the history and diplomatic relations of Ethiopia during the past era.
“These names are indicators of history, identity, civilization, indicators of freedom, and friendly relations of Ethiopia with the rest of the world”, he underlined. According to Mekbib these names by themselves are sources of research for Ethiopian history and diplomatic relations about the past era and speak a lot to generations about political, social, economic, diplomatic history of the country. He stated that the official name given for streets and squares is widely known during the era of Emperor Haile Silassie I.
Although some documents show that it started before the Italian invasion of 1930s, legally Official Street and square names was widely given after the five years’ war and restoration of Ethiopian freedom mainly to respect Ethiopian patriots and supporters. According to Mekbib most official names of the city are related with Heroism, patriotism, patriotic individuals, influential exemplary persons, strong ally countries, foreign persons who support Ethiopia in different ways. The streets and squares mostly told the generation about Ethiopian friendly relations with the external world, strength of its patriots and their historic deeds.
“These names are intangible heritages of the city and museums of the country’s history which speak loud about the country’s past”, Mekbib stated. Since then the issue was continued on this like during Emperor Haile Selassie and Derg to remember patriots. A square or street is not easily given for anyone else, in the past documents indicated that, the naming of street and squares officially was provide to the Emperor attached with their role played for the country. It is given for those who lost their life for the pride and freedom of Ethiopia.
Uniquely, as the capital of Africa and the seat of African Union, to show its interest of integrated, prosperous, friendly, cooperative Africa based on the Pan-African movement, Ethiopia has named all African countries in its principal streets, avenues and roads of the capital. Not only that, Addis has also remembering freedom fighters of the colonial era for African countries from Africa and the rest of the world. Mandela, Charles De Gaulle, Cunningham, Churchill, Bob Marley, Pushkin square, Karl Heinz, are few among the foreigners named on the main streets of Addis.
The issue needs attention specially in protecting squares with clear policy and the master plans of the city should consider the historic squares which carry the history of the country. For example Yekatit 23 square is already missed for road purpose. These are the identities of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia as whole, so they should be protected safely.
Although, finding a street sign in Addis Ababa is something of an art, no local will actually know the street by the official name except few streets. Most of the time, the local people uses landmarks in order to enquire the location of specific place, which are commonly used by the society informally. According to Mekbib lack of awareness and limitations of local media usage are the reasons behind the weakness of using the names in day-to-day activities.
According to Mekbib Ethiopia has registered many tangible and intangible heritages and is on the way to register new ones to be known in the international level. These intangible heritages by themselves are good examples to create strong linkage with the rest of the world, to show its history and its successful diplomacy to the world. Since they are historic names, they attract local and foreign researcher, tourists and references of past Ethiopian allies
Herald February 9/2019
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
