According to researches, the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa is built at an elevation of 2,700 meters above sea level. Due to this fact, it is the second city in the world to be positioned in high altitude. Many tourists, who come from different parts of the world, get amazed by the salubrious temperate of the city not far from the equatorial line as well as eye-catching manmade and natural sites. It boasts stunning topography with incredible scenery of rivers, forests and mountains.
Mount Entoto is the highest
peak overlooking the city of Addis Ababa, and has astonishing views of the
city. It is part of the Entoto mountain chain. It has different species of
birds, reptiles, plants and animals. More than anything, it has contained
fascinating history as Emperor Menelik and his wife Taitu Betul had lived there
for many years, used it as their headquarter and strategic fortress. It was
founded immediately after the emperor had come from Ankobor, his birthplace.
Mount Entoto is also the location of a number of distinguished churches,
including Saint Raguel and Saint Mary. The beautiful churches abut the palace
which was built by Menelik and his wife at the end of 1880s.
According to the Addis Ababa Tourism Bureau, the Tabot ( the replica of the ark) of Entoto Mariam church with its stunning canvas painted by Alqa Zayohanes, was brought from Gojam by Menelik who at the time was king of Showa. The Tabot was housed in a small purpose-built thatched roof chapel in Entoto where it remained for over 30 years. The new church was amazingly decorated both inside and outside, and was inaugurated in 1914. Alaqa Heruy Menbare was responsible for the original work of decoration and over time, the church had been maintained by a series of devoted Alaqas who took care to preserve its original beauty. Empress Taitu was the first gabaz and she was later succeeded by Princess Yeshawork Yelma, the daughter of Dejazmach Yilma Mokonnen, the then governor of Harar and the niece of Emperor Hailesilassie.
During the Italian aggression of Ethiopia, Entoto St.Mariam church was not much looted, but the golden crown of Emperor Menelik II and large cannon that had been captured by Menelik’s army at the battle of Adwa in 1896, was taken by occupying Italians. In the church compound, one will visit the palace, built in traditional style for the emperor and the empress, perching on the hilltop, high above the city. Its location affords a panoramic view of the city below. The palace contains an assembly room, banquet halls, and a reserve room for amenities. Located beside the church and the palace compound is found the Menelik Museum, rich in imperial artifacts and ecclesiastic items that will give one a real sense of what was an important period of Ethiopia’s history.
Regarding biodiversity, Mount Entoto has various kinds of plants. Due to its densely planted eucalyptus tree, Entoto sometimes is referred to the ‘‘lung of Addis Ababa’’. The eucalypts tree was first imported from Australia during the reign of Menelik. The forest has been used as important source of firewood for the city dwellers and suburban areas. It was also a source of building materials in earlier times.
In 2020, very astounding Multi-purpose Park was inaugurated which was built as per the initiation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The park contains centers for physical activities, spa, tented lodging, horse stable, library, restaurants, coffee shops, fountains, walkways, bicycle and scooter lanes and other recreational facilities. Beyond creating job opportunities, the park has a role of enhancing the tourism potentials of the city.
Entoto has been serving as source of firewood for many households in the city and its suburbs. This scenario has created negative impact on deforestation and environmental degradation. However, the Addis Ababa City Administration, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has been undertaking various preservation works to keep Entoto and its resources safe from degradation. The Ethiopian Heritage Trust is a non-governmental organization which is working tirelessly to preserve the biodiversity of the mountain, natural parks, and historical heritages.
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
The Ethiopian Herald may 11/2021
