“Heaven on Earth”, is how Sharma described the city of Addis Ababa. He admires the artifacts and archaeological findings that are found in the museums of the city.
Addis Ababa is referred as ‘the political capital city of Africa’. It is the Headquarter of African Union and it is where its predecessor Organization of African Union (OAU) was based. The seat of one of the branches of the United Nations, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), is also situated in this city. The city has historical, diplomatic, and political significance to the continent of Africa. Hence, Addis Ababa, definitely, is the political capital city of Africa.
The capital owns a number of tourist sites. The museums in the city display the historical wonders of the country. The major museums include National Museum of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Museum, Red Terror Martyrs Museum, Ethnological Museum, Modern Art Museum, Zoological Museum, and Zoma Museum.
These museums exhibit Ethiopia’s art, traditional crafts and prehistoric fossils, including replicas of the famous early hominid, ‘Lucy.’ The sculptures, obelisks, and statues in the city speak a lot about the historical and cultural facts of the country. The zoos, parks and sanctuaries in the city represent a small sample of the wide wild population in the country.
As documents indicate, Addis Ababa was founded as a political center in 1886 by Emperor Menelik. The site was a choice of Empress Taytu Betul, the wife of Emperor Menelik II. She chose Addis Ababa to take mineral bath from Filwoha (hot spring) which is near. Thus, the political center was shifted from Entoto to Addis Ababa. Then, Menelik expanded his wife’s house to become the Imperial Palace which remains the seat of government in Addis Ababa until today.
Addis Ababa is a home to many ethnic groups from different parts of the country and foreigners from around the world. The capital is located at the center of Ethiopia. Migrants from the different regions of the country could move to Addis Ababa easily and, thus, the city has expanded through time. These people from different background live together peacefully. The city is a thriving urban area in Ethiopia. And many of the construction, businesses and development activities undertaken in it ensure that the growth will continue to be steady in this capital city as well into the future.
Foreigners dwelling in Addis Ababa describe Addis as ‘a City of Peace’. Kishore Sharma, an Indian who has been living in Addis for over thirty years, described Ethiopia as “The Heaven on Earth”. He admired the availability of fresh fruit with reasonable price in the markets of the city. During his stay in Addis, Sharma has not come across any major natural or man-made disasters except the ‘Red Terror’ during the Derg regime. For him, that was the only fearful time in the history of his stay in Addis Ababa. He attests that Addis is far more peaceful than any other African countries.
“I have been to several African countries, however, Ethiopia is unique. I perceive Ethiopia as my second homeland. I live in Addis just the way I used to live in Mumbai or New Delhi. The people of Addis are cooperative. They love and care. The hospitality of the people is unique”, said Sharma.
Adam Kristek from Czech Republic who lived in Addis for over five years, on his part, told The Ethiopian Herald that Addis Ababa is a historical city that best represents the wonderful historical scenes of the country and its daring and patriotic citizens. The city is also growing fast, as he notices the skyscrapers being built. Lucy or Dinkinesh which is found in the National Museum of Ethiopia is a vital archaeological finding. He also added that the people of Addis have their own cultural beauty.
Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa, is found in the city. ”Mercato is the busiest market I have ever seen. Navigating the market, with many different sections, and the continual flow of vehicles and people can be a little overwhelming – but it is an amazing site to see” according to Miu Li, a Chinese lady.
In addition, the government has launched construction of a housing village at Leghar, one of the places in the heart of Addis. The place would be private public partnership housing project which worth 50 billion of US dollar on 36 hectares of land. This site, certainly, will be a grand place to live. Hence, we can portray Addis Ababa as an exciting and suitable city to live as it holds a multitude opportunities.
Herald December 8/2018
BY GETAHUN LEGESSE
