Asmara history

The history of Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, dates back centuries, yet its modern appearance is the result of the turbulent events of the 19th and 20th centuries. The city represents a unique blend of ancient African traditions and European modernism.

Foundation and First Mentions

According to local legends, Asmara emerged in the 12th century through the unification of four villages. The women of these settlements, tired of internecine wars, convinced the men to make peace. Thus, the name "Arbaete Asmera" appeared, which in the Tigrinya language means "The four made them unite". Over time, the name was shortened to Asmara. For a long time, it remained a small trading post on the Eritrean Highlands.

Key Factors of Development

Asmara's transformation into a major city began in the late 19th century with the arrival of Italian colonisers. The following factors played a key role:

• Political Status: In 1897, Asmara was declared the capital of the colony of Italian Eritrea, replacing the port city of Massawa. The choice was driven by the cooler and healthier climate of the highlands.
• Geographical Location: Situated at an altitude of over 2,300 metres above sea level, it provided comfortable conditions for living and governing the colony.
• Infrastructure Development: The Italians actively developed the city, building roads and the famous Eritrean Railway, which connected Asmara to the Red Sea coast. This turned the city into an important administrative and commercial centre.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 1930s, during the rule of Mussolini, Asmara experienced a genuine construction boom. The city was intended to become "Little Rome" (Piccola Roma) and a showcase of the Italian Empire's achievements in Africa. During this period, hundreds of buildings were erected in Modernist, Futurist, and Art Deco styles, thanks to which Asmara's historic centre is today included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The city's economy focused on administrative functions, trade, and light industry, including textile and food enterprises. Cultural life was a mixture of Italian and local traditions, which is still evident today in the architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle of the residents.

Timeline of Asmara's History

The history of Asmara is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting the fusion of African traditions and European influence. Below are the key milestones in the city's development, from its humble beginnings to its transformation into a recognised architectural gem.

• 12th Century — According to oral traditions, four villages unite to end hostility, forming the settlement "Arbaete Asmera".
• 1889 — Italian troops occupy the city, beginning a period of colonial rule that would radically change the face of Asmara.
• 1897 — Asmara is proclaimed the capital of the colony of Italian Eritrea, stimulating its rapid administrative and infrastructural development.
• 1922 — Construction of St. Joseph's Cathedral is completed, becoming one of the city's main architectural symbols.
• 1935–1941 — The city undergoes a massive construction boom, during which hundreds of buildings in Modernist, Art Deco, and Futurist styles are erected, earning Asmara the nickname "Little Rome".
• 1941 — British troops occupy Asmara during the Second World War, ending Italian colonial rule.
• 1952 — By UN decision, Eritrea, including Asmara, enters into a federation with Ethiopia.
• 1961 — The Eritrean War of Independence begins, a protracted conflict that would last for 30 years.
• 1991 — On May 24, forces of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front enter Asmara, effectively ending the war.
• 1993 — Following an independence referendum, Asmara officially becomes the capital of the sovereign state of Eritrea.
• 2017 — The unique modernist architectural ensemble of the city centre is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list under the title "Asmara: A Modernist African City".

Cultural and Architectural Milestones of Asmara

The history of Asmara is not merely a chronology of events, but a story of the formation of a unique cultural and architectural identity. The city's key milestones reflect its transformation from a colonial outpost into a modernist jewel and a national symbol of Eritrea.

• The Birth of "Little Rome": A Laboratory of Modernism. In the 1930s, Asmara became an experimental ground for bold Italian architects. Far from conservative European norms, they realised their most avant-garde ideas here, blending Futurism, Rationalism, Novecento, and Art Deco. Thus, iconic buildings appeared, such as the futuristic Fiat Tagliero service station, resembling an aeroplane, and the rationalist Impero cinema. This period defined the city's unique appearance.
• The Paradox of Preservation: Frozen Time. After the departure of the Italians in 1941 and during the long War of Independence (1961–1991), Asmara's economic development practically ceased. However, this stagnation had an unexpected positive effect: the unique architectural ensemble of the 1930s was "preserved". The city avoided large-scale destruction and redevelopment, allowing its modernist heritage to remain in an almost pristine state.
• Rethinking Heritage: From Colonial to National. With Eritrea gaining independence in 1993, a new stage in the perception of Asmara began. Italian architecture ceased to be merely a reminder of the colonial past and transformed into a source of national pride. The country's government made the preservation of this unique heritage a priority, seeing it as a symbol of the nation's distinctiveness and resilience.
• Global Recognition: "Modernist City of Africa". The inclusion of Asmara in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017 was the culmination of these efforts. This status officially secured the global value of the city's architectural ensemble, recognising it as an "exceptional example of early 20th-century urban planning in an African context". This event opened a new chapter in Asmara's history, attracting the attention of researchers, architects, and travellers from around the world.

The architectural appearance of Asmara is a unique phenomenon where African roots intertwine with an ambitious urban planning experiment of the early 20th century. The city, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents a veritable open-air museum frozen in time. Its development can be divided into several key architectural eras.

Early Colonial Period: Eclecticism and Historicism (Late 19th Century – 1920s)

After Asmara became the capital of Italian Eritrea in 1897, its systematic transformation into an administrative centre began. The first monumental buildings were constructed in the spirit of European historicism and eclecticism. Architects turned to familiar European styles, adapting them to local conditions. Striking examples of this period are:

• St. Joseph's Cathedral (1922) — a majestic building constructed in the Neo-Romanesque style, inspired by Lombard architecture. Its 57-metre bell tower, designed with elements of Neo-Gothic, became one of the city's main landmarks.
• Asmara Opera House (1918) — an elegant building combining features of Neoclassicism and Neo-Romanesque style, demonstrating the colonial elite's desire to recreate a European cultural environment in Africa.

"Little Rome": The Era of Modernism (1930s – 1941)

A true architectural revolution occurred in Asmara in the 1930s, when the city became a platform for the bold experiments of Italian architects. As part of Mussolini's project to create a "New Roman Empire", young architects flocked here; free from the conservative norms of Europe, they implemented the most avant-garde ideas. In this short but incredibly productive period, hundreds of buildings were erected in various modernist styles:

• Rationalism: This style, with its strict geometric shapes, smooth facades, and functionality, became dominant. Examples include numerous residential complexes, such as the Faletta building, and administrative buildings, including the former Palace of the Governor (now the Municipality building).
• Futurism: A dynamic and expressive style celebrating speed and technology found its most striking embodiment in the Fiat Tagliero service station (1938). Its reinforced concrete "wings", 15 metres long and hovering in the air without visible supports, became an icon of 20th-century architecture.
• Art Deco: This decorative and elegant style manifested in the design of cinemas, cafés, and shops. The most famous example is the Impero cinema (1937), the facade of which is adorned with vertical lines and stylised elements.
• Novecento: A monumental style rethinking classical traditions, which also left its mark on the appearance of government and public buildings.

Urban Development and Preservation

Asmara's development was carried out according to a clear urban plan, which provided for the division of the city into functional zones: the administrative centre, commercial districts, European residential areas with villas, and separate neighbourhoods for the indigenous population. This plan ensured the city a logical and harmonious structure that has survived to this day. After the departure of the Italians in 1941 and during the years of the long war for independence, virtually no new construction took place. This economic stagnation paradoxically "preserved" the unique modernist ensemble, saving it from destruction and alterations. It is this integrity and authenticity that allowed Asmara to receive the status of "Modernist City of Africa" from UNESCO.

Notable People Associated with Asmara

Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, has been the birthplace and training ground for many iconic figures in politics, sports, science, and culture. These individuals have left a significant mark not only on the history of their country but also on the world stage.

• Isaias Afwerki (born 1946) — A political leader, the first and current President of Eritrea. Born in Asmara, he became a central figure in the decades-long struggle for the country's independence. His leadership led to Eritrea gaining sovereignty in 1993, after which Asmara became the capital of the new state.
• Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (born 1965) — A scientist and diplomat, the current Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Born in Asmara, he began his career in the healthcare system and served as Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia before his election to the top post at the WHO.
• Erminia Dell'Oro (born 1938) — An Italian-Eritrean writer born in Asmara during the period of Italian rule. In her works, including her debut autobiographical novel "Asmara Addio" (Goodbye Asmara), she explores themes of colonialism, identity, and the complex history of relations between Italy and Eritrea.
• Zersenay Tadese (born 1982) — An athlete specialising in long-distance running. He is a national hero and Eritrea's first-ever Olympic medalist, having won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. Tadese is a multiple world champion in the half marathon, bringing global fame to his country.
• Meb Keflezighi (born 1975) — An athlete and marathon runner born in Asmara. As a refugee, he moved to the USA and became one of the most decorated American runners, winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games, as well as winning the prestigious Boston and New York City Marathons.
• Abram Petrovich Gannibal (c. 1696–1781) — A military engineer, general-in-chief, and associate of Peter the Great. Although his exact birthplace is a subject of debate, a number of historians, including Dmitry Anuchin, have pointed to the region on the border of modern Eritrea and Ethiopia as his possible homeland. The great-grandfather of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, Gannibal represents an important historical link between the region and 18th-century world history.