Addis Ababa history

Unlike many ancient cities in Ethiopia, the history of Addis Ababa spans just over a hundred years, yet in that time, the city has transformed into a bustling capital and the diplomatic centre of all Africa. Its name translates from Amharic as "New Flower", symbolizing its youth and rapid growth.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded in 1886 on the initiative of Emperor Menelik II and his wife, Empress Taytu Betul. Legend has it that it was the Empress who chose this location, charmed by the beauty of the valley and the healing hot springs known as "Filwoha". Initially, the royal court was situated on the colder heights of Mount Entoto, but the mild climate and strategic position in the foothills made the new territory ideal for building a future capital.

Key Factors of Formation

The rapid development of Addis Ababa was driven by several reasons:

• Political Will: In 1889, the city officially became the capital of the Ethiopian Empire, which strengthened its administrative and political importance. In the 20th century, its status grew to an international level with the hosting of the headquarters of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union).
• Geographical Location: Situated at an altitude of about 2,400 metres above sea level, the city enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, often nicknamed "eternal spring". Its central position on the Ethiopian Highlands made it a convenient transport and trade hub.
• Infrastructural Development: A crucial role was played by the construction of the railway connecting the capital with the port of Djibouti, which gave a powerful boost to trade. Additionally, on the orders of Menelik II, eucalyptus forests were planted around the city to provide residents with timber, which helped solve the fuel problem and contributed to the further growth of the settlement.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Addis Ababa was formed as a city of contrasts, where the traditional way of life coexisted with rapid modernisation. It became a "melting pot" for the many peoples of Ethiopia, such as the Amhara, Oromo, Gurage, and many others. The economy was focused on trade, crafts, and state administration. The appearance of the first modern buildings, such as Menelik II's Palace, hotels, and St. George's Cathedral, laid the foundation for the architectural look of the future capital.

Key Dates in the History of Addis Ababa

• 1886 — Empress Taytu Betul and Emperor Menelik II found the city, the name of which translates as "New Flower".
• 1889 — Addis Ababa officially becomes the capital of the Ethiopian Empire, replacing the former capital, Entoto.
• 1896 — Following Ethiopia's victory over Italian troops in the Battle of Adwa, the city strengthens its status as the capital of an independent state.
• 1917 — Construction of the railway connecting Addis Ababa with the port of Djibouti is completed, providing a powerful impetus for economic development.
• 1936 — Italian troops under the command of Benito Mussolini occupy Addis Ababa, making it the centre of the Italian East Africa colony.
• 1941 — Ethiopian patriots, supported by allied forces, liberate Addis Ababa, ending the five-year Italian occupation.
• 1950 — The University College of Addis Ababa is founded, which later becomes the country's main higher education institution — Addis Ababa University.
• 1963 — The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) is established in the city, and Addis Ababa becomes the recognised diplomatic capital of Africa.
• 1974 — A military coup overthrows Emperor Haile Selassie I, and the provisional military administrative council "Derg" comes to power.
• 1991 — On May 28, forces of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front enter Addis Ababa, putting an end to the "Derg" regime and the civil war.
• 2002 — The Organisation of African Unity is transformed into the African Union with its headquarters in Addis Ababa.
• 2015 — The opening of the first light rail transit (LRT) line takes place, becoming the first such modern system in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• 2016 — The new electrified Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway is launched, significantly reducing the time for transporting cargo to the sea.

Main Stages of Addis Ababa's Development

Over its relatively short history, Addis Ababa has journeyed from an imperial residence to the diplomatic capital of Africa, surviving several key stages that defined its modern appearance.

• Foundation and Becoming the Capital (Late 19th Century). The transfer of the capital from Entoto in 1889 marked the beginning of the first stage of urban planning. By order of Emperor Menelik II, the foundations of the future layout were laid, and the planting of eucalyptus forests around the city solved the issue of timber and fuel for the growing population.
• Construction of the Railway to Djibouti (1917). The launch of the railway line connecting the landlocked capital with a seaport became a powerful catalyst for economic development. This turned Addis Ababa into the main trade and logistics hub of Ethiopia, opening access to international markets.
• Italian Occupation and Modernisation (1936–1941). During this period, the first comprehensive master plan for the city was developed. Despite the colonial nature of the rule, new roads, administrative buildings, and residential quarters in a European style were built, significantly changing the urban structure and architectural look.
• Establishment of the University (1950). The founding of the University College, which later became Addis Ababa University, cemented the city's status as the country's main educational and scientific centre. This contributed to the formation of the national intelligentsia and the development of culture.
• Diplomatic Capital of Africa (1963). Hosting the headquarters of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) in Addis Ababa gave the city a unique international status. This facilitated the development of hospitality infrastructure and turned the capital into the centre of the Pan-African movement.
• Economic Liberalisation and Construction Boom (from the 1990s). After 1991, the transition to a market economy caused rapid growth in private investment and large-scale construction. The cityscape began to change quickly with the appearance of modern office centres, hotels, and residential complexes.
• 21st Century Infrastructure Projects (2010s). The launch of the light rail system (2015) and the new electrified railway to Djibouti (2016) became symbols of a new era of modernisation. These projects were designed to solve the transport problems of the growing metropolis and strengthen its economic position.

The architecture of Addis Ababa is a unique eclectic tapestry woven from traditional Ethiopian motifs, European modernism, and contemporary global trends. Unlike ancient cities with thousands of years of history, the architectural appearance of the Ethiopian capital was formed over just a century and a half, reflecting its turbulent political and social life. There is no Gothic or Renaissance here in the classical sense, but there is a distinct and equally fascinating history of styles.

Early Period and Imperial Heritage (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)

At the dawn of its existence, the city developed chaotically, without a unified plan. The architecture of this period represented a mix of traditional Ethiopian round huts known as "tukul" and the first stone buildings erected under the influence of foreign masters, including those from India. A striking example is the Old Palace of Menelik II, combining local building traditions with elements of foreign architecture. Another iconic structure of the era is St. George's Cathedral, built in a traditional octagonal shape but featuring European characteristics.

Italian Modernism and Rationalism (1936–1941)

The period of Italian occupation became a turning point in urban planning. Italian architects developed the first master plan, striving to give the city an imperial capital look. It was then that buildings in the styles of Modernism, Rationalism, and Art Deco appeared in Addis Ababa. This period left a significant mark on central districts such as Piazza and Arat Kilo. Many administrative buildings, cinemas, and villas built at that time still define the look of the historic centre.

Post-War Modernism and the "Capital of Africa" (1950s – 1970s)

After liberation and with the strengthening of its status as the diplomatic centre of Africa, a new construction boom began in Addis Ababa. This stage is characterised by the appearance of iconic objects in the style of International Modernism. Invited European architects created projects symbolising a new Ethiopia open to the world. Key structures of this time include:

• Africa Hall — the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, famous for its stained glass windows created based on sketches by the Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle.
• Parliament Building — one of the first examples of the use of concrete and glass in the country, complemented by a tower referencing the ancient obelisks of Aksum.
• Ethiopian National Theatre — another important cultural object built during this period.

Modern Stage: Glass and Concrete (from the 1990s to Present)

Since the early 1990s, Addis Ababa has been experiencing rapid urbanisation accompanied by a construction boom. The cityscape is actively being filled with modern high-rise buildings made of glass and concrete, housing bank headquarters, hotels, and business centres. The most striking symbol of the new era is the futuristic building of the African Union Headquarters, opened in 2012. This period can be characterised as a blend of Post-modernism and High-tech, forming a new, dynamic, and forward-looking image of the Ethiopian capital.

Notable Figures in the History of Addis Ababa

The capital of Ethiopia has been the birthplace and centre of activity for many iconic figures whose contributions have influenced not only the city but also the entire country and even the world.

Emperor Menelik II (1844–1913)

• Role: Emperor of Ethiopia, founder of Addis Ababa.
• Significance: In 1886, together with his wife, Empress Taytu Betul, he founded the city that soon became the capital. His reign marked the beginning of the country's modernisation, the construction of the first railway connecting the capital with the port of Djibouti, and the successful resistance against Italy's colonial ambitions, which strengthened Addis Ababa's status as the centre of an independent African state.

Emperor Haile Selassie I (1892–1975)

• Role: The last Emperor of Ethiopia.
• Significance: His long reign was an era of significant transformation for Addis Ababa. He initiated the construction of many modern buildings, including Africa Hall, and facilitated the city's transformation into the diplomatic capital of the continent by hosting the headquarters of the Organisation of African Unity here. He was deposed in 1974.

Abebe Bikila (1932–1973)

• Role: Legendary marathon runner, two-time Olympic champion.
• Significance: The first black Olympic champion from Africa in history. His victory at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he ran the entire distance barefoot, became a global symbol of resilience and spirit. He won his second gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. Abebe Bikila is a national hero, and a stadium in Addis Ababa is named in his honour. He died and is buried in the capital.

Afewerk Tekle (1932–2012)

• Role: Painter, sculptor, and designer.
• Significance: One of the most famous Ethiopian artists of the 20th century. His monumental works adorn many buildings in the capital. His most famous creation is considered to be the stained glass windows in Africa Hall (headquarters of the UN Economic Commission), symbolising the past, present, and future of the continent.

Mahmoud Ahmed (born 1941)

• Role: Singer, an icon of the "Golden Age" of Ethiopian music.
• Significance: Born in Addis Ababa, Mahmoud Ahmed became one of the most influential musicians in Ethiopian history. His music, blending traditional motifs with jazz and funk, gained worldwide recognition in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to the "Éthiopiques" reissue series. He has performed at leading global venues and received the BBC World Music Award in 2007.

Liya Kebede (born 1978)

• Role: Supermodel, actress, and social activist.
• Significance: Born in Addis Ababa, she became one of the world's most famous models, appearing on the covers of leading fashion magazines, including Vogue. She has also acted in films such as "Desert Flower" and "Lord of War". Liya Kebede is actively involved in humanitarian work, serving as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador for maternal and child health.