Jijiga history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Jijiga as a significant settlement began relatively recently, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially, this area was known for its water sources and served as a vital stopover for the region's nomadic herders. The transformation from a temporary settlement into a permanent city was linked to the consolidation of administrative influence by Ethiopia in the eastern territories and the necessity of establishing a stable command center in this area.

Key Development Factors

The city's rapid development was facilitated by a fortunate combination of geographical and economic factors:

• Strategic Position: The city is located at the junction of the Ethiopian highlands and vast plains, serving as a natural gateway on the route to the coast of the Gulf of Aden.
• Trade Hub: Key caravan routes connecting the historical center of Harar with ports (specifically Berbera) passed through the settlement, ensuring a constant flow of goods.
• Resource Base: The presence of wells and pastures in an arid climate made this point vital for local residents and travelers alike.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the moment of its foundation, Jijiga developed as a multicultural trade center. The early economy was built on active exchange: livestock, hides, and frankincense were exported from here, while grain, coffee, and artisanal crafts were imported. The city's market became a meeting place for various cultures and traditions, forming a unique atmosphere that combines features of the region's highland and lowland civilizations.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1916 — Fitawrari Tekle Hawariat developed and approved a regular development plan, which is considered the beginning of Jijiga's establishment as a modern city.
• 1936 — During the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, the city was occupied by Italian troops, who turned it into an important garrison center.
• 1941 — British armed forces liberated the settlement as part of the East African Campaign, temporarily taking it under their administration.
• 1948 — According to a signed protocol, the British administration officially returned the city and surrounding territories to Ethiopian jurisdiction.
• 1977 — The city found itself at the center of hostilities during the Ogaden War and came under the control of Somali forces for several months.
• 1978 — The Ethiopian army regained control over this strategically important center, after which a period of infrastructure reconstruction began.
• 1991 — A change in the country's political regime and the start of the federalization process created prerequisites for raising the city's administrative status.
• 1995 — Jijiga was officially proclaimed the capital of the Somali Region, giving a powerful impulse to its economic and social development.
• 2007 — The opening of Jijiga University became a key event for the educational sector of the entire eastern part of the country.
• 2010s — The city experienced an urbanization boom, accompanied by the construction of new roads, residential districts, and the modernization of the airport.

Key Stages of Urban Transformation

The development of Jijiga is a journey from a small caravan stop to a major administrative and educational center. Each milestone in its history brought significant changes to its economic and architectural appearance.

• Implementation of Regular Urban Planning
  Unlike many spontaneously arising settlements, the city initially developed according to a thoughtful master plan approved back in the early 20th century. A clear grid of streets and blocks ensured orderly construction, which significantly simplified the laying of utilities and further infrastructure modernization in the present day.

• Emergence as a Trade Hub
  Its geographical position on the way to the ports of the Gulf of Aden made the city the main commercial gateway of Eastern Ethiopia. This turned it into a center for logistics and trade, contributing to capital accumulation and the formation of an active business community.

• Gaining Regional Capital Status (1995)
  The selection of Jijiga as the administrative center of the Somali Region became the most powerful driver of urbanization. This decision entailed large-scale government investment, the construction of modern office buildings and banks, and the improvement of the urban environment quality.

• Opening of Jijiga University (2007)
  The appearance of a higher education institution radically changed the social climate. The city transformed into an intellectual hub, attracting youth and specialists, which in turn stimulated the development of the rental housing market, the service sector, and leisure activities.

• Modernization of Airport and Transport Network
  The reconstruction of the Garaad Wiil-Waal Airport and the asphalting of key highways raised transport accessibility to a new level. Reliable air connections and quality roads simplified business contacts and integrated the local economy into the national system.

• Water Supply Projects
  The implementation of large-scale hydraulic engineering projects in recent decades has helped solve one of the main problems of this arid region. Stable access to water has become the foundation for demographic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.

Urban Planning Uniqueness: The Tekle Hawariat Grid

Unlike many cities in the region that developed spontaneously, Jijiga boasts a clear urban layout. In the early 20th century, under the leadership of Governor Fitawrari Tekle Hawariat, a master plan based on a strict square grid of streets was approved. This solution, innovative for its time and inspired by European urban planning, divided the city into even blocks, ensuring excellent ventilation and convenient navigation, which remains relevant today.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The city's appearance was formed under the influence of various cultures and historical periods, creating an interesting visual mix:

• Colonial Functionalism (1930s): The short period of Italian presence left a mark in the form of substantial stone structures with thick walls and arched windows. These buildings, initially intended for administrative and military needs, are distinguished by the austerity of their forms and practicality.
• Traditional Horn of Africa Architecture: Historical residential quarters consist of single-story houses with flat roofs and internal courtyards. A characteristic feature is the use of light plaster and bright accents on doors and shutters, which is typical for the culture of the Somali Region.
• Contemporary Modernism (since 1995): After the city became the regional capital, multi-story buildings made of glass and concrete began to appear. The new style symbolizes economic growth and often includes elements of Islamic architecture in a modern interpretation.

Landmarks and Modern Development

Today, the architectural landscape of Ethiopia in this part of the country is actively transforming. The key landmarks defining the new look of the city include:

• Regional Council Complex: A large-scale administrative building combining monumentality with modern façade solutions has become a symbol of the city's new political status.
• Jijiga University: The extensive campus, built in the 2000s, represents an example of modern educational architecture with spacious lecture halls and green zones.
• Memorial Squares: Public spaces have been arranged in the city center, where modern monuments coexist with historical buildings, creating points of attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Prominent Figures of Jijiga

The history of Jijiga and the Somali Region is inextricably linked with the names of legendary rulers, talented administrators, and freedom fighters. These individuals left a noticeable mark on the formation of the cultural and political landscape of eastern Ethiopia.

• Garaad Wiil-Waal
  Legendary Ruler and Poet (18th–19th centuries)
  An outstanding historical leader of the Bartire clan, famous for his wisdom, justice, and poetic gift. In local folklore, he acts as a symbol of resourcefulness and strength of spirit. His significance to the city is underscored by the fact that Jijiga's international airport bears his name.

• Fitawrari Tekle Hawariat Tekle Mariam
  Statesman and Urban Planner (1884–1977)
  A key figure in the history of the modern city's foundation. Being the first Ethiopian to receive an education in agricultural engineering abroad, he developed and implemented Jijiga's master development plan in 1916. It is thanks to his vision that the city received its unique grid layout.

• Sayyid Mohammed Abdullah Hassan
  Religious Leader and Anti-Colonial Fighter (1856–1920)
  Founder of the Dervish state, who led the armed resistance against British, Italian, and Ethiopian forces in the early 20th century. A monument is erected in his honor in Jijiga, recognizing his role as a symbol of national consciousness and the struggle for freedom of the peoples of the Horn of Africa.

• Germame Neway
  Administrator and Reformer (1924–1960)
  In the 1950s, he served as the administrator (governor) of the Jijiga district. During this period, he became famous for his work to improve the lives of the local Somali population: he built schools, hospitals, and water supply systems, striving for social justice even before his participation in the attempted coup of 1960.

• Dejazmach Nasibu Zeamanuel
  Military Commander and Governor (1893–1936)
  Commander of the Ethiopian forces on the southern front during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. He led the defense of the region and fought heroically in the battle for Jijiga and Ogaden, attempting to hold back the advance of the technically superior Italian army.