Before the advent of Addis Ababa, there were many sites in the surrounding areas that had been used as temporary capitals for the Kingdom of Shewa. Ankober, a site about 160km far from north of Addis Ababa, was served as the capital of the kingdom of Shewa during second half of the 18th century. As evidence, the ruins of the palace are still found on the lip of the great escarpment, which is popular in its breath taking view. The village of Aliyu Amba, which was the most important market centre of the Shewa Kingdome, is also located below Ankober palace at one of the broken hills. Other areas, like Wechecha, Yerrer and Entoto were also temporarily used as capitals of the Shewan Kingdom.
It was by Emperor Menelik II that the capital of the Shewan Kingdom was moved from Ankober to Entoto in 1881.
Entoto was used as a capital for a short period i.e. from 1881 to 1886. This short span of time is attributed to various problems including poor supply of water and wood, the windy and cold climate, thunderstorms, and tiresome up lift (climb) to the mountain. In addition, the availability of ample firearms reduces the importance of mountain fortress like Entoto. On the other hand, both King Menelik and Empress Taitu were attracted by the ‘Felwuha’ (hot springs) down to the latter capital, which had been a regular resort of the Entoto settlers because of its warmth and curative purposes.
The foundation of the new city was laid down by Empress Taitu around the ‘felwuha’ in 1886 when her husband was marched to Harer. She coined the name of the site as “Addis Ababa” in Amharic, which means “New flower”.
In 1887, Empress Taitu built her residence near the spring. Menelik himself decided to build his permanent palace on an elevated site north of the springs. Then, the nobility, members of the royal family and the government, servants of the palace and the like began to build their own houses and settled in the surrounding area of the palace.
In 1900, there was an intention by Emperor Menelik to transfer his capital from Addis Ababa to Addis Alem, a site 55km to the West of Addis Ababa. The name Addis Alem was apparently given by Queen Tatiu to mean the “New World”. The main reason for the intention of abandoning Addis Ababa was shortage of wood for construction and other purposes. More than intention, however, construction was started at the top of a small hill that has a commanding view of the surrounding areas. The Church of Saint Mary and the palace are among the built structures that are still stand at the top of the hill in Addis Alem as witnesses of the intention.
However, latter in 1903, Menelik gave up the project of transferring the capital to Addis Alem due to various reasons. Primarily, the Emperor faced opposition from various members of the society including the foreign legation who had already built their expensive residence in Addis Ababa. There was also shortage of water in Addis Alem. Furthermore, the introduction of eucalyptus trees from Australia solved the problem of wood shortage in Addis Ababa. When the intention of making Addis Alem the capital was abandoned, the palace building was then converted into a place of worship by the order of Emperor Menelik. Since then, assuring its permanence, Addis Ababa has continued to serve as a capital of the country.
Currently, Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union (AU). On July 9, 2000, fifty-three heads of state formed the African Union (AU). The new organization replaces the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and is designed to accelerate the integration of the African continent. With more than 70 embassies and consular representatives in the city, Addis Ababa is the Diplomatic capital of Africa.
It is also the third highest capital in the world after La Paz (Bolivia) and Quinto (Ecuador).
Addis Ababa is the Federal Capital of Ethiopia and a Chartered City; having three layers of Government: City Government at the top, 10 Sub City Administrations in the Middle, and 99 Kebele Administrations at the bottom.
Sub cities in Addis Ababa
Addis Ketema sub city, Akaki-Kality sub city, Arada sub city, Bole sub city, Gullelle sub city, Kirkos sub city, Kolfe sub city, Lideta sub city, Nefas silk sub city, Yeka sub city
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