Here today, gone tomorrow. This is the story of the house of Dejazmach Asfaw Kebede, which until recently was located behind Addis Ababa University in Gulele sub city. It stood out as one of the few remaining examples of Menelik era built heritage architecture. It elegantly integrated Ethiopian cultural details with the influence of Indian style architecture, making it one of a kind in the city’s landscape.
Too many homes are disappearing under our eyes without a chance to get to know their stories. Details about who lived in these homes and how they were used are part of local history that becomes difficult to reconstruct once they are gone. Heritage Watch Association, a non-profit resource center focused on protecting and promoting heritage in Addis, Dire Dawa and Oromia, has released updated neighborhood and sub city maps as an important first step for urban historical preservation.
To save them from demolition, residents and visitors can become “heritage watchers” fill in histories of forgotten homes. Start by taking an interest in your local historical buildings. Create a record by taking photos the next time you pass by. Ask a neighbor or long-time resident for information about its past. These actions might help preserve the home’s history (be sure to tag @heritageET) so this knowledge can be shared to educate the public.
Download maps of Addis Heritage attractions from our website www.hwethiopia.org.
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Let us know how we can help preserve heritage in your neighborhood!
