Addis Abada

June 2011

Addis Ababa which means ‘New Flower’ in Amharic is the capital of Ethiopia. However, it is popularly know as Addis. I first landed in Addis while coming to Harar in October 2010. But, I did not get an opportunity to venture out of the Bole International Airport.  During the semester break in June 2011, Dr. Manas Panigrahi, his wife Mrs. Riku and I visited Addis on our way to Bahir Dar.

Addis is the largest city in Ethiopia and often referred to as "the political capital of Africa", due to its historical, diplomatic and political significance for the continent. The site of Addis Ababa was chosen by Empress Taytu Betul and the city was founded in 1886 by her husband, Emperor Menelik II. Over the years Addis has developed into a vibrant city. The headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa & African Union is also situated here.

There are many tourist attractions in Addis like St. George’s Cathedral, Arat Kilo square, Meskel square, Grand Anwar Mosque, Hager Fikir Theater, Holy Trinity Cathedral etc.

Pictures of Addis

Ethiopia has often been called the original home of mankind due to various humanoid fossil discoveries like the Australopithecine Lucy. North eastern Africa, and the Afar region in particular was the central focus of these claims until recent DNA evidence suggested origins in south central Ethiopian regions like present-day Addis Ababa. After analysing the DNA of almost 1,000 people around the world, geneticists and other scientists claimed people spread from what is now Addis Ababa 100,000 years ago. 

We visited the National Museum of Ethiopia where the The fossilized skeleton, and a plaster replica of the early hominid Lucy is preserved. There one can also find the detailed history of human evolution. Fossil records of over 4 million years ago are also preserved over there. Apart from that many ancient artefacts and items used by the Emperor Haile Selassie are also kept. The museum is wonderful place to visit.

Pictures of National Museum of Ethiopia

More about Lucy can be obtained from this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MceJW5TyRwg