Addis Ababa( New Flower)

Ethiopia's Medina

by Iyassu Demissie

One of the many popular characterizations of Addis Ababa is that it is the diplomatic capital of Africa. Addis Ababa is host to the headquarters of the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Because of the presence of these esteemed organizations in the city, and because of its position as the capital city of a country that was never colonized thereby commanding a much vaunted position on the continent, Addis Ababa has also become host to the largest diplomatic corps in Africa. A significant number of international organizations have large offices here, and furthermore, since the 1980’s Addis Ababa has become a haven for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of every stripe, both international and indigenous.Popular wisdom places the population count at above three million persons. Addis Ababa is a melting pot (or is it a salad bowl?) of all the major ethnic groups, religions, and any other type or category of Ethiopian from across the length and breadth of this land; and from neighboring countries Somalia, Sudan, and, until recently, Eritrea. Addis Ababa remains the major commercial center of the Horn of Africa region. It is the capital of the modern manifestation of one of the most ancient civilizations of the world. Quite rightly, Addis Ababa is one of the more important capitals of this world.

            The above picture shows part of Haddis.




This pictures show some of the most busy downtown streets of Addis. Along these streets one can find numerous Cafes, Boutiques, Hotels, Cineama Theaters and so on. They are some of the most lively and funfilled areas of downtown Addis.Just behind one of these streets (Churchill St.) is situated The Rail Way Station (Leghar). And at the other end of the Churchil Avenue( Many kilometers long) one finds the Mekir Beit( Town Hall).

These pictures show other busy streets of Addis where recreation and business thrive. One can see the Rail way station on the far side of the second picture( on the right side).

The building on the left is the Mekir Beit (City Hall). It is shaped like an open book. The one on the right is the "Ethiopian Bank of Commerce" building.

This is the Ethiopian Parlament and the Lion of Judah

This is the Statue of the Emperor Menilik II.

This is the part of Addis Abeba called "Piazza" where the cultural activity and private business activity thrive.

Old Addis

This is the old section of Addis Abeba where daily life and business were at feverish pitch decades ago.

Churches

Church of the Trinity

This is the "Church of the Trinity" in Addis Abeba. It is one of the most beautifully built churches in the country and its cemetery is filled with prominent people of the land including the late Emperor Hile Sillasie and his son.

St. Goerge Church

Hotels

Addis Abeba boasts many high level hotels such as Hilton and Sheraton Hotels whose capabilty is second to none. The hotels are situated in the center of the city and are esaily eached from Bole International Air Port.

This is Hilton Addis and is renowned for its know how in threating its guests and its hospitabilty. The hotel offers numerous kinds of national and exotic cuisine while its night life is filled with entertainment in traditional and modern Ethiopian music by musicians from the city

The Sheraton

Sheraton Addis opened on Saturday, February 28, 1998. It is the most luxurious hotel on the African continent,the Sheraton Addis, located 8,200 feet above sea level in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The facility, which cost an estimated $400 million to build, is designed as a neoclassical Italian villa and is surrounded by lavishly landscaped grounds. The Sheraton Addis, considered to be the "Crown Jewel of Africa," is part of the ITT Sheraton Luxury Collection of hotels. The hotel, which seeks to attract international travelers interested in investing and doing business in Ethiopia, features state-of-the-art business and communications services and has one of the largest banquet and conference facilities in the country.
Since its inauguaration Sheraton Addis has been the center of meeting place for many international and national organizations. Many sumposiums and trade shows have been opened in there while the hotel is becoming a favorite palce for celebrating holidays for Ethiopians and foreigners alike.

Imperial Hotel

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