Discover Addis’ historical gem

There is something beautifully sad about a historical city, under a threat of destruction. Maybe it’s because it haunts us with maddeningly and painfully sweet reminiscences. Maybe it’s because it gives us an awesome opportunity to take a toll on urban history. Maybe it’s for that very reason of it still upholding the past appearances from late 1880s to the Italian redesign of 1930s.
Piazza, one of the oldest, prominent neighborhoods in the cosmopolitan  city, was founded in the early 20th century along with the capital city- Addis Ababa by Emperor Menlik 11. The chaotic old economic center, significant architectural traditions, and a living legend to the cultural and social history of the early urbanism to Ethiopia inspired Dominique Harre to plot a three  hour self-guided walking tour which led to a guide book, called:  ‘Addis Ababa Old Piazza’.
Addis Ababa Old Piazza is the third volume to the Ethiopian city series, co published by the CFEE and Lit Verlag. On June 11, the CFEE and Lit Verlag are to launch this publication with host-Alliance Ethio Francise. The exhibition features water color paintings by Wondimagne Gashaw that specifically glorify the guide book. In addition, a panel discussion about the preservation of architectural heritage will be held with:
Wondimagne Gashaw (watercolor painter), illustrator of the guide book
Dominique Harre, author
Ignnace Monkam-Daverat, Director of the Agence France De Development in Ethiopia
Fasil Giorgis, Associate Professor, chair holder of conservation of urban and architectural heritage at EIABC, AAU under the Chairmanship of Prof. Shifraw Bekele(Historian)
The exhibition will run till June 13, so mark your calendar for a profound and fun session on the architectural background of the city.