North Shoa-rich with History
Currently, the area is known
by the official name the North Shoa Zone Administration in the Amhara State. What makes it worthwhile for tourists is that it is rich with various cultures, history and relics as well as a beautiful terrain. Historical and
archeological findings indicate this area used to be the center for the medieval time rulers of the country particularly in the period 1270-1527. Since 872AD, the eastern part of North Shoa had been dominated by Muslim
rulers. In fact, from the 12th to the 16th century, warlords form Yifat (northeastern Shoa) were able to become, at the time, the main rivals of the then central power also seated in Shoa. Tourists have a
lot to visit in this historical area, also rich with cultures, according to the Amhara state's Culture Tourism and Information Bureau publication. The publication, "Tourist Attractions of the Amahara State," is available
for tourists from the bureau or can be easily obtained by calling 08-20-09-40 or 08-20-11-32. Following are some of the tourist sites as unofficially translated form the Amharic publication. The historical events that preceded
and succeeded the moving to and from the north Shoa, the seat for various kings, have contributed a lot to the accumulation of historical and cultural relics very attractive for tourists.
Debre Birhan: Located some 130 kms north of Addis on the main road to Dessie and Makalle, this town was established some 500 years ago (about 1446 by King Zere'a Yacob (1426-1460). The
town used to be known as Debre Ebba a tributary area of Yegra Be'altehat (one of the king's three wives). King Zere'a Yacob moved his seat to this town and built a palace and the Selassie Church legendarily having a dome-top made
of gold. Legend has it that some time in the 15th
century, a bright light had been observed on the sky and the king changed the town's name to Debre Birhan (Mount of Light). The king used to conduct many of his religious and other philosophical writings here.
Angolella Kidanemihret: This would be the most interesting site for tourists as it is the birth and baptism place of the country's most modern reformist leader of the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th
century Emperor Menelik II. It is situated some 12 kms away form Debre Birhan town. It is also the resting place of Fitawrari Gebeyehu, Emperor Menelik's Minister of war, and a war-hero at the battle of Adwa in 1896 where the Italian colonial invaders lost to Ethiopian Forces. The cemetery at the Angollela Kidanemihret Church is open for all tourists.
Ankober:
A visit in the area wouldn't be complete, if a tourist hasn't seen this town. Established in 1733 by the Shoan King Merid Azmach Amha Eyesus (1733-1767), it is located some 42 kms away east of Debre Birhan. Until the country's capital moved to Addis Ababa at the end of 19
th
century, Ankober used to be the seat of most Shoan Kings who ruled after 1733 including emperor Menelik himself. During the days of Ankober, many foreign diplomats of the time used to make a visit, schools, churches and a palace and buildings were constructed.
Emperor Tewodros (1855-1868) invaded the town during King Hailemelkot's reign. The king's followers set ablaze many of the buildings before the Emperor could control it. The battle with Emperor Tewodros may have caused a
considerable damage to the town but when Emperor Menelik come to power the town temporarily revived again. Unfortunately, Menelik II moved his seat to Entoto and Ankober began to decline. It has now become a very small town
with a rich history. Tourists can still imagine the warmth of this former capital of the country by looking at the remains of Menelik's palace, the buildings, the churches such as Ankober Michael, Ankober Mariam, and Medahnealem
as well as many historical and cultural relics. The rugged terrain of this mountainous area by itself would make a tourist stay for some time to enjoy the beautiful looks. In the second part, we will try to see other
tourist attractions of the area, that would provide a worthwhile visit.