Author(s) :

Assefa Balcha.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The study examines how and why Ras (later Negus) Mikael moved to and permanently settled at Jemmie hill (later renamed Ayteyefe) and built his palace complex including the gibir or banquet hall, known popularly as Ayteyefe Addarash (Ayteyefe hall). The construction of the hall was a milestone for the emergence and development of Dessie as a regional capital of Negus Mikael, which subsequently became the administrative center of the whole of Wallo. By closely examining the available written and oral sources, an attempt is made to fathom why, how and when Mikael managed to build this unusually huge structure at the majestic hill of Ayteyefe. Valuable historical lessons can be drawn by looking at how Negus Mikael mobilized the workforce, both foreign and local, and succeeded in realizing his dream of having one of the historically largest banquet halls in the country. Ayteyefe has been mentioned in the literature haphazardly, and this article endeavors to provide a full historical portrait that it deserves. The study also attempts to draw attention to a better appreciation and conservation of this little-known architectural piece.

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