Prospect of Architectural Heritage Conservation in Addis Alem St. Mary Church and Its Surroundings, Western oromia Region, Ethiopia
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Date
2025-10-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Architectural heritage, particularly religious structures like St. Mary Church of Addis Alem, plays a vital role in preserving Ethiopia‘s cultural identity, historical continuity, and collective memory. Despite the historical and cultural significance of the Addis Alem Building Complex, limited efforts have been made to study its architectural value and conservation status. To address this gap, the objective of this thesis is to examine the conservation status of architectural heritage in St. Mary Church and its surrounding areas in the western Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The researcher employed a qualitative research method, incorporating both primary and secondary sources. Secondary data was gathered through desktop research, while primary data was obtained through field observation and interviews with stakeholders in the study area. Ten significant architectural heritage sites were identified, all constructed during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. These include St. Mary Church of Addis Alem, Nebir‘ed Residence, Dej Selam (Zewditu Building), Bell Tower, Emperor Menelik II Palace, Tej Bet, Emperor Menelik‘s Swimming Pool, Theology Schools 1 and 2, and the Banquet Hall. Among these, the conservation condition of four structures i.e St. Mary Church, Banquet Hall, Nebir‘ed Residence, and Emperor Menelik II Palace was assessed in detail. The thesis concludes with general recommendations for landscape management in the study area, along with specific conservation strategies for the four assessed buildings. This study contributes to academic research in heritage conservation by addressing the lack of documented studies on Addis Alem‘s architectural legacy. It also serves as a valuable resource for federal, regional, and local heritage institutions, offering data that can inform policy-making, conservation planning, and management decisions. Furthermore, the research fosters community awareness and involvement by highlighting the historical and cultural value of these heritage buildings. It underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable conservation strategy in Addis Alem, especially for the St. Mary Church complex and its surroundings.
Keywords: Heritage Conservation, Historic landscape and historical buildings