Debre Birhan, Ethiopia

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Debre Birhan, Ethiopia

Region: Amhara

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Geographic Coordinates: 9.683300, 39.533300

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 139724

Language: Amharic

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Debre Birhan is a small city located in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, Approximately 130 kilometers northeast of the capital city, Addis Ababa. The name Debre Birhan translates to Mount of Light and it is believed to be named after the bright light that emanated from a nearby mountain during a battle between Ethiopian and Turkish forces in the 16th century. One of the most notable features of Debre Birhan is its stunning landscape. The city sits at an elevation of over 2, 800 meters above sea level and is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.

The area is also home to several natural hot springs, Which are popular among locals for their therapeutic properties. Debre Birhan has a rich history dating back centuries. It was once an important center for trade and commerce along the ancient caravan route between Ethiopia and Egypt. Today, Visitors can explore several historical landmarks such as Debre Birhan Selassie Church. This church was built in the 17th century and features intricate murals depicting biblical scenes. In addition to its historical significance, Debre Birhan has become known for its vibrant cultural traditions.

The city hosts several annual festivals throughout the year that showcase traditional music, Dance, And cuisine such as Timket (Epiphany), Which takes place every January involving colorful processions through streets as well as religious ceremonies at local churches. Despite being a relatively small city, Debre Birhan has much to offer visitors in terms of outdoor activities with hiking trails abound in surrounding hillsides with stunning views over valleys below; there are also opportunities for rock climbing or horseback riding through scenic landscapes.

one cannot talk about Debre Birhan without mentioning its warm hospitality; locals are known for their welcoming nature towards visitors from all walks of life. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient history or immersing yourself in local culture or simply taking in natural beauty area offers – make sure not to miss Debre Birhan.

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1. Debre Birhan Selassie Church
2. Ankober Palace
3. Melka Jebdu Monastery
4. Fasil Gebbi Castle
5. Aliyu Amba Palace
6. Tulu Gudo Rock Shelter and Cave Paintings

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1. Agriculture
   • Production of wheat, barley and teff
2. Livestock farming
   • Cattle, sheep and goats
3. Small-scale manufacturing
   • Textiles and food processing
4. Retail trade
   • Local markets and shops
5. Transportation services
   • Buses and taxis
6. Construction
7. Healthcare services
8. Education services
9. Government administration

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1. The founding of Debre Birhan: Debre Birhan was founded in the 15th century by Emperor Zara Yaqob.
2. The Battle of Debre Birhan: In 1855, Emperor Tewodros II fought a battle against the Oromo people near Debre Birhan.
3. The establishment of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church: In the early 16th century, Emperor Lebna Dengel established the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Debre Birhan.
4. Saint Tekle Haymanot: Saint Tekle Haymanot is one of Ethiopia’s most revered saints and is associated with Debre Birhan. His tomb is located in a monastery outside of town.
5. Haile Selassie’s exile: During his exile from Ethiopia (1936-1941), Haile Selassie spent time in Debre Birhan and other towns in northern Ethiopia.
6. The Italian occupation: During World War II, Italy occupied Ethiopia and established a military base near Debre Birhan.
7. The Ethiopian Revolution: In 1974, a revolution overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie’s government and brought about significant political changes throughout Ethiopia, including in Debre Birhan.
8. Mount Abuna Yosef National Park: Located near Debre Birhan, this national park is home to several endemic species of plants and animals and has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Notable people associated with Debire Berhane include:

1. Abune Paulos – Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
2. Mengistu Haile Mariam – Former President/Prime Minister
3. Getachew Metaferia – Historian
4. Fikre Selassie Wogderess – Politician

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1. Debre Birhan Selassie Church: This historic church is known for its stunning murals and frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.
2. Menz Gera Midir Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Menz Gera people, an ethnic group native to the area.
3. Debre Birhan University Museum: This museum features exhibits on Ethiopian history, culture, and natural resources.
4. Fasil Gebbi Castle: Located in nearby Gondar, this castle was once a royal residence of Ethiopian emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5. Teferi Mekonnen Memorial Monument: This monument honors Emperor Haile Selassie’s son who was assassinated in 1936 during Italy’s occupation of Ethiopia.
6. Ankober Palace Museum: The former palace of Emperor Menelik II has been converted into a museum showcasing his life and reign as well as Ethiopian history.
7. Kuntu Bale Mountains National Park: A scenic park located outside of Debre Birhan that offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
8. Adadi Mariam Rock-Hewn Church: A unique church carved out of solid rock dating back to the 13th century located near Addis Ababa about an hour drive from Debre Birhan.

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1. Meskel Festival is a religious festival celebrated in September to commemorate the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great.
2. Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) is celebrated on September 11th, marking the end of the rainy season and beginning of a new year.
3. Timket Festival, also known as Epiphany, is celebrated on January 19th to commemorate Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
4. Fichee-Chambalaalla is a traditional festival celebrated by Oromo people in Debre Birhan during December or January to mark their new year.
5. Genna (Christmas) is celebrated on January 7th and marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to Ethiopian Orthodox Church tradition.
6. Ashenda Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in August and involves singing, dancing, and wearing traditional clothing – it’s exclusively for women.
7. Kulubi Gabriel Feast Day takes place every December 28th at St.Gabriel church located near Debre Birhan – it’s a religious festival held to honor Saint Gabriel’s day who was believed to be an angelic messenger sent from God with good tidings for Mary about her son Jesus Christ’s birth.

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• Kitfo: a dish made of raw beef that is minced and seasoned with spices.
• Injera: a sourdough flatbread that is used as a staple food in Ethiopian cuisine.
• Tibs: grilled or sautéed meat, usually served with injera or bread.
• Shiro: a spicy stew made from ground chickpeas or lentils, often served with injera.
• Fasika Restaurant: known for its traditional Ethiopian dishes such as kitfo, tibs, and shiro.
• Ambassel Restaurant & Bar: offers a variety of Ethiopian dishes including tibs and kitfo as well as international cuisine.
• Belayneh Hotel & Restaurant: serves traditional Ethiopian dishes such as injera and shiro along with western-style breakfast options.
• Yeshi Buna Cafe & Restaurant: specializes in coffee drinks and also serves traditional Ethiopian dishes like tibs and kitfo.
• Kebab House Debre Birhan: offers grilled meat dishes like kebabs along with other local favorites like shiro and tibs.
• Taitu Hotel Debre Birhan : Known for its delicious local foods at an affordable price.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Debre Birhan Selassie Church Park
2. Bishoftu Lake Park
3. Ankober Palace Museum and National Park
4. Menagesha National Forest Reserve
5. Adadi Mariam Rock-Hewn Church and Surrounding Area
6. Entoto Natural Park
7. Addis Alem Palace Museum and Recreation Center
8. Wenchi Crater Lake National Park
9. Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park
10. Awash National Park

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Experience The Extraordinary.

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