Nazrēt, Ethiopia

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Nazrēt, Ethiopia

Region: Oromia

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Geographic Coordinates: 8.541400, 39.268900

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 324000

Language: Amharic

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Nazrēt, Also known as Adama, Is a bustling city located in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. It is situated approximately 100 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Addis Ababa. With a population of over 350, 000 people, Nazrēt is one of the largest cities in Ethiopia and serves as an important economic hub for the region. The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times when it was known as Hammadētu. During this time, It served as an important trading center for salt and other goods.

Later on, During the reign of Emperor Menelik II in the late 19th century, Nazrēt became an important military outpost and played a crucial role in defending against Italian invaders. Today, Nazrēt is home to several universities and colleges including Adama Science and Technology University which attracts students from all over Ethiopia and beyond. The city also has a thriving economy with industries such as textiles, Food processing and manufacturing contributing significantly to its growth. One of the most popular attractions in Nazrēt is Lake Bishoftu which lies just outside the city limits.

The lake provides stunning views and opportunities for boating or fishing while surrounded by lush greenery. Another notable landmark in Nazrēt is Mount Chilalo which stands at over 3, 500 meters above sea level. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape including nearby towns such as Dukem and Mojo. The local culture in Nazrēt is heavily influenced by Oromo traditions with music playing an important role in daily life. Visitors can experience traditional dances such as Eskista or enjoy live performances at local venues such as Fendika Cultural Center.

Overall, Nazrēt offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture and natural beauty that make it well worth exploring while visiting Ethiopia.

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1. Adadi Mariam: A rock-hewn church built during the 12th century.
2. Lake Bishoftu: A beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery and birdlife.
3. Mount Zuqualla: A scenic mountain with hiking trails and stunning views.
4. The Oromo Cultural Center: A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Oromo people.
5. Fiche Market: One of the largest markets in Ethiopia, selling a variety of goods including textiles, spices, and pottery.
6. The Nazareth Old Town: A historic neighborhood with traditional architecture and narrow streets.
7. The Hora Arsadi Park: A popular park for picnics, walks, and relaxation in nature.
8. The Sodere Hot Springs Resort: An oasis with hot springs, swimming pools, restaurants, and accommodations for visitors to enjoy a relaxing getaway.
9. The Wonchi Crater Lake: An awe-inspiring crater lake surrounded by mountains that offers hiking trails and boat rides to visitors who want to explore its natural beauty.
10. The Wenchi Crater Lake Monastery: This is an ancient monastery located on an island in Wenchi Crater Lake that has been around since 1650 AD.

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• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Textiles
• Leather goods
• Food products
• Construction
• Retail
• Clothing
• Electronics
• Household items
• Hospitality
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Transportation
• Roadways
• Railways

The city is well-known for its coffee plantations which provide a significant source of income for local farmers. With the growing population in the city comes a high demand for construction projects such as housing and commercial buildings. Retail businesses selling clothing, electronics and household items can also be found throughout the city.

Nazrēt is also a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to attractions like Lake Bishoftu and Mount Zuqualla which has led to numerous hotels and restaurants catering to visitors’ needs. Finally, the city serves as an important transportation hub connecting different parts of Ethiopia through roadways and railways.

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1. The Battle of Adwa: In 1896, Emperor Menelik II led the Ethiopian army to defeat the Italian army in the Battle of Adwa. This victory ensured Ethiopia’s independence from colonial rule and made it one of only two African countries never colonized.
2. Haile Selassie: The former emperor spent much of his childhood in Nazrēt, attending Tafari Makonnen School.
3. Oromo Protests: In 2015 and 2016, large-scale protests erupted across Oromia region including Nazrēt against government plans to expand Addis Ababa into surrounding farmland belonging to Oromo farmers.
4. Tafari Makonnen School: Established by Emperor Menelik II in 1928 and named after his future successor Haile Selassie who attended here as a student.
5. Asafa Jalata: An Ethiopian-born sociologist who has written extensively on issues related to race, ethnicity and nationalism in Africa and beyond.
6. Meseret Defar: Olympic gold medalist runner born in Nazrēt before moving to Addis Ababa for training purposes.
7. Lomi Muleta: Prominent Oromo nationalist leader who fought against both Italian occupation during World War II (1939-1945) as well as Ethiopian governments that sought to suppress Oromo identity during his lifetime (1924-2000).

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1. Adadi Maryam Rock-Hewn Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 13th century.
2. The Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum is a museum dedicated to the victims of Ethiopia’s Red Terror period in the 1970s.
3. Lake Bishoftu is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for boating and picnicking.
4. Entoto Hill is a scenic viewpoint overlooking Addis Ababa and surrounding areas.
5. The National Museum of Ethiopia is home to some of Ethiopia’s most important historical artifacts, including the famous Lucy skeleton.
6. Merkato Market is one of Africa’s largest open-air markets with an array of goods from food to clothing and electronics.
7. St George Cathedral is an Ethiopian Orthodox church built in the early 20th century with stunning stained glass windows and murals depicting biblical scenes.
8. Hager Fikir Theatre is one of Ethiopia’s oldest theatres showcasing traditional Ethiopian art performances such as music, dance, drama, comedy etc.
9. Ethiopian Railway Museum showcases the history and development of railway transportation in Ethiopia.
10. Abiyatta-Shalla National Park located south west from Nazrēt that offers birdwatching opportunities and beautiful scenery.

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1. Irreecha Festival: This is the biggest cultural event in Nazrēt, celebrated by the Oromo people in September or October. It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new year.
2. Fichee-Chambalaalla: This is another important festival celebrated by the Oromo people in December or January. It involves singing, dancing, and traditional games.
3. Ethiopian New Year: Celebrated on September 11th (or 12th during leap years), this is a national holiday where people dress up in traditional clothing and attend church services.
4. Timket: A religious festival celebrated across Ethiopia on January 19th to commemorate Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.
5. Meskel: Celebrated on September 27th, this festival commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena in Jerusalem.
6. Gena (Christmas): Celebrated on January 7th according to Ethiopia’s Julian calendar, this is a major religious holiday where families gather to feast and exchange gifts.
7. Easter (Fasika): Celebrated according to Ethiopia’s Julian calendar, usually falling several weeks after Western Easter Sunday.
8. Adwa Victory Day: On March 1st each year Ethiopians celebrate their victory over Italian forces at Adwa on March 1st, 1896 – an important moment for Ethiopian nationalism and pride.
9. Hidar Zion Festival: Held annually from late November until early December at St Mary’s Church in Nazrēt, this religious event attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Ethiopia who come to pray for good health and prosperity for themselves and their families.

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• Injera: a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour and served with various stews and dishes.
• Kitfo: a dish made of raw minced beef mixed with spices and served with injera.
• Doro Wat: a spicy chicken stew cooked with berbere sauce.
• Tibs: grilled or sautéed meat (usually beef or lamb) served with injera.

Some popular restaurants in Nazrēt, Ethiopia are:

• Belayneh Restaurant: known for their traditional Ethiopian cuisine including kitfo and doro wat.
• Kaldi’s Coffee House: a coffee shop that also serves light meals such as sandwiches and pastries.
• Habesha Cultural Restaurant: offers traditional Ethiopian food as well as cultural performances for entertainment.
• Tsehay’s Kitchen: serves both Ethiopian and international dishes including pasta and pizza along with traditional Ethiopian fare like injera and tibs.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Adama Science and Technology University Park
2. Lake Babogaya
3. Wonji Sugar Factory Recreational Center
4. Abiata-Shala National Park
5. Sodere Hot Springs Resort
6. Adama Adventure Park
7. Fiche Hot Springs
8. Wenchi Crater Lake National Park
9. Wondo Genet Hot Springs and Forest Reserve
10. Awash National Park

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