Ethiopia is aspiring to make the palace of Minilik, which was built 100 years ago by king Minilik II who reined from 1889 to his death in 1913, a tourist site.
The Menelik Palace is a palatial compound, which contains several residences, halls, chapels, and working buildings.
Minilik II is known for his territorial expansion and creation of the modern Ethiopia, which he completed by 1898.
He was also remembered for leading Ethiopian troops against the forces of fascist Italy in the First Italo-Ethiopian War, where Ethiopia scored a decisive victory at the Battle of Adwa.
During the rule of Mengistu Haile Mariam, the palace grounds were used as a prison to house many notables of the imperial government including Emperor Haileselassie.
Mengistu, who is now in exile, build his office within the compound. The office is serving as the seat of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed believes that opening the site will help to display the history of Ethiopia, as the palace is the place where Minilik II was using as a seat to rule the country.
Abiy said “We have an ample resource which has been closed for years in this office. We can show the greatness of Ethiopia without traveling to Axum, Lalibella and others”.
The old palace, aged more than 100 years, are marvelous heritages that display the level of art and design that Ethiopians had reached at the time, he added.
Emperor Hailesilassie used the compound to preside over judicial issues.
“So the ministry of culture and tourism needs to discuss with respective regional state culture and tourism bureaus and we will provide mini places for respective regions to be represented here”, he affirmed.
“So it will create an opportunity for students and the youth to know who is Minillik, Hailesilasie, Mengistu, Meles and what Ethiopia look like within half a-day”, Abiy noted.
Apart from promoting the history of Ethiopia, making the site a tourist destination will help to improve knowledge of the new generation about the country’s history and generate income. (ENA)