Lecture “How to read African architecture – Example of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia”

The lecture “How to read African architecture – the example of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, as a symbol of power from Haile Selassie to Abiy Ahmed” by Dr. Hana Rubinkovska Aniol will be held tomorrow at 6 pm at the Museum of African Art in Belgrade. The lecture is held in English, organized in cooperation with the Polish Institute in Serbia, and admission is free.

As reported, since it was founded at the end of the 19th century, the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, has been a significant symbol of power. Its history and significance today in political, social and economic life are valuable reference points for researchers of Ethiopian history, social and political issues. During the presentation, some examples of urban and architectural solutions proposed over the decades will be analyzed, as well as the role they played for the residents of the capital. It will also look at the ways in which architecture reflects changes in Ethiopian politics. The main focus will be on how the structure of the city conveys a political message, and how it has changed over the decades.

Dr. Hana Rubinkowska Aniol is a historian of Africa and a professor at the Department of African Languages ​​and Cultures of the Faculty of Oriental Studies of the University of Warsaw, and currently the deputy president of the Polish African Society. Her scientific interest includes the history of modern Ethiopia, especially Ethiopian political culture, as well as the themes of symbolism and legitimization of power from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Dr. Rubinkovska Aniol researches iconographic representations of power and the space of power, as well as power in space (in the sense of long duration).