Blatten Geta Heruy Wolde Selassie Residence

Heritage Story The House of an Ethiopian Intellectual Giant Before Addis Ababa became the bustling capital we see today, it was home to a generation of thinkers who helped shape the country’s future. Among them was Blatten Geta Hiruy Woldeselassie, one of Ethiopia’s greatest intellectuals of the early twentieth century. Born in 1878 in Merhabete, Hiruy began his education in the traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Church school system on Mount Entoto. His curiosity and intelligence led him to study foreign languages and engage with modern ideas that were beginning to influence Ethiopia during the late imperial era. Over time, Hiruy became a central figure in Ethiopia’s modernization. He served in several key government positions, including Director General of the Municipality of Addis Ababa, Director of Education, and eventually Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1930 and 1936. During this time, Ethiopia was working to assert itself as a modern independent nation on the global stage. Hiruy played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s diplomatic relations with the world, including the country’s participation in the League of Nations. One of his most important visions was the creation of a modern Ethiopian elite educated abroad. Through his influence, many young Ethiopians were sent to study in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where they learned modern sciences, economics, law, and diplomacy. Many of these students later became ministers and national leaders. Hiruy was also a prolific writer. He authored more than thirty books in Amharic, covering topics such as history, politics, and social reform. His works helped shape the development of modern Ethiopian literature and intellectual thought. However, the peaceful progress of Ethiopia was interrupted by the Italian invasion in 1935. When Emperor Haile Selassie went into exile, Hiruy remained loyal and accompanied him to Bath, England. Even in exile, he continued to fight diplomatically for Ethiopia’s independence, writing appeals to the League of Nations and publishing articles defending the country’s sovereignty. Sadly, Hiruy passed away in 1938 in England before Ethiopia regained its freedom. After the liberation of the country in 1941, his remains were brought back to Addis Ababa and buried with full honors at Holy Trinity Cathedral, where many Ethiopian heroes rest. 2. Architectural Story The residence itself reflects the architectural transformation of Addis Ababa during the early twentieth century. Built in the late 1920s, the house combines traditional Ethiopian aristocratic design with modern European architectural influences. One of its most interesting features is the way the house interacts with the natural landscape. Because the building is partially connected to a mound, it appears as a two-story house from the front, while from the back it looks more like a large villa spread across the hillside. The design includes: A symmetrical façade Twin towers framing the front of the house A grand central staircase A large compound and garden Inside, the house originally included reception halls, guest rooms, offices, and dining spaces, reflecting the social and diplomatic role the residence played during Hiruy’s lifetime. Many important intellectual meetings, diplomatic discussions, and cultural gatherings likely took place within these walls. Today, the building is preserved as part of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, allowing visitors to experience a physical connection to the intellectual history of Ethiopia.