Blatten Geta Heruy Wolde Selassie Residence
A short Analysis of Architectural and Stractural drsigns of Bilaten Geta Hiruy W/Silasse's Redidence
Bilaten Geta Hiruy Weldesilasse's resident is located in Addis Ababa, Gulele Sub City, at Woreda 04. It is one of the Addis Ababa City Admimistration's heritahe. The house is now used by Ethiopia Acadamy of Science as an office, rrsearch center, and museum. The purpuse of this article is to give a short explanation about architectural and structtal plan of yhe building. But before going to that issues we give you a short biographical information about the buider of the house, Bilaten Geta Hiruy Woldesilasse.
The Biography of Bilaten Geta Hiriy Weldesilasse
Childhood
Blatten-Geta Heruy Wolde Selassie was one of the most influential Ethiopia’s intellectuals, writers, diplomats, and reformers of the early 20th century. He was a polymath who served as a bridge between Ethiopia's deep-rooted traditions and the modernizing world.
Born in 1878 in Merhabete, Shoa region, Hiruy Wolde Selassie rose from a humble clerical background to become the Foreign Minister of Ethiopia (1930–1936) under Emperor Haile Selassie I.
At his birth, his parents called as Gebre Masqal, later he came to be known as Heruy (“precious”) after a mentor at the church school of Saint Raguel on Mount Entoto gave him that name.
He began his education in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church tradition at the church school of Saint Raguel, on Mount Entoto, and later learned English at a Swedish mission school in Addis Ababa and some French through work with a French veterinary team
His Carriers in Government Offices
Blaten Geta Heruy Wolde Selassie was essentially the intellectual engine of the Ethiopian government during the early 20th century. He held several of the most powerful positions in the country, serving as a bridge between the traditional monarchy and the modern world. As he was the enllighted man and a nationalist figure of of the time, he was assigned in different offices. Here, we mention some of his positions:
Director General of the Municipality of Addis Ababa
He had a great dream of modernizing the city. So, his job as Director General of the Municipality of Addis Ababa met with his dream. He worked on urban planning, sanitation, and the early stages of a modern administrative bureaucracy for the city.
Presedant of Special Court
He presided over the Special Court, which handled legal cases involving foreigners and Ethiopians. This was a critical "buffer" role that prevented European powers from using legal disputes as an excuse to intervene in Ethiopian affairs.
Director of Education
He was deeply involved in education. He didn't just oversee schools from an office; he was an active founder and director, ensuring that the next generation was prepared for government service.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
His main job is Minister of Foreign Affairs (1930–1936). This was his most influential role. As the head of diplomacy, he was the face of Ethiopia to the world. He was instrumental in Ethiopia’s Admission to the League of Nations, fighting to prove Ethiopia was a "modern" state deserving of sovereignty. As Minister of Foreign Affairs he negotiated several boundary and trade treaties with European Power.
In his position as Ministry of foreign Affairs, Heruy believed that for Ethiopia to maintain its independence, it needed a "modern" elite trained in Western sciences, law, and administration. The main goal of sending students to learn abroad was, when they return replace foreign advisors, ensuring Ethiopian sovereignty was managed by Ethiopian minds.
"Pre-War Generation Students," were personally selected or processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was headed by.Heruy.
Here are some of the most notable names and where they studied:
Aklilu Habte-Wold: Studied in France (University of Paris). He eventually became the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and was a key figure at the UN Charter signing.
Lorenzo Taezaz: An Eritrean-born intellectual sent to France (Montpellier). He became a brilliant diplomat and jurist who famously represented Ethiopia at the League of Nations during the Italian occupation.
Yilma Deressa: Studied at the London School of Economics (UK). He later served as the Minister of Finance and was instrumental in modernizing Ethiopia’s economy. Students who studied in USA, were Melaku Beyan, Studied medical and become a medical doctor, Makonnen Desta, Studied Anthropology, Makonnen Studied in Finance. In 1931, he led a high-profile diplomatic mission to Japan. He was so impressed by their rapid modernization and wrote a book that was urging Ethiopia to follow the Japanese model (the "Japanizers" movement).
Heruy sent his own sons abroad to lead by example in demonstrating what he preached;. Sirak Heruy and Fawis Heruy Studied at Oxford University (UK). These were not the only foreign studied individuals. According to Bahru Zewde and Ian Campbell, about 125 Ethiopians who were sent by the Emperor
Most of these foreign educated sudents return back to their countries and began to serve their country as ministers and experts. Unfortunately, large number of this brilliant generation was specifically targeted and executed by the Fascist Italian forces during the 1937 Yekatit 12 massacre, as the occupiers realized these "learned ones" were the greatest threat to colonial rule.
Manager of the Berhanena Selam Printing Press,
He managed the Berhanena Selam Printing Press, which was the primary tool for spreading modern ideas and government decrees throughout the Empire.
HeruyLiterary and Intellectual Contributions
was one of Ethiopia’s most prolific writers of his time, authoring more than 30 books in Amharic. He is often considered the father of modern Amharic literature.
His works include histories, novels, essays, and social critiques. His writings helped in shaping the early Ethiopian modern literary tradition and offered reflections on national history and culture. He reflects, in his writings, Ethiopia’s role in a changing world.
Chief Historian and Royal Advisor
Though not a formal "job title" in the modern sense, he was the Emperor's right-hand intellectual.
Blaten Geta Heruy Wolde Selassie’s final years were marked by both tragedy and tireless diplomatic labor. When Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, he remained fiercely loyal to Emperor Haile Selassie I, and went to England, following him into exile in 1936.
The Journey into Exile (1936)
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heruy was on the last train out of Addis Ababa to Djibouti in May 1936. From there, he accompanied the Emperor to Bath, England, where they stayed at Fairfield House.
While many officials grew disillusioned or stayed in Jerusalem, Heruy remained the Emperor's most trusted advisor and the "intellectual voice" of the exiled government.
His Role in Exile:
The Diplomatic Resistance
Heruy did not view exile as a retirement; he saw it as a different kind of battlefield.
Diplomatic Appeals
He worked day and night drafting petitions and memorandums to the League of Nations. He fought to ensure the world did not "forget" Ethiopia or recognize the Italian occupation as legal.
Counter-Propaganda
The Italians were spreading rumors that Ethiopia was "barbaric" and benefited from Roman civilization. Heruy used his pen to write articles and letters to European newspapers, defending Ethiopian history, culture, and its right to independence.
The "Japanizer" Strategy
Even in England, he continued to study how other nations resisted imperialism. He remained the primary strategist for the "Young Ethiopians" who were still fighting back home.
Literary Work
He continued writing and publishing books from England, ensuring that Ethiopian literature stayed alive even while the country was under occupation.
3. His Death (1938)
The harsh English climate and the immense stress of the war took a heavy toll on Heruy’s health. He suffered from a chronic illness (likely heart or kidney-related) that worsened during the cold winters in Bath. So, in time this illness become worse and he passed away on September 19, 1938, at the age of 60.
His death was a massive blow to Haile Selassie I, and the grief over his death didn't last soon. The Emperor famously remarked that he had lost his "right hand" and his most loyal friend.
After his death, he was originally buried at the St. Mary's Churchyard in Bath, England. Haile Silasse I, other exile Royal famllies, and small number of community of exiled Ethiopians and British sympathizers attended his funeral.
In 1941 the Italian invaders were deafeated by the Ethiopian Arbegnoch and English troops who were came with the Emperor to support the Ethiopiam fighters. Although, Heruy Wolde Selassie did intensive diplomatic works on revealing the Italians Fashists cruel invassion, he did not see Ethiopian’s trumph and withdrawal of the faahiat troops in 1941. However, his contributions were not forgotten.
The Emperor was restored the throne after the war ended. In this resoration work the Emperor thought about His late loyal cance friend who buried im England, Bath. So, he ordered Heruy’s remain to be exhumed from England and flown back to Ethiopia
His funeral reinterred with full state honors at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie) in Addis Ababa—the same church where the Emperor himself and other Ethiopian heroes are buried.
Hiruy died in a foreign land, fighting for the sovereignty of his country. He is remembered today not just as a politician, but also as the father of modern Ethiopian literature and diplomacy.
The Architectural Plan and the Use of the Building
1. Historical Background of the Building
The residence of Bilatin Geta Hiruy Wolde Selassie was constructed in the late 1920s in Addis Ababa. The building later became part of Addis Ababa’s urban heritage and today it is used by Ethiopian Science Acadamy.
Unique Design:
The building has a distinctive design as it is partially connected to a mound. This creates an interesting visual effect that is explained as it is viewed from the front, it has the graceful look of a G+1 (ground plus one) building, but when viewed from the back, it appears as a modest, wide villa.
Architecturally, it belongs to the early modern elite residential archtecrure of Addis Ababa. This period is the late imperial modernization period.
2. Architectural Style
The building represents a hybrid architectural style combining:
1. Ethiopian aristocratic residential architecture
Large compound and garden
Monumental entrance stair
Symmetrical façade
2. Early modern European influence
Towers on the façade
Geometric massing
Formal symmetry
According to heritage documentation, the residence has:
A symmetrical façaden
Two frontal towers
A central staircase leading to the main entrance
This composition creates a palace-like aristocratic residence of Addis Ababa, typical of elite houses of the 1920s–1930s.
3. Architectural Plan (Spatial Organization)
Although the original drawings are rarely published, the house likely follows the typical aristocratic residential plan used in Addis Ababa during that period.
Ground Floor Plan
It has different components:
Entrance staircase
Entrance hall
Reception hall
Guest rooms
Administrative room / office
Dining room
Kitchen and service area
Storage spaces. These are the major components.
4. Structural System
The construction technique reflects early modern Addis Ababa building methods.
Typical structural elements:
Foundation
Stone masonry foundation
Walls
Masonry (stone or brick)
Lime mortar or early cement mortar
Floors
Timber beams
Wooden planks
Roof
Timber roof structure
Corrugated iron sheet or tile roofing
These construction techniques were common in early Addis Ababa buildings combining traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship with imported materials.
5. Interior Architectural Elements
The interior likely contained several typical aristocratic elements:
Reception Hall
Large ceremonial space
Used for official meetings
Decorative elements
Wooden ceilings
Plaster walls
Large windows for light
Staircase
Central formal staircase
Towers
Provided vertical emphasis
Possibly used as observation or private study rooms
6. Functional Use Through Time
6.1. Original Period (1920s–1936). In these periods this building have the following function:
Private residence of Bilatin Geta Hiruy
Other Activities:
Diplomatic gatherings
Intellectual meetings
Government discussions
6.2. Italian Occupation (1936–1941)
In these periods many elite houses in Addis Ababa were:
Confiscated
Used as administrative or military residences
It is possible the house was used similarly.
3. Post-Liberation Period (after 1941)
The building remained a significant historic residence. Later it was integrated into educational use.
4. Present Use
Today the building functions as part of:
Ethiopian Science Acadamy.
7. Simplified 3-D Architectural Diagram
8. Architectural Significance of the building:
The residence is important because it represents:
8.1. Elite Ethiopian residential architecture of the 1920s
8.2. The cultural environment of Addis Ababa's intellectual class
8.3. The historical legacy of Bilatin Geta Hiruy Wolde Selassie
8.4. Early modernization of Ethiopian urban architecture
Research Bibliography
Primary & Institutional Sources
* Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS). The Heritage Site: Former Residence of Blaten Geta Hiruy Woldeselassie. [Official site documentation]. The Academy currently serves as the custodian of the building and maintains a mini-museum dedicated to his work.
* Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH). National Registry of Historic Buildings: Addis Ababa Sector. (Physical Archives, Addis Ababa).
Architectural & Urban History
* Fasil Giorghis & Denis Gérard. (2007). Addis Ababa: The City and Its Architectural Heritage, 1886-1941. Addis Ababa: Shama Books. (This is the definitive text on the "Addis Ababa Style" and likely contains the most detailed visual analysis of buildings from this era).
* Bahru Zewde. (2002). Pioneers of Change in Ethiopia: The Reformist Intellectuals of the Early Twentieth Century. Oxford: James Currey. (Provides the socio-political context of Hiruy’s life and his status in the intellectual community).
* Milena Batistoni. (2008). A Guide to Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa: Arada Books.
Specific Typological Studies
* Sacchi, L. (2021). The Architecture of Ethiopia. (Provides structural analysis of stone and timber masonry common in the 1920s residences).
* Heritage Watch Ethiopia. Kirkos Sub-City Architectural Survey. (Maps and site descriptions for historical preservation).
Research Bibliography
Primary & Institutional Sources
* Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS). The Heritage Site: Former Residence of Blaten Geta Hiruy Woldeselassie. [Official site documentation]. The Academy currently serves as the custodian of the building and maintains a mini-museum dedicated to his work.
* Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH). National Registry of Historic Buildings: Addis Ababa Sector. (Physical Archives, Addis Ababa).
Architectural & Urban History Sources
* Fasil Giorghis & Denis Gérard. (2007). Addis Ababa: The City and Its Architectural Heritage, 1886-1941. Addis Ababa: Shama Books. (This is the definitive text on the "Addis Ababa Style" and likely contains the most detailed visual analysis of buildings from this era).
* Bahru Zewde. (2002). Pioneers of Change in Ethiopia: The Reformist Intellectuals of the Early Twentieth Century. Oxford: James Currey. (Provides the socio-political context of Hiruy’s life and his status in the intellectual community).
* Milena Batistoni. (2008). A Guide to Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa: Arada Books.
Specific Typological Studies
* Sacchi, L. (2021). The Architecture of Ethiopia. (Provides structural analysis of stone and timber masonry common in the 1920s residences).
* Heritage Watch Ethiopia. Kirkos Sub-City Architectural Survey. (Maps and site descriptions for historical preservation).