AMN Plus-May 19/2026
In a message shared on her official social media page, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie described Baku as an exceptionally clean, modern, and captivating city, highlighting its remarkable urban transformation and heritage preservation efforts.
The Mayor noted that the historic section of Baku, widely known as “The Old City,” has been carefully restored and preserved for visitors, while a once deteriorated area formerly referred to as “The Black City” was completely demolished and redeveloped over the past three decades into the beautiful and modern “White City-Baku.”
According to the Mayor, Baku’s transformation closely mirrors Ethiopia’s ongoing urban renewal journey.
“We are also renovating while preserving our history and heritage, and rebuilding blighted areas into modern and livable spaces,” the Mayor stated.
Speaking on heritage conservation efforts in Ethiopia, Mayor Adanech said the Addis Ababa City Administration has undertaken extensive restoration works on historic buildings around Piazza and Arat Kilo to preserve them for future generations.
She reaffirmed that the country’s first cinema house, the first municipality building, the National Palace, and several historic monuments have all been meticulously renovated and preserved.
Furthermore, the Mayor stated that nationally significant heritage sites, the Harar Jugol Wall, the Palace of Abba Jifar in Jimma, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the Fasil Ghebbi (Fasilides Castle) in Gondar are currently undergoing restoration and conservation works.
Addressing urban renewal initiatives, the Mayor explained that severely dilapidated and unlivable neighborhoods are being redeveloped into modern, comfortable, and dignified residential areas for city residents.
“In particular, the extensive Corridor Development Project successfully implemented in Addis Ababa and other cities across the country stands as a prime demonstration of our urban renewal and beautification vision,” she highlighted.
The Mayor emphasized that the initiative has significantly contributed to making cities greener, cleaner, more attractive, and more livable by expanding road infrastructure, creating pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly spaces, and transforming the overall urban landscape.
Concluding her remarks, Mayor Adanech stated that the visit to Baku provided valuable lessons and an important experience-sharing opportunity to further strengthen Ethiopia’s urban development, renewal, and heritage conservation efforts across all regions of the country.
By Birhanu Workneh
