BY KASSAHUN CHANIE
Many are reflecting their views regarding the launch of Ethiopia’s newly built Adwa Victory Memorial.
Historians told EBC that Adwa Victory has much more symbolism to peoples globally who were fighting the cruel oppression of colonialists.
Ethiopia has built the Adwa Victory Memorial in its capital city of Addis Ababa, giving a priceless gift to its inhabitants as well as to Black people worldwide.
Historians pointed out that it is a source of hope for all oppressed peoples across the world, so it is not just an Ethiopian treasure, but also an African legacy.
The Adwa Victory Memorial Museum portrays both Ethiopia's bright prospects as well as the nation's historical ups and downs, according to the historians.
“When Ethiopia had taken victory over the battle of Adwa, the news broke across the globe. The victory made a major story and received special attention from international media outlets. And the news shocked the entire Europe. With Adwa Victory, Ethiopians employed art of war; they planned, discussed the plan of the war and properly applied it at the battle field,” historian Ayele Bekiri (Prof.) told EBC.
Another historian, Abebaw Ayalew (Asst. Prof.), seems unhappy that there was no single memorial erected, till the Adwa Victory Memorial was unveiled Sunday, 11 Feb. 2024, for one of the greatest triumphs to humanity.
“Adwa Victory is not only to Ethiopians; the entire peoples globally who were fighting the brutal oppression of colonialists also consider it as their pride, symbol and icon of freedom. We have not erected a memorial for such a great deed,” Abebaw said.
This museum has assembled all of the arms - swords, machine guns, and other related artefacts and materials - that our women, farmers, and patriots used during that historic battle of Adwa. “We feel that this is extremely important collection from which future generations can learn. Furthermore, there are other ways to teach about Adwa through the arts of legacy that were employed throughout the Adwa battle,” Abebaw indicated.
The historians describe the Adwa victory Memorial as a place where just sovereignty is manifested and lessons are learnt about nation building. “We had not fulfilled our responsibilities as citizens in a better way than our foremothers and forefathers who took part in the battle of Adwa. And in my opinion, this memorial museum has come as a big institution bridging that gap,” explained Ayele Bekiri.
The Adwa Victory Memorial presents significant historical occurrences, notable figures such as Emperor Menelik II, Empress Taytu Betul, and generals who led the battle.
Historians have also noted that the Adwa Victory Memorial depicts such historical themes like Pan-Africanism and the worldwide black community's struggle for independence which were inspired by Adwa Victory.
The experts at large remarked that this memorial is a vivid depiction of a pivotal time in history, emulating an indomitable spirit and endurance of Ethiopia, Africa, and all who have fought injustice globally.