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Asmara
Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea located atop the highlands. It is suitably planted on the highland’s plains that are 2300m above sea level. Asmara is a lovely, attractive and charming city that is breathtaking to both her visitors and residents. One of the things that make Asmara unique from the other African cities is its incredible architectural designs. It is strategically located and well suited for permanent human settlement. Its visitor-friendly climate is also another asset the city possesses. It has sunny temperatures with average of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). On the top of all of this, Asmara is celebrated for its well-designed city plan, tidiness, security and hospitability. According to archeological evidences, Asmara has been settled since the pre-Aksumite period. It is believed that there are many archeological sites existing beneath the city.
Based on the legends and records found in the oldest church of the city, Kidiste Mariam, Asmara was established by the combination of four villages in 1411. These records recall that the women of these four villages, discouraged by raids and fighting among themselves, held a council meeting and decided to convince their men to unite. Subsequently, the men agreed on the idea of merging the four villages into one and called the new village Arbate Asmara (literally translated as ‘the four [women] agreed’). Asmara, being strategically located, was used as a transit by the caravans that were coming from Massawa. Because of this, Asmara became a commercial center resulting in the growth of its population. Asmara for the first time became an administrative center during the time of Ras Alula, who in 1884 transferred his residence on a fortified hill. Consequently, the village grew to some two thousand permanent residents.
When Italy occupied Eritrea, it made Asmara the colony’s capital city. The Italians built roads, beautiful residences, administration centers, cultural centers, telecommunications, and so on. The policy of Italian expansionism towards Ethiopia using Eritrea as a spearhead, as well as the influx of many Italian colonialists and military personal, quickened the development of the city. With the defeat of the Italians by the Allies, and with the occupation of the British, the development of the city was culminated. During the struggle for liberation, the city was even turned into a “ghost city” but fortunately, it was undamaged by war unlike many Eritrean towns.
Since independence, the sweetness and life of the city has been returned and its development has been dramatic. Asmara is absolutely beautiful with its various architectural designs, bars, dance halls, cinemas, cafés, pensions, hotels, restaurants, shops, and tree-lined avenues. The hospitality of the inhabitants makes people feel at home. Above all, what makes Asmara pleasant is its safety. This feature makes Asmara magnificently unique, not only in Africa but in the world.
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