Tenayistilign

CLEVELAND’S INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL GARDEN PARK
This beautiful riverine park, given to Cleveland by Rockefeller in 1898, stretching from Lake Erie to University Circle, evolved into a large multi-cultural peace garden. First was the Shakespeare Garden in 1916. Since then, plots have been granted to many cultural communities to develop gardens. This is the world’s only multi-national, multi-cultural peace garden park.

Following petition of the Ethiopian community in Cleveland, on November 12th 2013 at 6:30 pm  at Judson Manor  ( 107 and Chester avenue in Cleveland)  ,Dr Carl Robson, Mr Aklilu Demessie, Mr Scott Embacher and Dr Surafel K Gebreselassie successfully argued Ethiopia’s unique historical and cultural role to the executive board of the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation. Ethiopia ,the first from Africa, was awarded a site.

FROM CONCEPTUALIZATION TO REALIZATION: DEDICATION OF A GRAND MOSAIC FROM THE ‘LAND OF ORIGINS’
Phase 1 of our garden project, a ‘Grand Mosaic’ on both sides of a wall 12 x 18 ft., was envisioned, developed and completed by our Design Committee after six years of discussion, community planning and fund-raising, and in spite of  financial shortages.  The cost was higher than anticipated. But on August 24th, 2019, we had a wonderful Unveiling Ceremony. Among those present were Ethiopian Ambassador Fitsum Arega, Mayor Frank Jackson of Cleveland, and other dignitaries. Our guest of honor was Artist Professor Zerihun Yetmgeta of Addis Ababa University, who designed the Grand Mosaic and conceptualized the Stele Arch (to be Phase 2). Our Mosaicist, Ernesto Spinelli originally from Kulubi, Ethiopia, who fabricated the Mosaic from Zerihun’s paintings was present, and also Art Historian Dr. Ray Silverman from the University of Michigan, to introduce Artist Zerihun, his long-time friend, having introduced his art to America in the 1990’s. Interestingly, from that time, we already had Zerihun’s painting ‘Tarik’ (‘History’) – copy below – and had been referring to it for ideas, not realizing we would find him. Then, 25 years later, unexpectedly we found Professor Zerihun himself in Addis Ababa, happy to help with the project! In a traditional style, this Mosaic depicts six million years of the history of Ethiopia – ‘The Land of Origins’— from the dawn of humanity to globalization. It is the world’s only monument to Ethiopia’s remarkable history, unity, and diversity. Among the Cultural Gardens, it is a unique work of art.

MOSAIC CONTENT: 5 PANELS OF ETHIOPIA’S UNIQUE HISTORY and CONTRIBUTION TO INDEPENDENCE OF NATIONS

1. Cradle of humankind: Lucy (Dinknesh), 3.2 million years old, was the first significant hominid fossil find, in 1974 by paleoanthropologists from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, which is adjacent to the Cultural Garden Park. However, older, even more astounding fossils, dating back six million years, have been found by teams under the Museum’s present Curator of Anatomy, Dr. Yohannes Haile Selassie.

Also depicted in this panel are ancient rock paintings from 4,000 year ago near Dire Dawe.

2. Diversification within Ethiopia of 86 ethnic groups and almost as many languages is exemplified by the Konso People as one representative of the many – a group from the South of Ethiopia who first initiated terraced farming several thousand years ago.

3. Ancient Civilizations, Religions of Ethiopia: Foremost is the Axumite Empire – 200 BC to 1000 AD—with builders of uniquely carved, monolithic stelae 79 feet tall. They became icons of Ethiopia with an enduring impact on art and architecture. Queen of Sheba’s son by King Solomon is said to have brought Judaism (known later as Be’te Israel) along with the Ark of the Covenant, per ‘Kibre Negest’ narrative, now said to be ensconced in a chapel in Axum. Christianity was proclaimed by Emperor Ezana in 330 A.D. In 615 A.D., early followers of Mohammad from Mecca were given asylum by the Axum Emperor, and Islam has become a major religion in Ethiopia. About 1200 A.D. Emperor Lalibela, in a town that now bears his name, carved 11 amazing monolithic Orthodox churches based on Axum Stelae designs. Then, also about 1200 AD, Harar, now in Ethiopia, became (and remains) one of the world’s most influential centers of Islam, at that time building 99 mosques, one for every name of Allah in the Koran. Most Be’te Israel emigrated to Israel in recent times. Christianity and Islam are the two main religions of Ethiopia today, being very compatible when outside influences are not factors.

4. Nation-Building, King of Kings, Independence – Rule by Emperors from Menelik I, legendary son of King Solomon and Queen of Sheba, to Haile Selassie. The Emperors, known as ‘King of Kings’, unified the nation and resisted European Imperialism, climaxing with the defeat of a large Italian army at the Battle of Adwa on March 1st, 1896, by Emperor Menelik II, Empress Taytu, and a remarkable coalition of patriotic regional rulers who put aside their differences and joined forces, surprising the Italians and defeating them, thus maintaining Ethiopian independence. This was a stunning defeat and a rallying cry for subjugated peoples around the globe, boosting morale, ethnic pride, and independence determinism. The empty throne in the mosaic indicates the interruption in 1974 of the ancient Solomonic Line of Emperors.

5. Globalization, depicted with a prominent ‘T’beb’ (Eye of Wisdom); also the proverb “Today’s flowers, tomorrow’s fruit”. The second eye is the ‘globe’ of globalization, with an encircling moon of technology. Finally is a message from Professor Zerihun on behalf of the imperative of Art, in the form of a symbolic doorway: the implied message: “We must keep knocking on the Door of the Visual Arts.”

MOSAIC SIDE 2: LOSS OF HABITAT, GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE – THE UNTHINKABLE POSSIBILITY

The other side of the Mosaic Wall displays Professor Zerihun’s painting from 1987, “When the Sun Gets the Moon”, indicating destruction of forests (e.g. Ethiopian forest coverage once 60% is now less than 1%), and large polluted cities. We have made the Sun a destructive force in spite of technology that enabled travel to the Moon. Environmental decay, habitat loss, fossil fuels, other pollutants, yielding climate change, crop failures, extinctions, zoonotic diseases (SARS, Covid 19), population movements, hostilities, reactive leaderships, destructive military responses– all are intertwined. We have come to the unthinkable possibility of the collapse of civilization as we know it. Yet contrary to the connection of these events, logic fails and destructive policies continue. This painting is a plea, from the land where human life began, to redirect efforts, work together in peace, restore the environment. This was elegantly stated by Michael Higgins, President of Ireland, on his visit to Addis Ababa November 5, 2014, commemorated in a plaque on the mosaic:

“In the very long term, in the multi-secular temporal horizon which is that of Lucy, we are but immigrants in time and space – transient travelers who must do our best to pass on to the next generation a hospitable ground on which they can flourish.”

AMPLIFYING  GLOBAL  IMPACT: PHASES 2 AND 3

The Unveiling received good publicity here and in Ethiopia. Ambassador Fitsum Arega was impressed that this project was conceived and accomplished by our small Ethiopian community. The Mosaic is impressive, yet we need project completion for global impact: 1) historical pride, 2) support for national unity – democracy with diversity – and 3) a plea for worldwide cohesion & environmental restoration. It is desirable to build the next 2 Phases together: Phase 2, a 35 ft. tall stone arch, an   Axum Stele in Silhouette, and Phase 3, a stone replica of a Lalibela church doorway and patio in the shape of a map of Ethiopia. We have hopes for this Garden – a ‘Monument for the Ages’ – attracting worldwide attention and functioning as a unique gathering place. We are determined to complete Phases 2 and 3 as soon as possible.

For more including recent updates and to consider donating to complete phase II and III , visit the GoFundMe page created by Scott

http://www.gofundme.com/f/ethiopian-cultural-garden

March 1st, 1896

It is a victory that led to the idea for the Pan-African movement!

Chronology of events:

•1883 : Italian government buys Assab bay from Italian commercial firms
•1885 ( Feb 5): Italian landing to occupy Massawa
•1887 (Jan 27th) : Ras Alula defeats Italians at the battle of Dogali. Italians suffer 512 casualties.
•1889 ( March 9) : Emperor Yohaness IV fatally wounded in the battle of Metema against Mahdists, and names Ras Mengesha his heir. The death of Yohannes IV and the eruption of Great Famine (1888-1892) facilitated the expansion of the Italians as they met little resistance on their way.
•Menilek laid claim to the Ethiopian throne thanks to lineage reaching back to King Solomon and Queen Sheba. For Taytu Betul, marriage to Menilek ( who divorced princess Altash ,and had relationship with Bafena ) would fulfill a prophecy of royal destiny. Menilek and Taytu sealed their union on Easter Sunday in 1883. Taytu is of Oromo decent and was born in Semien, near Tigray with family contacts throughout the north bringing Menilek a local legitimacy.
•1889 ( March 26th): Menilek of Shewa declares himself emperor
•1889 ( May 2nd) :Treaty of Wuchale between Italians and Menilek. Antonelli signed on behalf of Italy. Article 17 stated in Italian version that Italy would control Ethiopia’s external affairs; the Amharic version said that Menilek could choose whether or not to ask the Italians to act on his behalf, but was not required to do so. Ethiopians said it was a trick; Italians blamed the Ethiopian translator (Geraz. Yosef Neguse who knew French but not Italian)
•October 1889, Italy declared a protectorate over Ethiopia on the basis of article 17.
•Queen Victoria expressed her happiness at learning of Menilek’s accession but advised him to send all subsequent messages to London through the king of Italy.
•A great Furor resulted at Menilek’s court. Count Augusto Salimbeni was called in and shown the Amharic version of the treaty. Menilek had been assailed by domestic critics for having “sold” the country. Empress Taytu came close to accusing her husband of treason.
•France never recognized the treaty of Wuchale despite Rome trying hard. The French government awarded Menilek the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honor for his efforts to abolish slavery and bring “ civilization” to his country but refused arms.
•1890 ( Jan 1st): Italians formally establish colony of Eritrea
•1891 ( Nov 1st) MajGen Oreste Baratieri appointed commander of Italy’s African forces
•Menilek adhered to Article 16 of the treaty which provided for review after 5 years from date of signature.
•Feb 27, 1893 he declared to the governments of Italy, Germany, France and Great Britain that: The Treaty of Wuchale would be null and void as of 1May 1894 but that he is not nullifying friendship with Italy
•Feb 1894 : King Tekle Haimanot of Gojam and his army joins Menelik in Addis, was impressed by the palace; looking out he could see that the windows “ let in light, but not the wind”
•Isolated in Tigray, Ras Mengesha concluded that a sovereign Ethiopia was better than a colonial state.
•June 1894: he ( 32 yrs) and his army of 6000, Ras Alula and other chiefs arrived in Addis. Menilek pardoned them bringing Tigray back in to the empire. Menelik counseled Mengesha Yohannes not to make any rash moves against Italy. Highlands of Eritrea tried to rejoin the motherland; Italians quickly suppressed the insurrection.
•In 1894, Adwa was plundered by the native troops of Barattieri.
•Ras Mengesha marched to Koatit and Senafe in 1895 against the Italians.
•May 5 1894 , an Anglo-Italian protocol was issued which placed Harar within Italian sphere of influence. Paris objected but Treaty of Wuchale was mentioned as a reason.
•Pietro Antoneli was appointed the undersecretary of Foreign Affairs by Prime Minister Crispi ( who took power Dec 15,1893) send him to Menilek to resolve “their difficulties”. No one in Ethiopian believed any longer the intentions of Italy.
•1895 ( Sep 17th) Menilek calls for total mobilization of Ethiopian forces
•Estimated Ethiopian Army: 145, 0000 men of whom 57,000 mounted and 71000 with fire arms with 28000 having breech –loaders; 10,000 women lead by Empress Taytu. Ethiopia had 80,000 rifles, 8,600 horses and 42 guns
•1895 ( Dec 7th) Ethiopians wipe out Italian garrison at Amba Alagi
•1896 ( Jan 20th) Italian garrison at Mekele surrenders on terms
•1896 ( Feb 14): Menilek and Taytu arrive at Adwa

•1896 ( Feb 29th) : Baratieri decides to advance the night of the 29th.
•The Ethiopian guide (misdirection or sabotage) led the Italians astray.
•At 4 am on March 1st Menilek, Taytu and the Rases were at mass. A number of couriers and runners rushed in to report the enemy was approaching in force.
•The green, orange and red flag was unfurled and at 5:30 am Menilek’s 100 K strong army moved forward. The Ethiopian army was led by Menilek and Taitu (troops of Shewans, and south and south-western Oromos); Ras Mekonnen (troops of Harar); Ras Wolle (Yejju contingent-Amharans and Oromos); Ras Michael (Wallo Oromo army); Ras Mengesha (Tigrian troops); Ras Alula (Tigrian troops of northern frontier); Wagshum Gwangul (Wag and Lasta troops); Negus Teklehaimanot (Gojjam troops); and Ras Sebhat and Hagos Teferi (Agame troops).
•By 9 am Italian center crumbled.By noon retreat started.
•March 1st: Menilek destroys Italian army at the battle of Adwa. Italian loss: 6133 men killed ( 261 oficers,2918 while, 954 permanently missing, and about 2000 ascari). Another 1428 wounded ( 470 Italians including 31 officers, and 958 ascari). 3000-4000 taken prisoners. Italy lost 70% of its forces. Ethiopian losses: 4000 – 7000 killed, 10,000 wounded ( far smaller percent of strength)

Refereces
1.Jonas, R. (2011). The Battle of Adwa: African Victory In The Age of Empire,Cambridge:Harvard University Press
2.McLachlan, S. (2011). Armies of the Adwa Campaign 1896: The Italian Disaster in Ethiopia, Oxford: Osprey Pulishing Ltd.
3.Prouty, C. (1986). Empress Taytu and Menilek II: Ethiopia 1883-1910, New Jersey:The Red Sea Press.
4.Marcus, H.G. (2002). A History of EthiopiaLos Angeles: University of California Press.
5.Hansen, J.(2004).African Princess: The Amazing Lives of Africa’s Royal Women, NY: The Madison Press Ltd
6.Meredith, M. (2011) The fate of Africa: A history of the Continent Since Independence, NY: Public Affairs.
7.Harris , J.E. (1994). African –American Reactions To War In Ethiopia 1936-1941, Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.

Is this a creative option for Ethiopia?

We trained few barbers about hypertension and how to measure blood pressure in our project to address hypertension in East Cleveland. Each barber shop was provided with an automated blood pressure measuring machine. Any of their customers would have free access to these blood pressure machines to voluntarily take their own blood pressure. They were also provided with an easy access to a health care provider for advice if the customer’s blood pressure was elevated.

The barbers were fascinated when we reviewed the history of barbers in delivering health care that dates back to at least 1163 in Europe when Pope Alexander III issued a decree that prohibited members of religious orders from spilling blood. Because of their dexterity with scissors and razors, barbers began working as physicians or surgeons. In addition to shaving and hair cutting, barbers began performing bloodletting, which was a common form of treatment for many ailments, incision and draining of abscesses, and toot extractions (1) among other surgical procedures.

Imagine going to a dental place in January of 1164 in London and having your tooth out following a nice hair cut!

Henry the VIII in 1554 merged the fellowship of the surgeons with the company of barbers to form The United Company of Barbers and Surgeons restricting each to their own profession except tooth extraction which was practiced by both groups. That lasted until 1745 when King George II separated the two groups and then surgeons formed the Company of Surgeons which later became the Royal College of Surgeons in 1800 ( 1).

There are several studies that used barber shops and beauty salons to reach out particularly to minority communities in the United States for blood pressure and other health screening educations with rewarding results (2,3).

Hypertension and its complications such as stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease are a major health burden throughout the world including sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence is increasing. In a recent community based screening in Ethiopia (4) involving over 9000 people aged 15-69, the prevalence of elevated blood pressure was 15.8%.  Low income countries don’t have adequate resources to address this and other emerging chronic illness such as diabetes and heart disease.

There is often a unique and trusting relationship that exists between the customer and a stylist or barber. Barber shops and beauty salons are located in almost all major cities in Ethiopia and can be a means of reaching large numbers of individuals in screening for hypertension and other health issues.

Imagine sitting in a barber shop or hair stylist in Addis Ababa just before the upcoming Ethiopian New Year and having to check your own blood pressure while awaiting your turn!

References:

1. J Vasc Surg. 2018 Aug;68(2):646-649
2. Am J Prev Med. 2014 Jul;47(1):77-85
3. Arch Intern Med. 2011 Feb 28;171(4):342-50
4. PLoS One. 2018 May 9;13(5):e0194819