Historical account of Yirega Cheffe Town from its foundation to the present

This thesis deals with history of Yirega Cheffe Town of Gedeo Administrative Zone from its foundation to the present. By using archival, oral and written secondary sources, the thesis gives an analysis of the participation of the people of Yirega Cheffe town in defending their country against the Italian invasion and the scarifice paid by the Patriots of the town in the period of resistance. The administrative rearrangements, the relationship between government officials and the people in relation urban land and taxation, and the security and justice during the Imperial period are also included in the thesis. Moreover, the reforms of the Darg such as the nationalization of industrial, urban and rural land and housing including the land reforms. This thesis reconstruct socio-economic, administrative and political development of Darg regime are described. The town continued to serve as a center of trade in the Imperial and Darg as well as following the regime changes since 1991. In addition, Yirega Cheffe was continued to serve as the administrative center of both Yirega Cheffe Wereda and Yirega Cheffe town until recent. The religious life of the people in this town included Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Protestant and Catholic believers existed. The Orthodox Christianity was earliest than other religions exist in this town. In addition to these, the introduction and expansion of modern urban service centers have enhanced the growth of this town.