URBAN RENEWAL AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION IN ADDIS ABABA: IN THE CASE SHEIKH KHOJOELE al-HASSEN PALACE.

The main objective of this study is to conduct a systematic survey and documentation on the historic building of Sheikh Khojole al Hassen palace which is found in Gulale sub city, and to examine how urban renewal in the city has affecting its preservation status. To achieve the objective of this study, the researcher employed qualitative method of data interpretation. Both primary and secondary sources are used to accomplish this study. To collect the primary sources, the researcher used a questionnaire that includes both close ended and open ended forms and interviews with selected and knowledgeable heritage and urban experts in Addis Ababa and Gulale Sub-city. In addition, deep and continuous personal observation also conducted by researcher to fill the gaps of interview and related literature. Preserving and conserving historic building in the urban area is currently one of the most universally urgent notices to ensure sustainable urban development. The finding of this study indicate that, documentation on the palace understudy is very controversial and disrespect due to rapid city renewal, reconstruction activities in the city . The result of the study is also indicate that, the current condition of the palace, architectural potential and its historic values are wiped out with its associated relics. Moreover, the sub-city heritage experts did not get awareness from the responsible authorities.The study also identified that the palace is seriously damaged by natural and human destructive factors with instant or gradual function. With regard to the future prospect of the historic palace in the city is unquestionable that the palace will demolish, due to lack of coordination between urban renewal agency and heritage experts. As a result of development activities and modernity, urban renewal and heritage preservation practices are not going with the same pace in the city. Generally, the key argument of this study is that the policy makers and implemented policy need to pay more attention to the historic building preservation in the city; on other words urban renewal and concerning bodies need to assume their role in the protection historic building in the city. This was believed that, a framework police and preserved relics and well documented and preserved historic buildings help to provide adequate identity and efficient development in the city