A HISTORICAL SURVEY OF THE TOWN OF TEFERI KELA FROM ITS FOUNDATION TO 1991

ABSTRACT Studies on urbanization in Ethiopia had good beginning since 1960s to early 1970s. Yet the experience of urban historiography did not sustain. This was because the existing studies focus on urban geography, population otherwise political aspects. The researcher project deals about the oldest town of the Teferi Kelahistorical and socio economic developments. It consists historical foundation, social interaction, economic ties, cultural and religious contents. Additionally horizontal expansion of the Teferi Kela town throughout the years is narrated in this research. Thus, the aim of this thesis, basing on qualitative analysis of oral traditions, written sources and archives is to present historical developments of the town. The case that made me to use this methodology is components of my research that means historical research always consisted most of narrative forms of event explanation rather than numeric. To reconstruct this research I try to collect primary source, secondary source written materials, news paper and oral traditions, interview well known elders. Lack of archives due to discard over change of regimes and shortage of funds, reluctance of few informants were problems that the researcher experienced in an attempt to come up with this work. I gate different wide knowledge about the town when I collect the source for example the foundation period of the tow is 1900, historical name of the town is derived from ras Teferi. Fist basic plan as well as development of different infrastructure of the town. The importance of this research is so many at any dimension for instance it give direction for further researcher as a source, in addition to that it tray to full fill the historical gap narrate for long period of time in the local society as a history, other the researcher itself learn many historical account during source collection time this is a great advantage, the research dig out and show the factor that affect the development of the town for long period of time for government as well as dweller and society. It’s being, for many years, the sole center of modern education and health service with moderate climate had used to attract many people’s from distant places.