Adama, also known as Nazret, is a major city located in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Found about 99 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, it’s one of the busiest transportation hubs in the country. Sitting in the East Shewa Zone, Adama is known for its strategic position between the highlands and the Great Rift Valley, making it a significant link between Addis Ababa and the eastern part of Ethiopia, as well as ports like Djibouti.
My Visit to Adama
As an Ethiopian who has traveled to many parts of the country, Adama stood out to me because of its energy and pace. The city is always moving, with trucks and buses passing through day and night. Adama feels like a town where different regions of Ethiopia come together—it’s a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. I was impressed by the mix of modern buildings and the traditional lifestyle you can still see on the outskirts.
History of Adama
Originally, the city was known as Nazret—named after the biblical city of Nazareth by Emperor Haile Selassie after World War II. Before that, the city had the Oromo name Adaamaa, which refers to a cactus-like tree, Euphorbia candelabrum. In the year 2000, the government officially reverted the city’s name to Adama, although many people still use the name Nazret today.
Interestingly, in 2000, Adama briefly became the capital of the Oromia Region, moving away from Addis Ababa. This decision was met with a lot of debate, but a few years later, the capital returned to Addis Ababa. Despite this, Adama has continued to grow, thanks to its central location and connection to Ethiopia’s road and railway systems.
Economy and Transportation
Adama is well-known for being an important transportation center in Ethiopia. It lies on the main road that connects Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and on to the Djibouti port. You’ll see plenty of trucks and trailers on the road, carrying goods between Ethiopia and the port, which is essential for the country’s trade.
Adama is also home to the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a major line that boosts the city’s role as a transport hub. On top of that, the Addis Ababa-Adama Expressway is a modern highway that links the city to the capital, making travel between the two cities much faster and easier.
Adama’s Educational Institutions
Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) is one of the city’s highlights. It began as a technical college but has since expanded into a full university offering a range of programs in science and engineering. The campus is busy with students from across the country, contributing to the city’s lively atmosphere.
People and Culture
Adama is a culturally diverse city. The people of Oromo and Amhara descent make up the majority of the population, but you’ll also meet people from many other ethnic groups, such as the Gurage and Silte. Amharic is widely spoken, but you’ll also hear Oromo and other regional languages being used daily.
The population practices various religions, with most people being Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. However, there’s also a significant Muslim community and a number of Protestant churches. This diversity makes Adama an interesting place to explore.
Climate
Adama has a warm climate, classified as tropical wet and dry (Aw). This means that while the days can get hot, especially during the dry season, the city also experiences regular rainfall during the rainy months. The weather makes Adama an ideal place for growing crops like maize and vegetables, which you can find being sold in the local markets.
What to Do in Adama
While Adama may not be a top tourist destination, there are still plenty of things to do in and around the city:
- Adama Stadium: If you’re a football fan, you can catch a match at Adama Stadium, home of Adama City FC. Ethiopian football matches are always full of excitement and energy.
- Oromia Martyrs Monument: This is a site dedicated to remembering those who fought for the Oromo people’s rights. It’s a moving place to visit and learn about Ethiopia’s complex history.
- Nearby Hot Springs: Just outside the city, you can find hot springs that attract visitors looking to relax and experience the natural healing properties of the water.
- Addis Ababa-Adama Expressway: For a great drive, take the expressway between Addis Ababa and Adama. It’s a modern road that offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Final Thoughts
Adama is a city of growth, movement, and diversity. It’s one of those places where old and new meet—traditional markets and modern highways, cultural diversity, and rapid development. Whether you’re passing through on your way to the coast or staying for a while, Adama is a great place to experience the heartbeat of central Ethiopia.
