Halaba Kulito, also called Kulito, is a town located in the southern part of Ethiopia. It’s found in the Halaba Zone of the Central Ethiopia Regional State (CERS). Kulito sits on the left side of the Bilate River and is about 1,726 meters above sea level. The town is an important place because it’s the administrative center for the Halaba Zone, and it has a population of around 300,000 people.
My Visit to Halaba Kulito
As an Ethiopian who loves to travel, I’ve seen many beautiful towns across the country. When I visited Halaba Kulito, I was impressed by the warmth of the people and the mix of cultures. Halaba people are known for their kindness and hospitality. I went to their famous Thursday market and saw how lively the town becomes on market day. People come from nearby villages to buy and sell all kinds of goods, especially red pepper (berbere), maize, and teff, which are important crops for the region.
History of Halaba Kulito
This town has an interesting history. It was founded around 1896, during Emperor Menelik II’s reign. It has always been a center for Muslim communities and Islamic education. Back in 1974, more than 1,000 students were studying the Quran in Kulito. In the late 1970s, some dark moments also happened here during the Derg regime, when young people were killed, and their remains were found many years later.
People and Culture
Halaba Kulito is a town where many different ethnic groups live together. The Amhara, Kambaata, Halaba, Silte, and Welayta people make up most of the population. The main language spoken here is Amharic, but you’ll also hear Halabisa, Kambaata, Welayta, and Silte being spoken by the locals.
One of the things I liked about Halaba is the traditional huts you see in the nearby villages. They are beautifully painted with local designs, and people use natural colors to decorate them. These huts are a part of the unique culture of the Halaba people.
Economy and Livelihood
Halaba Kulito is well-connected by good roads, so it’s a major trading center. If you ever visit, don’t miss the Thursday market. It’s one of the largest open markets in Ethiopia, where you can buy red pepper, which is famous in the area. They also grow maize and teff, which are transported to other towns like Awassa and Shashamane. You can see the busy trading going on, with trucks full of crops heading to different places.
Health Challenges
One issue I learned about during my visit was the high rate of waterborne diseases, especially during the rainy season. People in the town often face diseases like malaria due to stagnant water, so health services work hard to control it.
Places to Visit in Halaba Kulito
There are several attractions near Halaba Kulito that are worth visiting:
- Arto Hot Springs: Located about 11 km from Kulito, these hot springs are known for their healing properties. The locals use the hot springs for both medical treatment and cooking food like fresh maize and potatoes, which get cooked in just 10-15 minutes!
- Bilate (Fama) Waterfalls: These waterfalls are close to the town, only 1.5 km away. It’s a beautiful spot where you can enjoy nature and relax.
- Sifaame Defense Ditches: These ditches were dug a long time ago as part of Halaba’s military defense. They are now a historical site showing how the Halaba people protected themselves during times of war.
- Abicho Nuralah Ahmed Worship Place: This is a religious site located about 3 km south of the town. It’s a place where Muslims come to pray and remember a famous Islamic preacher, Nuralah Ahmed. Every year, people gather here to celebrate his life and teachings.
Final Thoughts
Halaba Kulito is not just an ordinary town. It has rich history, cultural diversity, and some beautiful natural spots. As an Ethiopian, I feel proud to have visited this town. The people of Halaba are hard-working, especially in their farming and trading activities. If you ever get the chance to visit, make sure to explore the markets, try the local food, and visit the natural attractions nearby. Halaba Kulito is truly a place where tradition and modern life meet.
