The Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square is frequented by large numbers of tourists frequenting the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Also known as Sidist Kilo, the Yekatit 12 Square, is like a tribute to the innumerable patriots and martyrs, who were killed brutally by Italian fascist invaders in 1929 (as per Ethiopian Calendar Year).
The monument that enhances the beauty of the square is a white obelisk. There are many black bas reliefs on the obelisk that depict scenes of the brutal massacre as well as of Imperial funerals that took place in the square. The Lion of Judah is also depicted on the face of the obelisk.
This brutal act of massacre took place on the orders of the Italian Vice-Roy Marshal Grazziani. He wanted to take revenge of an assassination attempt that was
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made on him by two young Ethiopians.Due tributes and homage are paid to the martyrs every year at the square. Previously this was a practice that was carried out by the kings and emperors, but that stopped during the Dergue regime. However, the Mayor of Addis Ababa has managed to continue this trend.
The location of the monument is also noteworthy. Situated in front of the Yekatit 12 Hospital, this monument can be accessed from almost all parts of the city. There are many places of attractions in close vicinity of the Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square in Addis Ababa. Some of the important tourist destinations are Guenete Leul Palace, Old Imperial Lion Zoo, Churches of Menbere Leul Kidus Markos, Meskia Hazunan Medhane Alem, American and Greek Embassies and many more.
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