Asmara Architectural Exhibition In Lagos, Nigeria

Asmara Architectural Exhibition
In
Lagos, Nigeria
The famous exhibition on Asmara’s architecture was officially opened at the German
Cultural Center, Goethe Institute in Lagos Nigeria on Saturday 31 May 2008.
The Opening ceremony was presided over by his Excellency Mohamad Ali Omaru, the
Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to Nigeria.
The enthusiastic audience at the opening consisted of members of the diplomatic corps,
members of the Nigerian public, lecturers and students of architecture from two of
Nigeria’s famous schools of architecture, The University of Lagos and the Yaba College
of Technology, and several members of Nigeria’s and international media.
At the opening ceremony the Director of the German Cultural Center, Mr. Arne
Schneider introduced Ambassador Omaru. His Excellency the Ambassador then
addressed the audience giving a brief summary of Eritrea’s history and the long and
arduous journey traveled to achieve independence. He then gave a panoramic view of the
rich cultural heritage of Eritrea and the place of Asmara’s modernist architecture in that
panorama. Mr. Omaru assured the audience that the Government of Eritrea was
committed to preserving the architecture as heritage for all mankind.
MR. Arne Schneider then called on Ms. Senayte Kesete representing the Arbate Asmara
Group in Germany to say a few words. Senayte spoke in German and Mr. Schneider
translated her remarks into English. Senayte, dressed in the traditional Eritrean Zuria,
said that the Arbate Asmara Group in Germany, the initiators of the exhibition, was proud
that the exhibition continues to attract so much interest in countries were it has been
shown. She hoped that the exhibition will provide an opportunity for Nigerians to learn
more about Asmara and Eritrea. Her remarks were greeted with cheers of appreciation by
the Nigerian audience.
Mr. Naigzy Gebremedhin, an authority on the Modernist Architecture of Asmara then
made a detailed presentation of the style and form of the historic buildings, informing the
audience that Asmara represents one of the largest ensembles of modernist architecture
worthy of registration as a World Heritage Site in UNESCO’s list.
Professor David Aradeon, Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Lagos University and a
connoisseur of Nigerian urban history then gave a lecture presenting examples of urban
development in Africa similar to those of Asmara. In his remarks Professor Aradeon
applauded the effort of Eritrea and its Government for studying and preserving the
modernist architecture of Asmara suggesting that the effort represents impotrtant
recognition of Africa’s contribution to modernism in art and architecture in the nineteenth
century. According to Professor Aradeon modernist architecture in the Western world
has been deeply influenced by the traditional art forms of Africa. So Eritrea’s effort in

preserving Asmara’s architecture should be seen in that context. Professor Aradeon
underlined that the inclusion of Asmara as a world heritage site in UNESCO’s list should
be an issue that all Africans should promote.
Following the lectures of Mr. Naigzy Gebremedhin and Professor Aradeon a lively
discussion ensued. A number of speakers expressed the desire to visit Asmara and also to
promote an exchange of students and scholars interested in Architecture.
During the reception that followed the opening, the audience was treated to the traditional
Eritrean Coffee ceremony. Members of the Eritrean community dressed in national
costume served coffee and Hambasha to a very appreciative audience.
In Lagos the Asmara exhibition will be viewed until the 13 June 2008.
Thereafter the exhibition will travel through a number of Italian cities beginning with
Turin on 29 June 2008. The exhibition of Asmara’s architecture will coincide with the
23RD World Congress of the UIA, (International Union of Architects), which will be
held in Turin from June 29 through July 3 2008. It is expected that some 8000 Architects
will have the chance to view Asmara’s Architecture. Mr. Naigzy Gebremedhin, the cocurator
of the exhibition said that this will provide a unique opportunity to promote
Asmara and Eritrea as an exciting and inviting tourist destination.