Abstract:
The historical studies so far conducted on Ethiopian urbanization emphasized the
foundation, growth and development of big towns. As a result, the urbanization
process of small towns such asAdét got little or no attention by these studies.
Therefore, this thesis attempts to fill the gap by dealing with the historical
development of Adét town from its foundation to 1991. The research has examined the
different socio-economic and political factors that were responsible for the
emergence, growth and development of the town.It also tries to show that the long
established assumption that the foundation of Adét town was closely associated with
the growth of long distance trade in the area seeems groundless. The town was
founded around the sixteenth century AD.The research also attempts to settle the
controversies about the origin of the name of the town, Adét by cross checking the
different sources. The thesis has credited that the growth of long distance trade and
passed through the area, and the Italian occupation have great contribution to the
development and subsequently in giving modern urban feature to the town.
Since the research covered the period from the establishment of the town to 1991, the
study will contribute to urban studies of the country in general and Adét town in
particular. Additionally, the study will serve as a spring board for the reconstruction
of the economic, cultural and social history of Adét town. Furthermore, the outcome
of the study will hopefully be helpful for future researchers who would be interested in
the history of the town. Generally, the output of this study will be important for
historians, students of history as well as general readers.
