Documenting the Architectural Heritage of Armenian Sefer, Addis Ababa

This study explores the architectural heritage of Addis Ababa's Armenian Quarter, known as the Armenian Sefer. This district is notable for its historical houses, once owned by high-ranking officials and advisors to Emperor Haile Selassie, reflecting its proximity to the former palace, now Addis Ababa University’s main campus. During the 1970s, under the Derg regime, these heritage buildings were nationalized and rented out at low rates, leading to the development of a dense residential area. Many current residents are descendants of the original families, maintaining a strong connection to the heritage despite financial challenges in renovating the buildings. While the area appears modest, it remains one of the safest and quietest in the city. However, large-scale redevelopment projects threaten to demolish such historic neighborhoods. In response, students and researchers have undertaken a project to document the Armenian Sefer’s heritage buildings using 3D documentation techniques. This study examines the methods, outcomes, and challenges of this documentation process, shedding light on the importance of conserving the Armenian Sefer as a vital part of Addis Ababa’s architectural history.