Fiche

:For|information on microfilmed cards|microfiche Infobox Settlement
official_name = Fiche
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pushpin_label_position = right
pushpin_map_caption = Location within Ethiopia
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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Ethiopia
subdivision_type1 = Region
subdivision_name1 = Oromia
subdivision_type2 = Zone
subdivision_name2 = Semien Shewa
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timezone = EAT
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latd=9 |latm=48 |latNS=N
longd=38 |longm=44 |longEW=E
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elevation_m = 2738
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area_code = 11
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footnotes = Fiche (also spelled Fikke) is a town in central Ethiopia. The administrative center of the Semien Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, located about three kilometers off the main Addis Ababa-Debre Marqos road, Fiche has a latitude and longitude of coord|9|48|N|38|44|E and an elevation between 2738 and 2782 meters above sea level.

Notable landmarks in Fiche include the churches Fiche Giyorgis Bete Kristiyan and Fiche Medhane Alem Bete Kristiyan. The town is also home to several notable Ethiopian painters of religious themes: Alaqa Gebre Selassie Adil (1881-1975), Emealaf Hiruy (1907-1971), and Alefelege Selam (1924- ).

Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, Fiche has an estimated total population of 37,861 of whom 18,446 were males and 19,415 females. [ [http://www.csa.gov.et/text_files/2005_national_statistics.htm CSA 2005 National Statistics] , Table B.3] The 1994 census reported this town had a total population of 21,187 of whom 10,004 were males and 11,183 were females. It is the largest settlement in Gerar Jarso woreda.

History

Ras Kassa Hailu ruled the former province of Selale from this town in the early 20th century, and the deposed Lij Iyasu was imprisoned in Ras Kassa's house until he escaped in 1931. After Ras Hailu Tekle Haymanot convinced them to surrender at the beginning of the Italian Occupation, his two sons Abberra and Asfawossen were executed in Fiche. [Anthony Mockler, "Haile Selassie's War" (New York: Oliver Branch, 2003), pp. 169-71. However, Mockler believes that Ras Hailu had been deceived into helping the Italians in these killings, pp. 414f.]

By 1958 it was one of 27 places in Ethiopia officially ranked as a First Class Township. The army base of the 1st brigade of the Ethiopian Territorial Army, located at Fiche, was used by the Derg to put conscripts of the People's Militia (reconstituted in the spring of 1977 as the "Red Army") through a twelve-week basic training with modern weapons. [ [http://130.238.24.99/library/resources/dossiers/local_history_of_ethiopia/f/ORTFI.pdf "Local History in Ethiopia"] (pdf), The Nordic Africa Institute website (last accessed 21 November 2007)]

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