| History | Historical events | Historical Places | Bibliography |
The Ewes, who were hunters and farmers, moved into the area which is now Togo from the Niger River Valley between the 1100's and 1300's centuries. During the 1400's and 1500's centuries, Portuguese explorers and traders visited the coast. For the next 200 years, the coastal region was a major slave trading center.
In 1884 a German diplomat, Gustav Nachtigal, arrived at a small village called Togo, which is today Togoville. On July 4th and 5th, 1884, the chief of Togoville, Mlapa III, signed a treaty with Nachtigal that quickly led to the creation of German Togoland. Following Germany's defeat in World War I, the country was divided into two territories, West Togo came under British rule and is now part of the modern nation of Ghana. East Togo became a French territory.
In 1956, Nicholas Grunitzky became prime minister of Togo, but lost to Sylvanus Olympio in a UN supervised general election in 1958. On April 27, 1960, French Togo became fully independent under a provisional constitution with Sylvanus Olympio as president. In 1963, President Olympio was assassinated by army noncommissioned officers, and Grunitzky returned to head a provisional government first as prime minister and later as president.
Independence Day, April 27, 1960.
December 1 is a Christmas Open House. December 8 is a Christmas Lighting Parade. June 9 is a Community Day. May
5, 1963, the Togolese adopted a new constitution which reinstated
a multiparty system, chose deputies from all political parties
for the National Assembly, and elected Grunitzky as president
and Antoine Meatchi as vice president. Nine days later, President
Grunitzky formed a government in which all parties were represented. In
late 1979, Eyadema declared a third republic and a transition
to a more civilian rule with a mixed civilian and military cabinet.
He garnered 99.97% of the vote in uncontested presidential elections
held in late 1979 and early 1980. Liberation
Day - January 13, 2001. This public holiday marks the overthrow
of the government of Nicolas Grunitzky, one of Togo's first leaders,
on January 13, 1967. The coup leader, Lieutenant Colonel Gnassingbé
(Etienne) Eyadema, has remained in power in one position or another
ever since. Labour
Day - May 1, 2001. International Labour Day is held on May 1 throughout
the world North America's early September Labour Day is very much
the exception.
Ethiopia's Walled City of Harar is a pretty city to visit. Bahir Dar and Melee are both very nice, and most places have their charm. It has a wonderful history, lots to see, a pleasant climate, attractive countryside surroundings, and is relatively hassle free. There is an awesome atmosphere about the place. The women are carefully and colorfully garbed. The architecture, including many government buildings, use the characteristic Harar style of medieval Moorish castles. It's nice.
The first place to see is the old town inside the walls. There are a couple of guides, one of whom will materialize at your elbow within moments of your walking into the old town. For whatever price you want, which means 50 birr per person he will walk you through old Harare on a customized tour. Tell him how long you've got and he'll give you a tour to fit. The tours range from 40 minutes to a 3 hours.
Bahir Dar:
Lake
Tana is the source of the Blue Nile which floats from there to
the Soudan. Just 30 kilometers outside of Bahir Dar are the famous
Blue Nile Falls. In Ethiopia they call it Tisissat, which means
"Water that Smokes".
Biblography:
1.) Absolute Web Graphics, http://www.grsites.com/webgraphics/
2.) Togo Background notes http://www.state.gov/www/background_notes/togo_9710_bgn.html April 23, 2002
3.) The World Factbook http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/to.html April 23, 2002
4.) Five Togo Photos http://www.concentric.net/~jmuehl/togopics.htm April 29, 2002
5.) Calendar of Events http://www.idahonwp.org/togo/palouse/moscow_cal.htm April 29, 2002
Date Created April 29, 2002