Berhanena Selam Printing Press

The oldest and most modern printing company in Ethiopia

Amazing trip, iSTANBUL

The first printing press in Ethiopia established in 1914 EC and named Brhane ena Selam Printing Press in 1917 E.C.

In the year 1917, the Regent, Leul Ras Tafari Mekonen formulated a body responsible for the production of books by hand. Thus, distinguished scholars from various churches and monasteries across the country were invited to Addis Ababa. Scribes and Geez professionals were also employed to translate the books of the Holy Scriptures from Geez into Amharic version. In the years to come, the increasing need for reading materials and the progressive efforts made by the scribes and other scholars gave a way for the search for modern printing methods. Having desired to see a greater production of religious and educational works that might help create an enlightened and open society, the young Regent imported modern printing machines comparatively new to Ethiopia from Germany. The printing press was located in the present compound of Addis Ababa University that was also the palace (“Genete Leul”) in September 1921. The printing press stepped up into a new chapter of development when it started printing of the first newspaper called “Berhanena Selam” (Light and Peace) on December 1924. The name “Berhanena Selam” for the present printing press was also adopted from this newspaper. In addition to “Berhanena Selam”, the press was printing a newspaper entitled “Atibia Kokeb” launched in 1926 E.C. and continued to appear until it finally ceased during the Italian invasion. It was a weekly issue both in Amharic and French. “Berhanena Selam” newspaper went out of publication in Miazia 22, 1928 E.C. during the Italian Invasion until later reappeared in the post liberation period.

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