Abstract:
The historical studies so far conducted on Ethiopian urbanization emphasized on the
foundation, growth and development of large towns. Due to these, the urbanization process of
small towns such Sire town and the like were got little or no attention by these studies. Thus, this
historical study fill the gap by substantiating urban historiography of Ethiopia in general and
Wollega particularly in which many scholars left aside small town . Also providing as sources
for others scholars whom are interest in studying of urbanization. As the same time these
researches serve as spring board for other historians but also contribute to enriching,
reconstruction and expansion of national history. In the historical study deals with the history of
Sire town from its foundation in 1920 up to 2000s, the very objective of the thesis is attempt to
reconstruct the social, economic, administrative, religious, institutional and political history of
Sire town based on different sources.
For this study historical research method is utilized .The main three steps of in historical
research method were followed: Collection of data both from primary and secondary sources as
well as oral source : Criticism of data collected including the process of external criticism and
internal criticism; and the presentation of the facts by considering issues of organization and
interpretation. Accordingly, the writing of history of Sire town is based on data collected from
different sources found in different areas.
The thesis extensively uses every available source that is highly related to the study area with
careful evaluation of the sources validity. Even though the main focus are both primary and
secondary sources , I will also give great consideration to elderly community members in order
to reconstruct the broad sketch by interviewing who have good knowledge about foundation and
development of Sire town. Primary and secondary sources on the study area are however scanty
and therefore, fulfilled by oral information.
All data gathered are organized and grouped into their categories. These data together with
oral information are carefully arranged and crosschecked. Then the data are analyzed,
described, interpreted and narrated chronologically and thematically. It is in this way that the
history of Sire town from its foundation up to 2000s is reconstructed
