High up on a plateau in the S. Wollo area of Ethiopia sits an ageing bronze cannon, unmarked by any sign or engraving. This cannon is an enduring symbol of the reign of the Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia. The 13th of April 1999 marked the 131st anniversary of the suicide of that Emperor, who …
Dabra Damo monastery, which stands north of the road from Adwa to Adigrat, is one of Ethiopia’s most important historic sites. It was founded, according to tradition, at the beginning of the sixth century, by Abuna Za-Mika’el Aragawi, one of the famous Nine Saints. This early dating is confirmed by the building’s architecture, which is …
He is among a handful of Ethiopians who have made it to international celebrity status this century. He is one of the definitive figures of contemporary Ethiopian art, a giant recognized in Ethiopia, on the African continent and in fact the world over. His career spans five decades and three political regimes, and he continues …
contributor of features on various periods and aspects of Ethiopian history for the past six years. He is one of the steadfast pillars of this publication and we believe that this tribute is long overdue. Although he is not an Ethiopian by birth or citizenship I believe that his contributions to our country are so …
Debre Tabor was effectively the capital of Ethiopia during a turbulent period in the 19th Century. There is not much evidence in the town today of this prestigious past. Unlike Gondar which preceded it, or Addis Ababa which followed (after an interval), Debre Tabor has no surviving castles or palaces. It does have two large …
Last week the first of four old churches off the China Road in Northern Ethiopia were reviewed at Zuramba and Mujja. Today we continue with the tour of the churches. My personal favourite of the four churches is Bethlehem – although it is also hard to get to. The turn off from the China road …