Ethiopia is taking significant steps to restore two key cultural landmarks: the Aksum Obelisk (Stelae Three) and the Al-Nejashi Mosque, as part of efforts to revive its tourism sector and preserve historical heritage. These restoration projects are crucial to Tigray’s recovery following years of conflict.
A comprehensive study and rehabilitation project for the Aksum Obelisk has been launched, with an allocated budget of 15 million birr. The project will unfold in two phases: a three-month study phase followed by a nine-month rehabilitation period. This initiative follows an earlier study, begun in October 2023, which became outdated due to the additional damage caused by an earthquake. Prior to the Tigray war, an agreement had been made with an Italian company to restore Stelae Three, alongside the ancient mausoleums in Aksum, at an estimated cost of 115 million birr. However, the war’s impact necessitated a revision of the original survey.
Officials from the Tigray Tourism Bureau reported that the Aksum Obelisk, which has been unstable for over a decade, suffered further damage during the installation of a repatriated obelisk, involving the use of heavy machinery. The construction of the obelisk dates back to the fourth century and commemorates King Ezana. It is the only large stela that has remained in its original position, untouched by relocation or collapse, and is considered to be the last obelisk constructed in the region.
Alongside the Aksum Obelisk, the restoration of the Al-Nejashi Mosque is also underway. The mosque, located in Wukro, 59 kilometers from the regional capital Mekelle, suffered significant damage during the Tigray war in 2020. Bombarded during the conflict, its dome, minaret, and the tombs of important Islamic figures were severely damaged. The restoration of the Al-Nejashi Mosque began in September 2024, funded by the Turkish Development Agency (TIKA), and is expected to be completed by May 2025. The project is seen as not only a physical restoration but also a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation.
Shek Reja Nuru, head of the Al-Nejashi Mosque, emphasized the profound significance of the mosque’s restoration, noting that it is not just about reconstructing physical structures but about restoring the cultural legacy that was nearly lost during the war. The Tigray Tourism Bureau has indicated that the restoration of both the Aksum Obelisk and Al-Nejashi Mosque is integral to the region’s broader efforts to rebuild and revitalize its tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the war.
Since the signing of the Pretoria Agreement, there has been a modest increase in tourist visits to Tigray’s historic sites. However, regional authorities acknowledge that a full recovery of the tourism sector will be a long-term effort. The Tigray Tourism Bureau, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Tourism, launched a program in December 2023 to rebrand and reopen tourism in the region. The initiative aims to restore the annual flow of 90,000 visitors to Tigray’s attractions, with over 5,000 tourists already visiting in the last fiscal year.
The restoration projects are seen as essential not only for preserving Ethiopia’s cultural heritage but also for rebuilding the regional economy by attracting tourists and fostering pride among the local population.
TIKA’s Ongoing Contribution to Restoring Africa’s Historical Landmarks
TIKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) has been instrumental in restoring numerous historical landmarks across Africa, particularly through projects like the restoration of the Al-Nejashi Mosque in Ethiopia. The agency’s efforts extend far beyond Ethiopia, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and the revitalization of local tourism sectors.
Through its initiatives, TIKA has restored thousands of historical sites, both within Ethiopia and across the continent, contributing significantly to preserving these landmarks and supporting the tourism industry. The restoration of the Al-Nejashi Mosque is one such example. Funded by TIKA, this project is seen not only as a restoration of physical structures but also as a powerful symbol of resilience and the protection of cultural heritage.
These restoration projects have been met with great appreciation from the local communities, who see them as vital for preserving their history and identity. By undertaking these efforts, TIKA not only helps protect these important cultural sites but also boosts the tourism sector, providing economic opportunities for the regions involved.
In collaboration with various African nations, TIKA continues to work on restoring and preserving key cultural sites, ensuring that Africa’s rich heritage is safeguarded for future generations. Through these projects, TIKA is playing a key role in both preserving historical landmarks and contributing to the development of local economies through tourism.
