The restoration of the historic Al-Nejashi Mosque in Ethiopia’s Tigray region is in its final stages, with local authorities reporting the project is 90% complete. The mosque, which was significantly damaged during the two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia, is undergoing reconstruction with financial and technical support from the Turkish government and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Zafu Gebresilase, the Cultural and Tourism Coordinator of Wukro district, told local media that repairs have been underway for the past eight months, led by local professionals in collaboration with national and regional heritage experts. She noted that both the mosque and its guesthouse suffered extensive damage from artillery shelling, but that the majority of the work has been completed as scheduled.
“The remaining tasks are minor, and we expect to finalize the restoration in the coming days,” Zafu said.
The restoration has been guided by a team of experts from Mekelle University, as well as officials from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism, the Tigray Regional Culture and Tourism Bureau, and community representatives, who are overseeing the quality and historical integrity of the work.
Located about 59 kilometers from Mekelle, Al-Nejashi Mosque holds deep religious and cultural importance. It is named after King Al-Nejashi (Ashama ibn Abjar) of the ancient Aksumite Kingdom, who welcomed the first Muslim migrants fleeing persecution in Mecca during the 7th century.
The mosque and the tombs of early Muslim followers were first restored by TİKA in 2018, but were later damaged during fighting in the region, particularly from Eritrean military shelling.
As part of the renewed commitment to protect cultural heritage, Turkish and Ethiopian authorities agreed earlier this year to collaborate on the mosque’s rehabilitation. The effort is being conducted under the oversight of TİKA, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, and the Tigray Regional State Culture and Tourism Bureau.
Once complete, the restored mosque is expected to reopen to worshippers and visitors, serving both as a spiritual center and a symbol of historical and interreligious significance.