DEBRE BIRHAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT THE CONSERVATION HISTORY OF GONDÄRIAN HISTORIC BUILDINGS 1930s to 2013. BY NETSANET ABAY ADVISOR: WESSEN SHIFERAW (PH.D CANDIDATE) DEBRE BIRHAN: ETHIOPIA JUNE, 2018
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DEBRE BIRHAN UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
THE CONSERVATION HISTORY OF GONDÄRIAN HISTORIC BUILDINGS
1930s to 2013.
BY
NETSANET ABAY
ADVISOR: WESSEN SHIFERAW (PH.D CANDIDATE)
DEBRE BIRHAN: ETHIOPIA
JUNE, 2018
iv
DEBRE BERHAN UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE MENEGEMENT
THE CONSERVATION HISTORY OF GONDARIAN HISTORIC BUILDINGS 1930s to
2013.
By
NETSANET ABAY
ADVISOR: WESSEN SHIFERAW (PhD, candidate)
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN THE PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF ARTS
IN HISTORY AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
JUNE, 2018
DEBRE BERHAN UNIVERSITY
v
COLLEGE of GRADUATE STUDIES
APPROVED By BOARD of EXAMINERS
This is to certify that the thesis prepared by Netsanet Abay Tilahun entitled “the Conservation
History of Gondarian Historic Buildings” and submitted in partial fulfillment of a requirement
for the Degree of Masters of Art in history and heritage management complies with the
regulations of the university and meets the accepted standards with respect originality and
quality.
Signed by examining committee
External examiner________________ Signature__________ Date__________
Internal examiner________________Signature___________ Date__________
Advisor _______________________Signature___________ Date__________
Chairperson Course coordinator___________________ Signature__________
Date__________
vi
Acknowledgments
The completion of this thesis is the result of the support of many, who stood by my side from
the conception of the title of the thesis to its present appearance. Here are just a few who
helped in making this thesis possible:
I would like to forward my heartfelt thanks to Wessen Shiferaw (Ph.D candidate) for his
patience and unwavering commitment to support me ever since the designing of the proposal
until the completion of this thesis. He has always been with me to frame the structure of the
research and give constructive comments. There are also many people that I would like to
thank for their support and encouragement to complete the thesis. Mr Dawit Belete is also the
one, whom I must acknowledge his heartfelt concern and support when I was collecting data
from different places in Gondär. He had always been with me sharing his time and kindness. I
am also grateful to Mr ʾAlamayahu Gebre wolde, who was always collaborative to
provide to the all the materials and moral support I need to prepare on this thesis. His
knowledge based support helped me to consolidate my work particularly on the conservation
history of Gondärian historic buildings. Last but not least, I would like to extend my
appreciation to the librarians of ARCCH, IES, Gondär City culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport
Office and National Library and Archives Agency for their collaborative tasks to provide me
all the available sources.
vii
Key to Transliteration This thesis adopted the transliteration system of Encyclopedia Ӕthiopica
v
List of Tables
Table1፡ The Overall Restoration Processes of Gondärian Historic Buildings from 1930‟s to
2013…………………………………………………………………………………………70
Table 5: List of Informants……………………………………………………………..…..108
vi
List of Figures
Pages
Figure 1 Map of the Study Area …………………………………………..…7
Figure 2 Place Arrangement of Medieval Royal Camps……………………15
Figure 3 Place Arrangement of Gondärian Historic Buildings …………......16
Figure 4 Map of Gondarian Historic Buildings …………...............................17
Figure 5Palace of King Fasilädäs……………………………………………53
Figure 6 The palace of King Yohhanes……………………………………...57
Figure 7 The palace of king Iyasu I………………………………………….58
Figure 8 The palace of King Dawit III…………………………………….…59
Figure 9 The Banquet hall of King Bakaffa……………………………….…64
Figure 10 The Palace of Məntəwab………………………………………….68
Figure 11 The Bath of king Fasilädäs………………………………………..70
Figure 12 The palace of Ras Genb………………………………………….72
Figure 13 The Organizational Structure of Gondärian Historic Buildings…..83
vii
Acronyms
ARCCH Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
CRCCH Center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
EC Ethiopian Calendar
ECHP Ethiopian cultural heritage project report
EU European Union
EEC European Economic Community
EOTC Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church
EPRDF Ethiopian People‟s Revolutionary Democratic Front
ESIBT Ethio -Swedish Institute of Building Technology
ETTC Ethiopian Tourist Trading Corporation
Fig Figure
GC Gregorian calendar
HASIDA Handicrafts and Small-scale Industries Development Agency
ICOMOS International Council on Monuments and Sites
IMF International Monetary Fund
IPTS Inventory of Protected Towns of Switzerland
NALA National Archive and Library Agency
NGO Non Governmental Organization
NPCH National Policy on Culture and Heritage
SIDA Swedish International Development Authority
UNDP United Nations Development program
UNESCO United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization
WHS World Heritage Site
viii
Abstract
This thesis is a thesis of the conservation history of Gondarian historic buildings in Ethiopia’s
north-western cityof Gondar. The history and challenges pertaining to the conservation of
these medieval architectural heritages, able it their importance in heritage studies, have never
been examined by researchers in the field. The prime objective of this research is, therefore,
to investigate and document a history and challenges of conservation practices carried out on
these historic buildings from 1930s to 2013 as well as heritage values of these historic
buildings. Based mainly on primary and secondary sources of data such as archival
documents pertaining the issues and interviews with key informants, the thesis indicated that
modern conservation practices on Gondarian historic buildings began during the 1930s and
assumed, since then, national and international dimensions. The thesis found out that the
registration of these historic buildings by the UNESCO in 1979 and bilateral cooperation
between Ethiopia and European countries brought more actors and financial resources from
abroad for the conservation of these historic buildings. There are both natural and human
factors affecting the sustainable conservation of Gondarian historic buildings. As the
assessment reveals out, the values of these architectural heritages are so diverse that includes
economic, socio-cultural, artistic, architectural and political values. One major finding of the
thesis indicates that some of the conservation projects on Gondarian historic buildings were
implemented without due consideration of internationally accepted conservation theories,
principles and guidelines. Therefore, national institutions responsible for the conservation of
these heritages and the associated stakeholders should organize and implement conservation
practices in a way that considers the history, values and challenges on these heritages as well
as in the light of the scientific principles and methods of conservation.
ix
Table of content
Contents Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................... vi
Key to Transliteration ................................................................................................................ vii
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ v
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. vi
Acronyms ................................................................................................................................... vii
Abstract .................................................................................................................................... viii
Table of content........................................................................................................................... ix
Chapter One.................................................................................................................................1
1 Historical Background of the Thesis Area……………………………………………………….1
Fig 2 the Map of Gondarian historic buildings compound (Fasil
Gəbi)………………………...11
Source: Debre Berhan University GIS Laboratory……………………………………………...11
1.1 Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………………………...12
1.2Research Questions……………………………………………………………………………..14
1.3Objective of the Thesis………………………………………………………………………….14
1.3.1GeneralObjective……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………….14
1.3.2 Specific Objectives .............................................................................................................. 14
1.4 Methodology………………………………………………………………………..15
1.4.1 Ethical Considerations ........................................................................................................ 16
1.5 Scope of the Study……………………………………………………………………………...16
1.6 Significance of the Thesis………………………………………………………………………16
1.7 Limitation of the Thesis………………………………………………………………………..17
Chapter two .......................................................................................................................................... 18
2.1 Literature Review and Theoretical Framework of Conservation………………………….18
2.1.1 Concept and History of Conservation………………………………………………………18
2.2.2Theory and Principles of Conservation .............................................................................. 19
2.2 History of Conservation at Global Level ............................................................................ 26
2.3 History of Conservation in Africa ........................................................................................ 32
x
2.4 History of Conservation of Historical Buildings in Ethiopia ............................................. 35
Chapter Three ...................................................................................................................................... 40
3.1 The Conservation history of Gondärian Historic Buildings from the time of Italian
Occupation of Ethiopia (1930’s) to 2013………………………………………………………….40
3.1.1 The Palace of king Fasilädäs’ ............................................................................................. 45
3.1.2 The Library of king Yohhanes ........................................................................................... 49
3.1.3 The palace of king Iyasu I .................................................................................................. 50
3.1.4 The palace of king Dawit III .............................................................................................. 51
3.1.5 The Banquet hall of King Bäkafa ...................................................................................... 52
3.1.6 The Palace of Məntəwab ..................................................................................................... 56
3.1.7 The Bath of King Fasilädäs ................................................................................................ 61
3.1.8 The Palace of Ras Mikaʾel Səhul (Ras Gənb) ................................................................... 63
3.2 Institutional Structure for the Organization and Implementation of Conservation Projects
on Gondärian Historic Buildings………………………………………………………………….74
3.3 The Roles and Responsibilities of Different Stakeholders…………………………………..75
3.3.1 The Contribution of Nongovernmental Organizations .................................................... 77
3.3.2 The Contribution of the Local Community ...................................................................... 79
3.3.3Contribution of Ethiopian Orthodox Täwahədo Church ................................................. 80
3.4 Structural and Functional Conservation Problems of Gondärian Historic Buildings…….81
Chapter Four ........................................................................................................................................ 84
4.1History of Conservation Challenges on Gondärian Historic Buildings……………………..84
4.1.1Financial Problems .............................................................................................................. 84
4.1.2 Short Supply of Local Materials ........................................................................................ 85
4.1.3 Lack of Skilled Manpower ................................................................................................. 85
4.2 Natural and Human Factors affecting of Gondärian Historic Buildings…………………..87
4.2.1 Natural Factors ................................................................................................................... 87
4.2.2 Human Factors .................................................................................................................... 89
4.3 Heritage Values of Gondärian Historic Buildings…………………………………………...90
4.3.1Political Value ....................................................................................................................... 91
4.3.2 Commemorative Value ....................................................................................................... 91
4.3.3. Spiritual Value .................................................................................................................... 92
4.3.4 Economic Value ................................................................................................................... 92
4.3.5 Architectural Value ............................................................................................................. 92
xi
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 94
Recommendations ................................................................................................................................ 96
Bibliography ......................................................................................................................................... 98
Table of informants ............................................................................................................................ 105
Declaration .......................................................................................................................................... 107
1
Chapter One
1 Historical Background of the study Area
Gondär City is located in Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia and it is a center of
administration for North Gondär Zone. Geographically it is located 12026‟14‟‟to 12
041‟11‟‟
North and 370 21‟33‟‟ to 37
0 32‟5‟‟ East. Gondär town is surrounded by three districts these are
Gondär Zuriya in South east, Dämbiya South West, Lay ʾArma əho in the North and North West
directions. It is 748 km, 180 km & 220 km far from Addis Ababa, Bahər dar and the border with
Sudan respectively.
Fig:1 Location Map of Gondär.
Source: Debre Berhan University GIS Laboratory.
2
Gondär is one the historical towns in Ethiopia. Before the establishment of Gondär as a
permanent capital, there were other permanent capitals in Ethiopia. When we see, based on the
chronology of our country‟s history from the beginning of Axumite kingdom till the time of
Gondärian period, there were historical towns which served as permanent capitals. These were
Axum during the time of Axumite kingdom, Roha (Lalibäla) during the time of Zagwe dynasty,
Debre Berhan town during the reign of king Zäraʿa yaʾəqob and Wa ə during the time of
Gälawdewos it is a little bit we can say a permanent capital. By the coming of Jesuits in the
reign of LəbnäDəngəl till the coming to power of king Fasilädäs, our country was entered in to a
period of instability and disorder. Before the establishment of Gondär as permanent capital the
highland Christian Emperors encountered much instability, resulting from different causes like
religious controversy and the movement of the Oromo people1.
In the1630s there began a long and slow process of growth and contraction of revival and
setback, which in interaction with transformation in the wider world, leads directly to the 20th
C.
The later seventeenth and eighteenth century provide one of the principal points of reference for
the definition of what constitutes „traditional‟ within the framework of Christian and Solomonic
Ethiopia. So many of the manuscripts documented the countries cultural and historical legacy
written at that time, after the time of Zämänä Mäsafənt these manuscripts were collected by
Emperor Tewodros II, who deposited them at Mäqdäla. Later when Emperor Tewodros II
committed suicide; the manuscripts were looted by the British Military Expedition in 1868. The
establishment of Gondär as a permanent capital was crucial for the survival of the Solomonic
dynasty. Major new works of historical manuscripts were composed and accounts of earlier
periods were compiled. New schools of painting and architecture developed2.
After that period, the process was one of the rediscovery and redefinition of the legacy of the
first Solomonic period. Ethiopia‟s relation with foreign countries in most forms had been
interrupted for two generations following 1632, but Ethiopia remained active member of the red
sea community of states and people and carried on diplomacy ranged from Istanbul to Mughal
1DonaldCrummey.Land and Society in the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia. (Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa university),
2000,pp. 73-81.
2 Ibid
3
India. Because of the strong relation with these countries, Ethiopia was influenced by different
variety of techniques, styles, and materials which influenced everything from art to building
ideas.3
When king Fasilädäs settled at Gondär, he built palaces and churches; his royal successors also
constructed palaces, churches and other buildings. Gondär served as a fixed capital which
continued to serve as the country‟s political center in one sense or another for two centuries. The
achievements of the 17th
and early 18th
centuries have been over looked in the search for
explanations for the collapse of national institutions which began in 1779. Gondär was far from
an abnormality simply the largest of the host of towns scattered about the Ethiopian highlands,
from the ʾAbay in the north to the edge of the plateau. The distribution of these towns charts the
core areas of the Gondärian period at least at the later 18th
C. Endued churches and monasteries
with rights of protection were one of their essential features.4
Like many of its precursor and successor towns, Gondär has different legendry accounts of its
origin. Some of these legends are related with divine intervention. One legend has it that emperor
Ləbnä Dəngəl was told by an angel that his successors would leave Šäwa for western Ethiopia
and establish their residence at a place whose name starts with the seventh order of the Amharic
letter word (ጐ). Since then and until king Fasilädäs founded Gondär with the help of “divine
guidance” many of Ləbnä Dəngəl‟s successors had sought places that started with the syllabus
“ጐ” and had established capitals there. This explanation related with the foundation of temporary
capitals like Guzara and Gubay (ʾƎnfəraz) and Gorgora.5
The other legend that is related with the origin of Gondär is the arrival of two brothers Wäyne
and Säyne from ʾƎnderta(Təgray) prior to Fasilädäs. These two brothers were residing between
the present day an täkäl and ʾArbaratuʾənsəsa. It was also from these brothers land Fasilädäs
built the castle that stands today.6Other scholars also relate the origin of Gondär with the
misunderstanding created between the two brothers. Elders who mediated the brothers decided to
3Ibid
4 Ibid
5 Richard Pankhrust. History of Ethiopian towns: from the middle age to the early 19
thc.(Wiesbaden: Steiner), 1982,
pp.117-120
6Giyorgis Mäläsä. “Gondar yesterday and today,” in Ethiopia observer, vol. XII,no, 3, 1969.P.10.
4
separate the two families by saying that bä-gonʾədär (one should reside beside the other) since
then the name Gondär corrupted from the word bä-gonʾədärhas been employed for the society.7
The other version about the origin of Gondär also related with language aspect. It made the name
“Gondär” an outcome of a combination of two Qəmant and Amharic words, “gwand” and “där”
respectively. While “gwand” stood for ditch, well or precipice in the Qəmant language,
“där”means edge or limit in Amharic, Which therefore portrayed Gondär as a land situated on
the edge of a precipice, ditch or well8.Zbynek also confirmed that Gondär was surrounded by
two rivers called ʾAngäräb and Kaha9.
However, there are certain historic facts which seem to support some of the legendry background
of the city. The history of Ethiopia is marked by population movements from both north and
south. Tadäsä Tamərat and James Quirin argued that during 13th
C Christian immigrants moved
from Təgray to the region of Amhara and further to Šäwa10
.Thus Wäyne and Säyne might have
been one among such immigrants who settled in and established Gondär. Märəd Wäldäʾarägay
tried to show besides the existence of churches such as Qaha ʾIyäsus,ʾAba Samuʾel, Bəla əg
Qədus Mikaʾeland Waranqb Giyorgis ( at ʾAzäzo) which pre date Fasilädäs‟s arrival in the area
and which were said to have been built by the two brothers seems to indicate that the legend
holds a grain of truth.
It is also said that Bahrä Näga Yəshaq had met Särșä Dəngəl sometime between 1566 and 1567
at the ʾAngäräb River, which was not very far from Gondär. What is more through Särșä Dəngəl
had abandoned Šäwa as the center of his empire; he had frequented Gubay as his seat. At later
7MäkätäʾAyalew,“a thesis of urban development: the case of Gondar MA thesis in Geography”, Addis Ababa
University, August 1991, pp. 15-16.
8Ibid
9ZBYNEK MALY,“The Visit of Martin Lang”, Czech Franciscan, in Gondar in 1752, pp. 8
10Tadäsä Tamərat. Church and state in Ethiopia 1270-1529.(London: Oxford University Press), 1992,p. 120
5
date he also settled at ʾAyba which is to the east and not very far from Gondär, this shows the
existence of Gondär was before the coming of king Fasilädäs. 11
Immediately after the coming to power, king Fasilädäs constructed many buildings for different
purposes: ʾənqulal Gənb, kʷali bär, Duqet Wäräqät Gənb, Anbäsä and Färäsbet. Besides, a bath
which is known as the Fasilädäs bath was built to the south west and away from the palace
complex.12
According to Donald Crummey, Fasilädäs and his successors built many churches and palaces
including bridges, Adäbabay ʾIyäsus,ʾAdäbabay T/ Haymanot, ʾA a ami Mikaʾel, Gəm a bet
maryam, FitʾAbo, Fit Mikaʾel, all are constructed by Fasilädäs While the majority of these
churches were built in the vicinity of the palace, the last two were situated south and away from
the palace which thus gave additional quarters to the city. Bridges are also constructed over the
rivers that had encompassed Gondär and over the Blue Nile. This besides connecting the city
with its surroundings enhanced communication and the flow of goods. 13
According to Crummey, king Fasilädäs also built other churches inside and outside Gondär
town, such as Qes ʾAdwa Kərstos, ʾƎndä ʾAbunä Täklä Haymanot Liban, Kəbran Gäbrəʾel,
Mädhaneʾaläm
Gondär, Mäsärätä Kərstos, Qoma Fasilädäs and Țana Qirqos had grants and endowments from
the king. Other Gondärian kings also built different churches in different area.
The various castles within the vast palace enclosure were said to have been effected in strict
order of succession according to the chronological sequence of the kings. They were built in the
south and north direction, the last being that of Queen Məntəwab who had also constructed the
Qusqʷam palace and church on the extreme west of the city.14
11
Märəd WäldäʾArägay, „‟Gondar and Adwa: a tale of two cities‟‟ in proceeding of the eight international
conference Ethiopian studies, vol. 2, 1989,p 58. 12
Richard Pankhurst. History of Ethiopian towns: from the middle age to the early 19cth. p.59.
13
Donald Crummey.Land and Society in the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia. (Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa
university), 2000,pp74-6 14
Ibid
6
Among the Gondärian architectures the palace of king Fasilädäs is one of the most marvelous
buildings worth of admiration, and the most beautiful of outstanding wonders. Actually, there are
also other buildings in the compound that were built by other successive Gondärian Kings until
the end of Gondärian period or the beginning of the Era of Princes known as the Zämänä
Mäsafənt (1769).15
All of the Gondärian kings‟ are known as Fasil Gəbi, named after the first the first king or
founder of Gondär king Fasilädäs. Among these palaces the first one is the palace of King
Fasilädäs. This palace was built by Fasilädäs around 1636; the palace has 900-meter-long wall
and the compound covers an area of 7 hectares. The palaces compound is encircled by a high
wall which has twelve gates each of them having distinctive functions and names. There are
other palaces that are found in the compound which were built by other successive Gondärian
kings. Etege Məntəwab was an important patron of the arts spending most of her time
building castle and church following the example of her predecessors. In addition to her
palace in the main compound she constructed, about 5 km west of the main palace compound of
Gondär, the area where she built her new palace and church o f Däbrä əhay was later
named Qusqʷam. The church is one of the most attractive of the forty four churches in and
around Gondär.16
All of the palaces were built in the same time which means in one period during the time of
Gondärian period by different kings for different purpose. When it comes to the origin of
these numerous palaces, there are various arguments forwarded by different scholars. About the
origin of Gondärian historic buildings there are different hypothesis made byvarious
scholars. Most of these scholars put their argument by analyzing the influence of
foreigners on the architecture of Gondärian palaces. Donald Crummey is one of them. In his
book “Land and Society in the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia” he discussed about the
Gondärian kings and about the origin of the architectures. He tried to show the influence of
foreign artisans on the architectures of Gondärian historic buildings by relating with the
foreign relation of King Fasilädäs during his reign. There are different articles and books that
15
Fleming Aalund. Master Plan for the Preservationand Presentation of Cultural Heritage, (UNESCO, United
Nation Educational, Science and Cultural Organization), Paris, 1985. 16
Fasil Georgis et al., Ethiopian Architecture, Ethiopian institute of Architecture Building construction and City
development. Nd,p.42.
7
are written by different scholars and discuss in detail about the origin of Gondärian historic
buildings.17
At the beginning of the palace construction, king Fasilädäs‟ called the people in the
surrounding village to participate on the palace construction work and for their work the king
paid salary. After the completion of the construction of the palace, the workers became
merchants who facilitated the expansion of town and population growth. According to the
above-mentioned scholars, the Betä ʾƎsraʾel or the “F la a” artisans, who had been known for
their striking ability in building, played key role in the construction of the palace. Generally,
their argument is that the design of the palace came from outside Ethiopia but the artisans are
indigenous people.18
Based on oral tradition the materials that were used for the construction of buildings are
indigenous materials, which did not come from abroad. This is another indicator thing that
Gondärian palace has mostly constructed by indigenous people. The materials included lime,
egg, stone, and wood, which are available in our country. Märəd Wäldeʾarägay, concerning
nora (lime), said that the name nora is an Arabic word for lime, not as chunambo or any other
Indian word. He also stated that some scholars argued that in Ethiopia nora/lime was brought by
Indians but there are primary sources that show nora/lime is indigenous material because there
was an ancient church that was built by using lime in ʾAsmära, destroyed during the
wars of Ahmad “Gərañ” These sources refute the claim for the foreign origin of the Gondärian
historic buildings.19
On the other side there is another issue that is important to show the indigenous origin
on Gondärian palaces. When we compare the medieval-time military camps with the place
arrangement of Gondärian historic buildings there is similarity between them. According to
Alexandros Ph. Lagopoulos and M.G Lily Stylianoudi‟s discussion medieval time military
camps in Ethiopia follow a specific pattern which had stable over many centuries. As I try to
explain the previous discussion after the first two old permanent capitals of Ethiopia Aksum
and Roha (Lalibäla), in the period from 1270 to about 1550 there was no fixed capital, the
17
Donald Crummy, Land and Society in the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia, (Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa
university), 2000,pp, 73-81. 18
Sisay Sähəla et al. ,Ye Gondar tarik . G.G,M entertainment , 2008, pp,45-60. 19
Märəd W ld ʾArägay, Society and Technology in Ethiopia 1500-1800, pp,11-12.
8
kings moved constantly from place to place, it is the royal military camp that served as
capital. The royal camp with the court had the function of a permanent city.20
The description of military camps is found on Səratämängst, which as preserved in a Geez text,
serves as a real constitution, certainly the oldest one. This text used for recording
continues legislative activities. As the text itself states in its beginning “this is a book of the
kings and of the lords”, that is of many things including history, tradition and list of hierarchy.
It played an important role in the political life of the royal court and administration system.
Based on the prescription of Səratämängəst, Tadäsä Tamərat put the pattern of royal camp on his
book entitled Church and state. When we compare this pattern of medieval military camp with
the background of Gondärian historic buildings they have the same place arrangement. The
nuclei origin of Ethiopian towns has in military camps. This was the case with both Gondär
during the beginning of 17thC and Addis Ababa in 19thC. Gondär was dominated by the famous
castle of king Fasilädäs. The royal compound included four chapels and was accessible
through 12 gates. This is related to the number of the gates of heavenly Jerusalem. This traces
back to the mode of medieval military camps because the medieval military camps, other
surrounding gates and arrangements were similar with heavenly Jerusalem.21
We can compare the pattern of the land arrangement of medieval military camps and the
Gondärian palaces, and then easily we can understand the indigenous origin of Gondärian
historic buildings. In fact, there are changed names that included in the medieval royal camp and
in the Gondärian palaces. Concerning the place arrangement of the camps and Gondärian historic
buildings, they are mostly similar, so this indicates that there is indigenous character of the
origin of Gondärian historic buildings through the place arrangement of the palace.
20
Alexandros Ph. Lagopoulos and M.G Lily Stylianoudi, The symbolism of Space in Ethiopia, Np. 2001, pp,55 -78. 21
TaddesseTamrat, church and state in Ethiopia, Oxford Calrendon press, 1972.
9
Fig: 2 The pattern of military royal camp during medieval time.
Source: Tadäsä Tamərat, church and state in Ethiopia, Oxford Calrendon press, 1972.
10
Fig: 3: Picture of place arrangement in Gondärian historic buildings.
Source; Birth and glory of Gondär 1632-1770, I get this picture from the museum of RasGənb in
Gondär).
11
Fig 2 the Map of Gondarian historic buildings compound (Fasil Gəbi)
Source: Debre Berhan University GIS Laboratory.
12
1.1 Statement of the Problem
Regarding literatures that are related with my topic, many scholars conducted different
investigation on the Gondärian palaces. There are researchers and scholars wrote different books,
Journals and Articles about the history of Gondär, but most of them are more concentrated on the
history part which means they focus on the political history of Gondär, from these some of them
also tried to scrutinize on the area of heritages that includes palaces and attached churches.
LaVerle Berry on his article entitled Architecture and Kingship: The Significance of Gondär-
Style Architecture he studied about the architectural designs of the Gondärian kings palaces and
the origin of these architectural designs and he well studied about the purpose of the palace and
church buildings for the kings during the Gondärian period within a political aspect. Actually,
concerning the architectural origin and architectural design is still not answered by other
scholars, because based on the discussion of Berry, when we compare the Gondärian architecture
style with the previous northern Ethiopia cities architectures like ʾAksum and Zagwe there is no
any relation. He tried to discuss about only the above issues but he never discussed about the
conservation issue of Gondärian palaces. Another important research work that dealt in passing
with Gondärian palaces was that of Donald Crummey‟s Land and Society in the Christian
Kingdom of Ethiopia. He studied about the Gondärian kings from Fasilädäs till the end of
Gondärian period, the reign of ʾIyoʾas.
He gives some highlights only about the palaces of Gondärian kings that are constructed by King
Fasilädäs and other successive Gondärian kings. In doing so he missed all part of conservation
and heritage value of palaces, because his intention was on the political aspect about kings and
about the churches constructed by Gondärian kings within land grants.22
Giyorgis Mäläsä also studied about Gondärin his book entitled Gondär Yesterday and
Today,which discussed about the general history of Gondär. He well discussed about the history
of Gondär especially about each palace that are established by Gondärian kings. He wrote about
the palaces, their founders, from what materials they were made from, about the designs of the
22
Donald Crummey. Land and Society in the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia.(Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa
university), 2000.
13
palaces. In spite of his discussion about these issues, however, he said nothing about
conservation and preservation of heritages of Gondärian historic buildings.23
Richard Pankhurst in his book entitled History of Ethiopian Towns: from the middle age to the
early 19th
C, he discussed about the history of Gondär related with the palaces which start with
king Fasilädäs and then other successive Gondärian kings. He described more about the overall
condition of historic buildings by answering the questions like when, by whom and what type of
material they were made from and their relation with politics. However, like other scholars, he
gave no attention for the conservation of Gondärian historic buildings.24
Chojancki Stainlaw thesis on the title of preservation of Ethiopian Cultural Heritages; on his
discussion about the preservation of Ethiopian cultural heritage he tries to review about the state
of cultural heritage preservation all over Ethiopia. He puts some light on the aspect of cultural
heritages found in Gondär but not as much detailed about each palaces and churches that are
attached with the kings‟ palace.25
Thus, this thesis will fill the aforementioned gap in the thesis of
conservation history of Gondärian historic buildings. By crosschecking the oral information with
other written sources as much as possible a better understanding about the conservation history
of Gondärian historic buildings were made undoubtedly possible
The area has its own role to reconstruct the history of Gondärian period; not only the Gondärian
period it is also important to show that how Solomonic dynasty had survived politically and
architecturally. However, many of scholars and researchers investigated on this area on the
aspect of history connected with the political history or general history of Gondär and on the
architecture design of Gondärian historic buildings, that means LaVerle Berry, Donald Crummey
and Richard Pankhurst investigated on the architectural design of Gondärian palaces, but aspects
of heritage value and conservation are not well studied. Heritage conservation means protecting
any heritage from deterioration and damaging factors. It is the process of maintaining and
managing change to a heritage asset in a way that sustain and, where appropriate, enhance its
significance. When we conserve our heritages it generates benefits to owners and to community
23
GiyorgisMäläsä. “Gondar Yesterday and Today,” in Ethiopia observer, vol. XII,no, 3, 1969. 24
Richard Pankhrust. History of Ethiopian towns: from the middle age to the early 19th
c.(Wiesbaden: Steiner), 1982. 25
Stainslaw, Chojanck. The preservation of Ethiopia Cultural Heritage, Dialiogue, Vol.5, no. 2. Addis Ababa 1971.
14
as a whole. Heritage conservation increases property values both of the restored building and
surrounding properties, additionally it can be important to increase tourists flow. Heritage
conservation is important for both of natural and cultural heritages, when we see conservation of
cultural heritage its primary objective is to protect cultural heritage from loss and damage.
Generally, conservation is associated with the protection of natural resources, protection of
buildings, objects and landscapes. Simply conservation means the proper use of any natural and
cultural heritages. So, there is no researcher who dealt with this important issue, even those who
studied about Gondärian historic buildings. Therefore, to fill such gap, this thesis was designed
to thesis the conservation history of Gondärian Palaces. The thesis contains both historical
aspects of the history of conservation from the initial to present about Gondärian historic
buildings and the values of it in detail.
1.2Research Questions
This research answered the following research questions.
What was the background of the Gondärian historic buildings?
How were the Gondärian historic buildings conservation projects organized and
implemented?
What are the conservation challenges of Gondärian historic buildings?
what are the values of Gondärian historic buildings?
1.3Objective of the Thesis
1.3.1 General Objective
The general objective of this thesis is to thesis and document the conservation history of
Gondärian historic buildings found at Fasil Gəbi of Gondär town.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
15
The specific objectives of this research are the following.
To explore the background of Gondärian historic buildings.
To identify conservation projects implemented on Gondärian historic buildings.
To analyzed the conservation challenges and prospects of Gondärian historic
buildings.
To understand and explain heritage values of Gondärian historic buildings.
1.4 Methodology
In order to thesis the conservation history of Gondärian palaces, the researcher use both primary
and secondary sources. Among primary sources Travelers accounts, interviews and practical
field observation are the most important ones. During interview I selected key informants based
on purposive sampling technique (expert sampling). Expert sampling is a type of purposive
sampling technique that is used when researcher needs individuals that have particular expertise.
Accordingly, I selected informants based on their professional background and experience in
participating in conservation project implementation. Thus, two architects (from the ARCCH and
Gondär Town Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport office), two guides (working in Fasil Gəbi)
and two individuals working as heads of conservation division in cultural heritage institutions at
regional and municipal levels in the Amhara National Regional State. Besides, I interviewed a
priest who has been the administrator of the ʾA a ami Mikaʾel church found on the site of Fasil
Gəbi. These interviews were conducted by taking into consideration age and position of the
interviewed informants.
I used archival sources which are found in ARCCH office and NALA (National Archive and
Library Agency).The reason for why I use itis because of archival documents are primary
sources and they are more important for one thesis. These primary sources provide evidence of
activities and tell more about the conservation history of Gondarian historic buildings. This
thesis asses about the conservation history of Gondarian palaces from 1930s to 2013, so, I could
not get a person who participated during that time, since it is impossible to find the person who
participated in conservation works on Gondarian historic buildings at that time, the most
important way is use the documents that were used at the time such as letters and reports and
16
newspapers. In addition, the use of archival document is important to strength the originality of
my thesis.
Most of the archives that are used in this thesis are reports, letters and news papers. As far as the
secondary source is concerned, I used different related and relevant literature both contextual and
methodological aspects, includes books, journals, articles, brochure that will be obtained from
town municipalities regarding on historical building preservation, conservation and restoration
aspect.
1.4.1 Ethical Considerations
The data have been primarily gathered and accurately processed by using appropriate and
applicable research methodology. The informant verses researcher relationship, as well as the
reporting information collected has been corrected out according to the accepted ethical
standards including by respecting handling disagreements between interviewees, avoid taking
sides and give justification about the aim of the thesis for interviewees.
1.5 Scope of the Study
The temporal scope of the thesis mainly focused on the conservation history of Gondärian
historic buildings from Italian occupation of Ethiopia to present day which means from the
beginning of conservation in the palaces to 2013. In terms of its geographical scope, the thesis
focused on the Gondärian historic buildings found in Fasil Gəbi of Gondär town. Thematically,
the thesis dealt with only the conservation history of Gondärian historic buildings.
1.6 Significance of the Thesis
The findings of this thesis have different significances. These can be categorized as academic
and practical significances. Specifically:
This thesis can contribute towards enhancing our understanding of the
conservation history of Gondärian historic buildings.
It can give clue for a new direction of conservation and preservation practice for
the community and the government through recommendation in order to ensure
the survival of Gondärian historic buildings.
17
The thesis is also significant to help upgrade public awareness about the overall
heritage values of the Gondärian historic buildings.
1.7 Limitation of the Thesis
The shortage of sources concerning on heritage conservation is one limitation for thesis.
Regarding secondary sources that deal with Ethiopian heritage conservation almost there is
nothing. This shows that there is a big gap in sources concerning heritage conservation in
Ethiopia in general and Gondärian historic buildings in particular. Primary sources related with
conservation history of Gondärian historic buildings are found in ARCCH record office, but
most of their arrangement is difficult to get them. In addition, some documents were written by
hand. Therefore, it is difficult to read these documents.
18
Chapter two
2.1 Literature Review and Theoretical Framework of Conservation
Gondär is one of the historical towns in Ethiopia. The town is established during medieval time
around the beginning of 17th
C by King Fasilädäs. The establishment of Gondär as a permanent
capital had different development for the period. As I tried to explain in the previous chapter the
first development was the survival of Solomonic dynasty. As a result of war and other related
problems, the country had no fixed capital for a long period of time. The other development of
the period was the monarchs began to expand architectures by building palaces, churches and
bridges. Architectures lie in the effort consciously made to enhance the image of Solomonic
kingship and as much as possible to restore that image to what it had been before the Muslim
wars of the mid-sixteenth centuries.26
2.1.1 Concept and History of Conservation
The meaning of conservation is that it isa way of protecting natural and cultural heritages from
deterioration and damaging factor. To transfer cultural and natural heritages to next generation
conservation is essential. Conservation of cultural heritage involves protection and restoration
using any methods that prove effective in keeping that property in as close to its original
condition as possible for as long as possible. Conservation of cultural heritage is often associated
with art collections and museums and involves collection care and management through
examination, documentation, exhibition, storage, preventative conservation, and restoration.
On the other side the scope or range of conservation has widened from art conservation
involving protection and care of artwork and architecture to conservation of cultural heritage also
including protection and care of a large set of other cultural and historical works.
According to the proclamation NO.209/2000 of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
conservation means, “a general protection and preservation activity carried on a cultural heritage
without changing its unique content.”27
26
Fleming Aalund. Master Plan for the Preservationand Presentation of Cultural Heritage, (UNESCO, United Nation
Educational, Science and Cultural Organization), Paris, 1985. 27
Nägari Gazeta, No.209/2000,p.1347.
19
According to Feilden‟s explanation, conservation of monuments means
Conservation is the action taken to prevent decay and manage change dynamically. It embraces
all acts that prolong the life of our cultural and natural heritage, the object being to present to
those who use and look at historic buildings with wonder the artistic and human messages that
such buildings possess.28
2.2.2Theory and Principles of Conservation
A Theory of Conservation
Conservation is conducted for different things such as natural and cultural objects, when we say
natural resources it includes environment conservation, soil conservation, animals, mineral
deposits, clean water, clean air, and fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, natural gas and others.
Cultural heritage is an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on
from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions
and values. Historic buildings are categorized under cultural heritage; historic building is one
that gives us asense of wonder and makes us want to know moreabout the people and culture that
produced it in the past time. It has architectural, aesthetic, historic, documentary, archaeological,
economic, social and even political and spiritual or symbolic values.
According to Feilden‟s justification, there are different types of conservation such as
rehabilitation, restoration, retrofit, preservation, consolidation and reproduction. Reproduction
means copying an extant artifact often in order to replace some missing or decayed or damaged
part of the object, generally decorative to maintain its aesthetic harmony. Retrofit is a general
means to modify an object- its design or value. However most of the time it is not advisable. The
other important conservation method is rehabilitation, which is a way of original use and is
generally the best for conservation of the fabric, as it means fewer changes, and it pays respect to
the originality or authenticity of the artifact. Preservation is also the other method, which is a
way of preventing the artifact from any damaging factors that can cause deterioration or decay.
Reconstruction is a means of rebuilding the artifact by using new materials if and when the
artifact is damaged by disasters such as fire, earthquake or war. Restoration can be taken as a
28
FlemmingAalund.Master Plan for the Preservationand Presentation of Cultural Heritage, 1985.
20
process of returning a heritage object to a known earlier state without the introduction of new
material. The physical addition or application of supportive materials into the artifact in order to
ensure its continued durability or structural integrity and to transfer the next generation this way
is called consolidation.29
Like any other scientific issues heritage conservation has its own theory. George Brock defined
conservation theory as a body of systematic thought which provides to all heritage conservation
related bodies like as guides, restorers, conservators, curators, museum staff, responsible
administrators and funding bodies, even the general public. Based on his discussion,
conservation theory is important for systematic thought and analysis as well as for logical and
justifiable action regarding the physical entity that is desired to keep available to present and
future use. It is also important to keep the authenticity of the object before and after treatment or
restoration and to give any decision concerning treatment method of the restorer. The concept of
authenticity has a long-standing place in conservation theory, because it is only felt justified to
use huge efforts on something which is authentic.30
Conservation theory has to be defined as a body of systematic thought which provides guidance
to restorers/conservators, curators, museum staff, responsible administrators, funding bodies and
even the general public, and concerning how to deal with cultural heritage as it is expressed in
physical form and shape. Conservation as such is a fairly recent discipline, although it has not
been without theories in the period when each type of conservation object had its own
methodology. The methodology and concept of restoration ethics as well as the authenticity was
particular to each type: landscapes, buildings, sculpture, painting, prints, books, and natural
history objects artifacts from technology, photographic materials or moving images.31
Conservation Theory must provide a framework for systematic thought and analysis as well as
for logical and well-founded action regarding the physical entity that is desired to keep available
to present and future utilisers. Problems such as authenticity before and after treatment and the
29
Ibid 30
George Brock-Nannestad, The Rational Behind Operational Conservation Theory, Conservation Without Limits,
IIC Nordic Group XV Congress, Helsinki, Finland,2000.p.2. 31
Ibid
21
source value of the physical entity must be handled in such a way that persons responsible for
decisions and for carrying them out may feel secured in having handled matters in a careful and
responsible manner.32
Salvador MuozVinas discussed about conservation theory by dividing it into two parts such as
classical conservation theory and contemporary conservation theory. Based on his explanation
classical conservation theories are characterized by their close loyalty to truth. Still today they
are acceptable though they encountered different criticism; and new alternatives are being
developed to conserve heritages. There are three ideas that are criticized in the classical
conservation theory such as reversibility, universality and objectivity.33
Contemporary conservation theory developed during the last two decades. This theory exists in
fragmentary form, with very few exceptions, within a number of recent publications.
Contemporary conservation theory thinking is disseminated in articles, books, journals, lectures
and on the internet. The idea of contemporary conservation theory is divided in different fields‟
knowledge like in history, sociology, philosophy, economics and museology. A consequence of
classical theorists‟ eagerness for truth has been the ever-increasing influence of science in
conservation. Science establishes different important tasks for conservation such as it establishes
how the restored object should be, by determining accurately how it was at a given moment. It
also determines which conservation techniques and materials are most competent and it
examines the development of a given conservation process. Scientific conservation mainly
focused on the assumption that it actually improves conservation practice from a technical point
of view and from the point of view of identifying the type of conservation method, which is more
important to the security of object. The contemporary conservation is done for the sake of the
subjects or its users; the user of the object is any person for whom the object performs any
function either tangible or intangible.34
32
Ibid. p.3. 33
Salvador MuozVinas,Contemporary theory of conservation. University of Victoria Np, 2013, pp.2-5.
34
Ibid.
22
According to JukkaJokilehto, Conservation theory began in early renaissance time; there was
classic restoration of monuments during the French revolution and even before that. An example
of the classic restoration of monuments, in France following the revolution they began to put
emphasis on conservation of cultural heritages. During the revolution, there was destruction of
huge amount of heritages. So, to restore these heritages they began later a movement for
conservation and for the first-time ordinary citizens had the opportunity to come in contact with
these unknown works of art. They also consideredthat these heritages had to be preserved in any
part of the country; it must be discovered, classified and conserved for a memory of future
generations. The author stated that the laws of restoration of monuments were established during
the revolution time at the end of 19th
C. Their restoration was mainly focused on the amphitheatre
of Nimes and the triumphal of arch of orange. During the restoration time they needed to pay
respect to the originality of the object like the character of Roman buildings, not to change any
structure of the object to strive to strength for long period of time. The reason why they took the
experience of Italian restoration system was because the Roman remains were to be preserved in
their authentic structure.35
The Government of country also prepared principles to act the survey and control of monuments
and their preservation and guide for local administrations in this task. Each and every citizen had
her/his moral responsibility in conservation of monuments not only for that time but also for
future. The architecture and arts of the past centuries especially middle age architectures had
clearly an important position. 36
According to J. Jokilehto, the restoration of classical monuments in Italy had already developed
since the renaissance time. Italy is the country where there are many monuments and works of
art in the world and therefore the feeling of respect for the old buildings, as well as
conservation of everything related to architecture and the urban planning is very strong in
that country, more than anywhere else .37
35
Jukka Jokilehto, A History of Architectural Conservation, D.Phil thesis, University of York, England, institute of
advance architectural studies, Sep, 1986. PP. 10-14. 36
Ibid 37
Ibid. pp. 123-141.
23
According to the author, there was destruction of many works of arts by French troops when they
occupied Italian states. This created a feeling that reinforced the Italians to restore their classical
antiquity. When Pius II took the papal sea in 1800, his first concern was to see the protection and
eventual restoration of ancient monuments. The act of 1802 signed by Cardinal Pamphij more
focused on the political, educational and economical significance of ancient works for the state
to the time. This shows that the conservation movement did not begin in recent time; it began in
early time in different foreign countries. Actually the conservation principles and other important
issues for conservation activity in an organized form developed in recent time, but the restoration
work was practiced in the remote time.38
When it comes to the restoration of classical monuments in Greece in 1830s, after independence,
they began to follow the restoration principles of Rome to restore ancient monuments of the
Arcopolis in Athens. Based on the author discussion especially during the rebuilding time of the
temple of Athena Nike destroyed in 17th
C method of rebuilding were the material authenticity of
ancient structure was fully respected.39
Many scholars put the idea of conservation in different ways; Ljubo LAH stated that from the
history of protection and the development of heritage conservation several principles or
theoretical frameworks can be separated. Based on his discussion there are three types of
heritage conservation in different times. In fact most of these general principles of conservation
were often mutually contradictory, established gradually and over an extended time period, but
nevertheless becoming clear and profiled. The first traditional approach was dealing with
historical monuments and art from the past can be compared directly to the existence of human
society. Historical structures (buildings, objects, etc) were preserved as long as they were being
used and until reasons emerged for their destruction by natural or other damaging factors. From
the contemporary perspective they can be described as achievements or development of the past
done in a harmonious way with comprehensive preservation of continuity. This attitude can be
determined throughout civilization up to the period of medieval cathedrals.40
38
Ibid 39
Ibid. pp.149-163. 40
Ljubo LAH, From architectural conservation, renewal and rehabilitation to integral heritage protection, Vol. 12,
No. 1, Urbanistični inštitut Republike Slovenije, 2001.pp. 129-130.(it also used for cultural value,p131).
24
As Ljubo discussion has it the second approach of heritage conservation was more based on the
romantic restoration, which appeared in Italy during the renaissance period. Proponents of the
second approach think that the first result of the renaissance was the rejection of medieval
building and artistic achievements, which were contradictory to the principles of new artistic
viewpoints which are held by contemporary conservation theory. The third approach to heritage
conservation evolved parallel to the second one. Although the second and third approaches
partially correspond, after all both are oriented towards the protection of historical buildings and
objects of art but their methods and goals are often contradictory. The third approach argued on
the conservation of heritage buildings and objects evolved parallel to the second one. The second
approach gave priority to aesthetical values, while repeated evaluation of the authenticity of the
object or building, originality of materials and protection of its historical value. Although the
second and third approaches partially correspond, after all both are oriented towards the
protection of historical buildings.41
B. Principles of Conservation and Restoration of Monuments
There are different charters that are prepared by different organizations in different time for the
purpose of preservation and restoration of monuments. Among them the Venice International
Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites in 1964 is one of them.
This charter has different articles for the restoration of historic monuments. Based on the charter,
the first article talk about the definition of historic monuments, which means not only the
architectural results but also all remain materials of the past or a particular civilization that have
significant development or historic event which is found in urban or rural areas. When it comes
to the principles set by the charter that must be applied during restoration and conservation of
historic monuments are the following.42
41
Ibid 42
International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (the Venice Charter), Adopted
at the Second International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments, Venice, 1964.pp.1-4.
25
The first thing that may give concern during conservation the intention in conserving
monuments is to safeguard them no less as works of art than as historical evidence.
During conservation it is essential to the conservation of monuments that they be
maintained on a permanent basis.
The conservation of monuments is always facilitated by making use of them for some
socially useful purpose. Such use is therefore attractive but it must not change the design
or decoration of the building. It is within these limits only that modifications demanded
by a change of function should be envisaged and may be permitted.43
During conservation of historic monuments article 6, said that it implies preserving a
setting which is not out of scale. Wherever the traditional setting exists, it must be kept.
No new construction, demolition or modification which would revise the relations of
mass and color must be allowed. In addition the design of building or items of sculpture,
painting or decoration which form an integral part of a monument may only be removed
from it if this is the sole means of ensuring their preservation.44
Based on the charter the other thing that must be considered during restoration is that the process
of restoration is a highly specialized operation. Its aim is to preserve and reveal the aesthetic and
historic value of the monument and is based on respect for original material and authentic
documents. It must stop at the point where assumption begins, and in this case moreover any
extra work which is essential must be distinct from the architectural composition and must
tolerate a contemporary stamp. The restoration in any case must be led and followed by an
archaeological and historical thesis of the monuments.45
The other principles of restoration of monuments is where traditional techniques prove
inadequate, the consolidation of a monument can be achieved by the use of any modern
technique for conservation and construction, but the efficacy must be shown by scientific data
and proved by experience. During restoration time replacements of missing parts must integrate
harmoniously with the whole, but at the same time must be distinguishable from the original so
that restoration does not fabricate the artistic or historic evidence. The other principle of
43
Ibid 44
Ibid 45
Ibid
26
restoration of monuments is during restoration time additions cannot be allowed except in so far
as they do not detract from the interesting parts of the building, its traditional setting, the balance
of its composition and its relation with its surroundings.46
Generally the charter more focused on the sites of monuments must be the object of special care
in order to safeguard their integrity and ensure that they are cleared and presented in an
appropriate manner. The work of conservation and restoration carried out in such places should
be inspired by the principles set onward in the foregoing articles of Venice charter.47
2.2 History of Conservation at Global Level
To overview the history of heritage conservation at global level I reviewed some European and
American countries‟ experience.
Conservation in Europe began in early time when it is compared with Africa as well as Ethiopia.
AsJohn H. Stubbs and Emily G. Makas discussion many of the global architectural conservation
movements‟ principles and charters originated in Europe and it has always been a global leader
in the field of architectural conservation. Europe played an influential role in the establishment
of two global cultural heritage protection institutions such as the United Nations Educational
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Council on Monuments
and Sites (ICOMOS).48
Based on the authors‟ justification Italy is one of the Western Europe countries, which is rich in
its extensive and significant surviving ancient and medieval-renaissance heritage, as well as its
importance for Italian identity in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This makes Italy has a
pioneer architectural conservation has been prevalent and a priority in this country for two
hundred years. Italy‟s comprehensive approach to architectural conservation began in 1902, by
established administrative branches and support by a central commission of historians and
46
Ibid 47
Ibid.p.5. 48
John H. Stubbs and Emily G. Makas.Architectural Conservation in Europe and Americas.John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., Hoboken, New Jerse, 2011,pp,13-39.
27
archaeologists to deal with key elements such as historic buildings, excavations, galleries and
objects of art.49
Italian conservators have also actively shared their experiences and expertise through work in
projects around the world. From the popular Italian architecture conservators Camillo Boito in
the nineteenth century to Cesare Brandi in the mid twentieth century to Paolo Marconi in recent
decades, have shaped the way contemporary architectural heritage protection is approached and
understood in Italy today. Early organized conservation in Italy at beginning of 19th
C especially
after the time of unification and industrialization, Italy‟s architectural conservators became
joined with their French and English, counterparts in contributing to a growing body of theory
and special methodologies of conservation. Among their principal concerns, they treat and
restore different historical buildings by avoiding various modernization schemes. Their
restoration of historic Roman buildings often served as the basis for developing this increasingly
distinct aspect of the larger field of architecture. Although conservation theories and
methodologies developed in Italy were constantly publicly debated as legislation and
architectural protection advocates created a vast body of literature, laws, and regulations for each
small state. Later animated by the interest of opposing positions the Italian architectural
conservation movement gained momentum.50
The authors also try to show the continuity of architectural conservation in Italy. The early
twentieth-century approaches and conservation theory of Italian architectural conservator
Gustavo Giovannoni significantly affected the direction of conservation practice both
domestically and beyond. His mode or refinements highlighted the need for a spy difference
between old and new work in style and materials used, the visible inscription and documentation
of all new restoration work carried out on the historic building and the display of removed
surviving original elements near the restored building. The Giovannoni, revision of Boito‟s
principle of the mid nineteenth century Italian architecture conservator helped to create Athens
charter in 1931.
49
Ibid 50
Ibid
28
In the mid-twentieth century the theories of Giovannoni and Boito were joining the idea of those
of Cesare Brandi they highly regarded central institution for restoration, today this institution
become known as Higher Institute for Preservation and Restoration. After a highly destruction of
many heritage by the cause of WWII they conserve different architectures by using different
conservation mechanisms. The Italians continued to refine and develop their conservation
approaches during the last quarter of the twentieth century. The contribution of Italian
architecture conservators for other countries is that they exported their talents of architectural
conservation of artifacts in to different European and African countries. Generally the principle
was to conserve the monuments in their original places. Jukka Jokilehto also mention the Italian
architects and governmental bodies were more concerned about the originality of the object,
keeping its value, symbols for example paintings in the churches from which they could be
removed only with special permission.51
Based on the above mentioned authors discussion the other European country that is well known
by architectural conservation is France. France established administrative rule for the protection
of cultural heritages, Eugène-Emanuele Viollet-le-Duc also showed his contribution by using
restoration to protect many of France historic buildings. He is pioneer by producing a rational
architectural conservation by focused on restoration for artifacts in France and throughout
Europe. In twentieth century France led an influential country by giving more attention for
cultural heritage protection. The country also supported a range of conservation projects and
programs and its advanced system for the training of conservation architects. In nineteenth
centuryby the cause of French revolution there was high destruction of heritages, so to treat these
heritages the French government grew interested in architectural movement. The central
government, supporter of French art and industries gave attention to how to conserve and
transfer heritages for the next generation. Their administration system of cultural heritage
management is freely adopted by other countries. The twentieth-century France developed
heritage conservation legislation beginning with the act of 1913 which is categorized in to two
parts, the first one is classified movements which means a great historic buildings and the second
is registered monuments, which are less important artifacts. Classified monuments may never be
demolished and moved from any place without the approval from the Ministry of Culture, and
51
Ibid
29
official ministry architects. France is a first country to invent “entourage,” that is protection of a
monument‟s setting. The scope of France architectural conservation becomes wider in 1930
including natural resource, parks, landscapes and historic buildings.
When we see the recent architectural conservation of France it becomes a good example for
other countries. It‟s more important places like cathedrals, monuments and other historical places
are well treated by the financial support of government. By their strong conservation of heritages
their revenue from tourists has increased from time to time, this is important for the growth of
the country economy. This organized architectural conservation system is not only for France,
they share their experience for other countries. By these all efforts Paris today proudly features
its architectural heritage in an urban atmosphere admired throughout the world.52
Based on the authors‟ selection the other pioneer country by architectural conservation is Ireland.
The country is well known by its 9000 years history, because of its long history the country
generated a lot of different heritages. The first legislation in the United Kingdom protecting
architectural heritage was the Irish Church Act of 1869; the church is a medieval church in
Ireland. The ancient monument act of 1882 was mainly focused on archeological site
conservation in Ireland as well as the rest of United Kingdom. After independence of Ireland
from the colony of United Kingdom in 1922, the country began to conserve their heritages. The
monumental act of 1930 was initiating the Ireland government to give care for their heritages.
The architectural conservation of Ireland increased from time to time. The country continuously
produced different acts in different times to develop their architectural conservation system.
Today the Irish government directly owns almost one thousand of the recognized national
monuments, representing a range of the country‟s houses, including everything from megalithic
tombs. There are different nongovernmental organizations that helped the conservation of Ireland
heritages.53
In Luxembourg architectural conservation of national site and monuments commission was
established in 1927.Formal architectural conservation movement began only in the last quarter of
45Ibid, pp, 41-55. 53
Ibid, pp,85-91.
30
the twentieth century. In 1977 other architectural conservation, organization National Sites and
Monuments Service was established. The organization began movement of architectural
conservation within Luxembourg minister of culture, higher education and Research to oversee
cultural heritage protection. These institutions conserve different heritages such as archeological,
artistic, aesthetic, and scientifically important individual sites and conservation areas that are to
be protected. Like other countries Luxembourg also changed their legislation system within
different time to strengthen their architectural conservation system. The Monuments Service
organizes Luxembourg‟s heritage into four categories such as rural, religion and industrial sites.
This division of heritage is purposely made for ease of conservation. For additional care and
protection of heritages they used restrictive urban plan, because permissive urban plan has its
own effect on heritages. They used different strict rules concerning the security of heritages, each
with strict use of building and design controls. Like other countries there are different
contributions of nongovernmental organizations in Luxembourg regarding on architectural
conservation. 54
John H. Stubbs and Emily G. Makas also give some highlight about the experience of
architectural conservation in Switzerland. In Switzerland architectural conservation like the case
in the previous countries it has its own legislation developed during different times. The
country‟s Federal Office for Culture together with other states provides financial assistance for
restoration projects and also organizes exhibitions and conferences to raise public awareness of
cultural heritage. Since 1973 they established an organization known as Inventar der
Schützenswerten Ortsbilder der Schweiz (ISOS) (Inventory of Protected Towns of Switzerland).
The aim of this organization is completing record of different historic sites in Switzerland. A
number of NGOs have also been active in Switzerland heritage conservation, including National
Organization for the Preservation of Monuments, Swiss Association for Industrial and
Technological History and Schweizer Heimatschutz (Swiss Heritage Society) the last one is
more important for the architectural conservation of Switzerland heritages by making legal
action to protect heritage sites, provides financial support for a small number of projects,
publishes a periodical magazine, and administers a important awards program. All these
governmental and nongovernmental movements were made for protection of Switzerland
54
Ibid, pp, 86-91.
31
heritages. As a result the first four cultural sites of Switzerland reflecting the country‟s rich
medieval heritage were inspired by the UNESCO. This four cultural heritage sites are
Carolingian convents in Müstair and St. Gall, castles in Bellinzona, and the historic town of
Berne. Most of the time they used for conservation of heritages they applied restoration.55
According to Gordon W. Fulton discussion standards for the Conservation of Historic Places in
Canada is intended to promote responsible conservation practices that help protect Canada‟s
exceptional historic places. During restoration of historic places they give more attention for
different techniques of restoration including philosophical consistency for project works; and
while neither technical nor case specific, before the beginning of restoration they studied about
architect is he/she professional or not, about his/her experience about restoration before that. In
addition they provide the framework for making essential decisions about which features of a
historic place should be maintained, and which can be changed.56
Canadian said that heritage conservation of historic buildings is important to increasing
community pride. The legislation of cultural heritage in Canada is more exerted in municipality
and at provincial level not more on federal level. The first national park in Canada was
established in 1885 by a leader of James B. Harkin, who played a prominent role to conserve
historical buildings in Canada in addition to national parks. There are a variety of conservation
agencies established indifferent times in Canada including Historic Sites and Monuments Board
which was established in 1919,Royal Society‟s Historic Landmarks Association that shifted its
purpose and renamed itself the Canadian Historical Society in 1922.Their aim is also to protect
the cultural and natural heritages from any damaging factor. In early time the Canadian
gavemore attention and accumulated a list of important persons and places that have relation
with Canadian history. Later in twentieth century they began to collect any type of artifacts that
are as much important as any other motive. Around 1917 they began to give training for the
society about heritage and heritage conservation and in higher education institutions
conservation of heritages were taken as a course then college students began to collect artifacts
55
Ibid1,pp, 137-42 56
Gordon W. Fulton, Policy Issues and Their Impact on Practice: Heritage Conservation in Canada,Association for
Preservation Technology International, 1998, pp,1-9.
32
in every place of Canada. These artifacts that were collected by college students today serve as
heritage in museums and other places. According to Gordon W. Fulton Canada moved on to the
world stage of heritage conservation in 1976, when it signed the 1972 Convention Concerning on
the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This indicates the gradual
development of heritage conservation in Canada.57
2.3 History of Conservation in Africa
When comes it to history of heritage conservation in Africa we can see the experience of
different African countries. The comparison between African countries‟ heritage conservation
and other European and American countries shows that the heritage conservation in Africa began
very late and systematically, which means the legislation of heritage conservation is very infant.
.
Mali is one of the West Africa countries which is known forit‟s historical architectural
monuments. Mali has 4 World Cultural Heritage sites, such as Djenné since 1988, Timbuktu
since 1988 and Tomb of Askia since 2004 as cultural heritages and one Cliff of Bandiagara
(Land of the Dogons) since 1989 as mixed cultural heritage.58
As explanation of Oussouby Sacko, Djenné is a historically and commercially important small
city located on the internal delta of the Niger in Mali, at the crossroads of the major trade routes
of West Africa. From the 13th
century, Djenné developed as the distribution point for everyday
commodities such as rice and corn, and also as a center of arts, learning and religion. In the
middle of the old city stands a great Sudanese-style mosque built in 1220 and rebuilt in 1907.
The construction material of monuments which is found in Djenne is from two type of mud. To
save their historical buildings from deterioration they restored the buildings. The author
mentioned that the property continued to suffer changes as regards its buildings; the reason for
these changes is essentially due to the modification of the original plans of the houses.59
57
Ibid 58
Oussouby Sacko,Issues of Cultural Conservation and Tourism Developmentin the Process of World Heritage
Preservation,Summary of Kyoto University of Fine Arts No.41.p.3. 59
Ibid..p.13.
33
To solve the above mentioned problem in 2009 the corporation of masons, the Djenne Heritage
Association, the Association of Guides, the customary authorities and opinion leaders began
organized restoration work on the historic buildings. After that during restoration time masons
are organized by a professional body, which guarantees their professional training and
establishes codes of conduct and support with other professions and also they use the original
material of the historic buildings. It is quite interesting to note that most masons in the region
start by first drawing the facade. The type of facade is the first issue for the mason and the client
to agree on, since it seems to determine the whole spatial organization of the house or other
building. 60
The other African country that is well known by its historical heritage is Egypt. Egypt with its
long and distinctive history has the oldest civilization of the world and has hosted most of other
civilizations and it has unique historical buildings and sites that are recognized as world heritage
and need to be conserved. However the conservation movement in the country to save these
wonderful and aged historic buildings is not sufficient.61
In Cairo the capital of the country, Islamic heritages were first introduced to the cultural map of
Egypt by Edme Francois Jomard, a member of the French scientific mission accompanying the
Napoleonic Expedition to Egypt (1798 to 1801). In his work be gave more attention for the
detailed map than any previously available individual buildings historically and architecturally
documented and hand crafts surveyed. Since 1882 the Comite Conservation des Monuments de
l'ArtArabe was founded. The Committee developed different systematic set of actions for
conserving Islamic and Coptic heritages of Cairo, buildings with historic value they registered as
a monument. As Nairy Hampikian‟s discussion later, on and around them which means on
buildings were removed, damaged or missing elements of monuments were restored; details and
decorations of historic buildings were documented, preserved and duplicated repeatedly.62
60
Ibid. p.5. 61
AymanAfify,The Rehabilitation and Conservation policies for Historical Areas; Issues for Egypt and
Mediterranean cities, Facality of Engineering El-Mataria – Helwan university, p, 1. 62
NairyHampikian,A Decisive Moment for the Survival of Historic Cairo, p, 209.
34
At the beginning of the twenty first century there was another dynamic thrust aimed at retrieving
Cairo‟s architectural heritage history. Governmental bodies of Cairo such as the Ministry of
Tourism, the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of al-Awqaf (endowments), the Ministry of
Communication and transport, the Ministry of Electricity, and the Water Supply and Sewage
Companies are cooperating and combining their efforts under the umbrella of the Ministry of
Culturein order to save the cultural heritage of historic Cairo. In 1998 the ministry of culture
assigns to restore 47 monuments out of 450 that exist in Cairo. The ministry of house also
restored different ancient mosques in Cairo. During these 47 monuments restoration time to
evaluate the practice of single monument conservation the following questions were used. Are
the basic problems being resolved? Are the technical shortcomings of previous conservation
projects being studied, evaluated and overcome?. All these questions are always asked during
restoration time of monuments in Cairo.63
In recent time the practice of conservation of monuments in Cairo is supported by technology,
however most of the time using technology during restoration of historic buildings is not
advisable.64
According to Jim Antoniou explanation in Cairo during restoration time the builders and their
clients alike were aware that the building methods were such that need constant attention and
repair. The substitution of imported technologies led to two deleterious results: the first thing is
the new materials were used over the top of or as substitutes for the old materials, e.g. the use of
cement plaster to patch lime or gypsum plasters. Whereas the older materials had a great capacity
to absorb the effects of seasonal expansions or contractions, cement a much harder and more
brittle material does not possess these qualities. The second deteriorating thing is the imported
technological innovations were not conceived in terms of continuous vigilance and repair but
were supposed to last for many years.65
63
Ibid, pp, 209-213. 64
Ibid, p, 214 65
Jim Antoniou,Stephano Bianca, ed. The Conservation of the old City of Cairo, United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Paris, 1985, pp, 59-60.
35
Conservation of Cairo's historical buildings and Egypt's antiquities in general is ragged between
importing modern technology and the traditional ways of restoring historical buildings. Training
centers were also developed to upgrade the quality of traditional craftsmanship.66
Generally the tradition of conservation activity in Egypt has some problems related with lack of
continuous restoration and use of new materials on the old buildings. However, compared with
the case of other the previously reviewed African countries it is better by the time of the
beginning of historic sites conservation and method or way of conservation and restoration.
Because as I try to discuss in the above mentioned paragraph their restoration system follow the
scientific method which means they respect the principles of the restoration of monuments and
even after their restoration they documented their restoration work. In addition to these they
developed the habit of work collaboration with different stakeholders and they make assessment
to check whether the restoration process of the monuments are good or bad.67
2.4 History of Conservation of Historical Buildings in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is rich in its natural and cultural heritages. Natural heritages of Ethiopia include
mountains, landscapes, waterfalls and wildlife‟s. Concerning cultural heritages of Ethiopia there
are different tangible and intangible, movable and immovable heritages. Tangible cultural
heritages include all immovable and moveable heritages such as buildings, churches, obelisks,
and the artifacts that are collected in museums. Intangible cultural heritages means the practices,
representations, expressions, knowledge, skills as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts and
cultural spaces associated with that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals
recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
To transfer these cultural and natural heritages for the next generation conservation is an
essential thing. But conservation of heritage in Ethiopia is very limited; most of cultural
66
NairyHampikian, p,214 67
In my analysis the heritage conservation and restoration history of Egypt is better than other African countries.
They began conservation and restoration of historic buildings in early time when we compare with African
countries. In addition they tried to consider the principles if conservation and restoration rules during restoration
time.
36
heritages which mean historical buildings and historical churches are led to worsening. When we
see the historical building conservation history in Ethiopia it began in recent time.68
In Lalibäla Rock hewn church different conservation works carried out by both international and
local authorities. The conservation works include many reconverting, renewing, rebuilding and
restoring works. However these local and international workers had no adequate skill and did not
apply scientific method. Most of the 20th
C restoration and conservation of this church is not
supported by scientific and formal way; during the process of restoration they used new materials
without assessing their side effects on the church. In early 20th
C there were some international
actors who carried out conservation at three very sensible times but not much documented. All of
these three sensible times of restoration of the church in 1920, 1950 and 1960 was worked
without any scientific method. This international modern restoration system was rejected by the
traditional conservation system of local community. The traditional conservation system of
Lalibäla by the community began in early time before the rise of modern national and
international restoration in 20th
C. The local community especially priests and local artisans
participated on the activities of preservation of the church. The way of their preservation is by
cleaning the area; direction and opening of drainage and technical practices specifically related
to the physical requirements of maintenance and protection were transferred from generation to
generation. Their traditional conservation system change depends on the type of damaging.
Before going to restoration they discussed with the community and ask the experience of elders
how to conserve in early time. They also made local carpet or mat made from animal skin and
hair for the protection of the church from sun and rain in winter and summer season
respectively.69
Modern conservation program began in 20th
C by international and national actors. Their
documentation is very limited to some fragmented documents. In 1919 there was a restoration on
the site of Bete Maryam by Saudi Arabs. There have been so many interventions from
international and national actors involved in the restoration and conservation of the rock-hewn
68
Kidanä maryam ʾAyalew,Heritage management on the ground heritage conservation versus local community in
Lalibella, 2016, pp, 39-57.
69Ibid
37
churches, without the inscription that written on the wall of the church there is no additional
information about the process of restoration. The 1954 restoration work was bad according to the
observant information. The conservators also used cements for restoring the churches‟ walls.
Indeed, they were nailing the walls before mashing and plastering them with cement and wires.
This is not supported by servant of the churches or priests because it is not comfortable to pray
and cause rusting crosses. This restoration is not protecting the church from damaging; rather it
added damage. The informal and unscientific techniques used harmed the structure of the
churches and generated additional cracks.70
In 1956, the late (ESIBT) the Ethio -Swedish Institute of Building Technology made
restoration on the church of Betä Mädəhäne áləmə andʾAmanuʾel for the first time they
constructed shelter. They used wooden structures to carry the iron sheet on the roof of the
church, without any preliminary research. According to the author after 10 years they removed
this shelter and began new restoration in 1967-68. This restoration was overlaid on the old
restoration and after a few times two wooden feel on the church and it brought a new damage.
The other phase of restoration on Lalibäla rock hewn church was from 1958-59. During that time
the restoration program was led by an Italian engineer Sebastian Consoli. His work affected the
churches of Betä Marəyam, Betä Mädəhäne áləmə and BetäʾAmanuʾel. During the restoration he
used mortar works carried out on the roof of Betä ʾAmanuʾelandBetä Mädəhäne áləmə. This
restoration program was completed within two years. Finally the restoration damaged the rocks.
The 1919 and the three 1950‟s consecutive works were not based on a scientific
research neither on a preliminary thesis. Churches were molded and plastered with cement; the
concrete mortars were heavy; the nailing, plastering and painting of the walls harmed the
monuments, because of these most of the churches parts became damaged.71
The 1960‟s restoration was led by SandroAngelini commonly the community said that his
mission was to “destroy our churches”. His restoration project was funded by international fund
for monuments. This misguided work after 50 years demolished the church. During the
restoration they removed the bituminous coating from the external surface to preventing the
70
Ibid 71
Ibid
38
natural breathing of the rock, which finally cause deterioration. Because of the above
problems Angelini‟s restoration works left negative memories in the community memories.
This type of informal restoration continued during the time of Derg regime. In 1974 the Center
for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (CRCCH) was established. CRCCH and
UNESCO between 1974 and1982joined and planed to promote preservation of cultural heritages
from damaging. In 1986CRCCH for the first time erected corrugated iron sheet shelter on the
roof of Bête Mariam to protect the church from rainwater. During the war time the international
intervention become blackout. To protect the church from the war between Derg and EPDF the
priests and community constructed a fence with rectangular stones all around the zone.72
In 1961/62 EC conservation report shows that there was restoration work on the rock hewn
church of Lalibäla. The restoration work was financially supported by international fund for
monuments and led by an international architect whose name is not mentioned in the report. The
report in the Amharic version says that,
“ነ ሀሴ1958በተቋቋመው ቅርስ ጥብቃ ኮሚቴ ተቆጣጣሪ ነ ት የ ሀውልቶች ኢንተር ና ሽና ል
ገ ን ዘ ብ ድርጅት ያቀደው የ ላሊበላ ቤተ-ክር ስቲያኖች እድሳት ከ 3 አመተ ስራ በኃላ
በጠቅላ ላው750,000ብር ወጭ ተደር ጎ በት ስራው በጥሩ ሁ ኔ ታ ያለቀ መሆኑን ክቡር ነ ትዎ
ላ በስርዎ እ ፈልጋለሁ፡ ፡ ”73
But there is no detailed information about the overall process of restoration work including what
type of material they used? What was the professional back ground of the restorers and
application of the principles of conservation and restoration work.
During in the EPDRF time this heritage become under Amhara regional state administration.
Lalibäla‟s cultural heritage is now managed by a Regional Bureau. However, because Lalibäla
is registered as a World Heritage site, the federal authorities, and more specifically the
ARCCH are accountable for the site. European Union and UNESCO studies on the site in
different times were not useful. In 2000 for the second time a project designed by an Italian
architect Cabine provided the design of the shelter. Like the previous one the shelter was put in a
wrong part of Betä Mädəhäne áləmə, the priests and the community stood against the
construction and as a result for about a week the restoration works had been stopped. The main
problem was that the architects did not consider the authentic of the churches; in addition they
72
Ibid 73
NALA.Conservation of rein hewn church of Lalibela.F, no, 060 /028-010/ 1962.
39
did not give attention for the religious and cultural value of the site. The other problem was that
the materials came from abroad and there is no any relation with the churches original material.
Later restoration work was completed by an independent consultant named Patricio Jeretic.
Generally based on the author discussion, all of these continued heritage conservation efforts in
Rock hewn church of Lalibäla from the beginning to the end I cannot see a positive result
concerning on the conservation of the churches as well as the overlapping of one project over
previous project has exposed the churches to damages. This shows that the conservation system
of our country is not well organized and planned. Most of the time restoration was worked by
foreign architects; they work with lack of proper studies, preparation and also without scientific
experiment about materials and other equipments. As I tried to mention the cultural heritage of
Ethiopia except Lalibäla; other Ethiopian cultural heritage sites do not have any document
regarding conservation of heritages.74
This indicates that it needs adequate investigation on the conservation of cultural heritages
especially on historical buildings and also this shows that there is shortage of manpower in the
field of heritage conservation.
74
Ibid
40
Chapter Three
3.1 The Conservation history of Gondärian Historic Buildings from the time of
Italian Occupation of Ethiopia (1930’s) to 2013
Ethiopia has a long history of civilization and many architectural features still witness this past
throughout the country with its cultural, religious and traditions. Every time Ethiopia come in
contact with a diverse culture this come upon produced syncretic manifestations, which
demonstrate the capacity of Ethiopian culture to incorporate diversity in a positive way. The
architecture developed in Gondär from 16th
to 18th
C represents one of the best examples of the
period‟s architectures. Nowadays historic buildings represent for Ethiopians not only the symbol
of the past history but also a living history continued by traditions and religious beliefs.75
The country has many historic buildings and monuments in Aksum, Gondär, Harare and Tiya
that reflect periods of great influence, growth and prosperity, while other churches and mosques
testify to the creativity and faith that have give strength to the people of Ethiopia.
Gondär is rich by its attractive architectural buildings; the town holds one of the marvelous
palace of King Fasilädäs and other successive Gondärian kings. Generally the compound is
named as Fasil Gəbi. In this compound there are six different palaces and churches that are
connected with the compound wall. From those palaces the palace of king Fasilädäs is the first,
this palace was built around 1636, the Library of kingYohanəs(1667-1682),Chancellery of
kingYohanəs, Castle of kingʾIyäsu I, (1682-1706), Castel of king Dawit III(1716-1721), Castle
of king Bäkafa, (1721-1730),and palace of ʾƎtege Məntəwab, (1730-1755).76
When it comes to the gradual decline of Gondärian period, Gondär declined considerably as a
result of civil wars from the late eighteenth century onwards during a period when the
75
Ethiopian cultural heritage project , site planning and conservation activities in Gondar and Axum, volume A4
conservation plan for Gondar sites, final report, 2007, p,6. 76
Fleming Aalund. Master Plan for the Preservation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage.(UNESCO, United Nation
Educational, Science and Cultural Organization), Paris, 1985. PP. 75-78.
41
centralized kingdom gradually broke up into independent units centered in different
regions.77
The city continued to be at least the nominal capital during the whole of the eighteenth century,
but one result of this troubled period was that no fewer than twenty-five emperors were deposed
in the century and a half between ʾIyäsu (1682 - 1706) and Tewodros (1855 - 1868). Finally in
mid nineteenth century the town began losing its status when emperor Tewodros shifted his
capital to Däbra Tabor. The town lost many properties including different manuscripts from
Gondär churches that eventually found their way to the British Museum after the Napier
expedition against Tewodros in 1868. Later on Gondär suffered further serious destructions in
1887 when an army of dervishes invaded the country. After this destruction of different
moveable and immovable heritages there was no any conservation movement made to restore
demolished palaces and churches.78
Broadly defined, conservation signifies, the whole activities of cultural heritage preservation
ranging from academic inquiry and historical research to policy making to planning to
technical intervention.79
Thus, conservation is a complex and divergent social practice and is
only possible with the integrated efforts of different professionals, social fabric and
interdisciplinary endeavors. On the other hand, it is also “all efforts designed to understand
cultural heritage, know its history and meaning, ensure its material safeguard and as required, its
presentation, restoration and enhancement.80
According to the proclamation NO.209/2000 of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
conservation means, “a general protection and preservation activity carried on a cultural
heritage without changing its unique content.”81
77
Fleming Aalund. Master Plan for the Preservation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage.(UNESCO, Paris),
1985.p,.78. 78
Ibid. P.77. 79
Getty conservation Institute, Values and Heritage Conservation ,Los Angeles: 1200 Getty Center Drive, 2010.
p.3. 80
UNESCO, p.132. 81
Negarit gazzet, 2000 EC.
42
As I tried to explain in the previous paragraph the historic sites of Gondär have been largely
damaged at the end of the 19th
C during the invasion of dervishes and again during the Second
World War. A large restoration process took place during the Italian occupation especially in the
Fasil Gəbi and many buildings have been significantly restored. Nevertheless these interventions
allowed the sites to survive until now, and to strive from the destructive action of the World War
II bombing.82
Further restorations had been performed in the late 1960‟s and during the 1970‟s. In particular
a UNESCO project directed by the Italian architects S.Angelini and afterwards by the
French architect J.Coulon carried out a large campaign of interventions both in the Qusqʷam
compound and Fasil Gəbi. After the intervention of international professionals, local
experts have started restoration in different parts of the palaces. The most persistent
interventions correspond to the Italian campaign of 1930‟s when reinforced concrete had been
extensively used for substantial rebuilding operations (roofs, floors, and stairs). These
structures have greatly suffered from water penetration and rusting of metals.83
Based on Ethiopian cultural heritage project (ECHP) report there was good survey and
analysis over the past three or four decades by several Ethiopian and international experts who
were in charge of conservation and restoration projects within the framework of various
preservation initiatives supported by the UNESCO ,UNDP and others. Among such
documents the outstanding amount of survey drawing made by the end of 1960‟s by Sandro
Angelini, an Italian architect, is worth being mentioned first.84
Angelini took his work as a UNESCO consultant to elaborate a work plan for the development
of the sites and monuments along the historic route Gondär, Axum and Lalibäla. His
work today represents an invaluable documentation on the history of buildings in Gondär
and a resource used to future conservation projects.85
82
Ethiopian cultural heritage project , site planning and conservation activities in Gondar and Axum, final report,
vol.1. General context and master plan, Gondar sub component, Gondar 2007, p. 30. 83
Ibid. 84
Ethiopian cultural heritage project , site planning and conservation activities in Gondar , workshop report
“building survey and analysis”, 2005, p, 2. 85
Ibid, p, 3.
43
After Angelini, other Ethiopian and foreign specialists prepared analyses of selected buildings
in view of restoration and rehabilitation works. Ethiopian experts and employees of the
ARCCH also developed studies on various buildings over the past decades. In the past years
architect Mamo Getahun and Mäzämər ʾAbəy a couple of local experts assigned to the
Amhara national regional state youth, culture and sport affairs office in Bahər dar pioneered
selected restoration projects and developed excellent skills in building survey and
analysis. They were able to exchange their knowledge with foreign experts and at the
same time transfer their experience to local junior professionals and students.86
According to the report of the architects during the time of restoration work they had to
conduct detailed survey drawing and analysis for conservation. Here conservation work is
mainly composed of four interdependent phases; the first phase is definition of the exact
building geometry and detailing, understanding the construction and restoration phases
through evidence in the building material, identification of the building materials and
techniques and detection of the state of conservation and deterioration processes. All these are
the pre-restoration principles of the historic buildings. Unfortunately this crucial step is very
often disused and restoration projects are undertaken without having previously developed
accurate analysis and survey drawings. They, which mean restorers, put the reason for this
problem is usually to save their financial resources.87
As far as the sources that tells about the conservation history of Gondärian historic buildings
conservation project began around 1930‟swhen the country was under the Italian occupation
(1936 to 1941) and extensive and radical restoration work was done on many of the
monuments using cement and reinforced concrete. During their restoration the original
mortars used in the Fasil Gəbi castles have high lime content, analyses of small samples
indicate weight percentages of lime is more than 70 percent, this means proportions of lime to
other constituents such as sand and the crushed red lava, which probably came from below the
palace of Qusqʷam.88
86
Ibid, p, 5. 87
Ibid. 88
Fleming Aalund. Master Plan for the Preservation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage.1985.
44
The restoration work of Italians on Gondärian historic buildings caused destruction and
threatened the authenticity of the palaces, because during their restoration they used cement
and reinforced concrete which caused damage to the original materials and impacted on the
authenticity of the palace with the intervened components.89
To prevent future impact on the authenticity of the component parts of the property,
guidelines and interventions for historic building need to be defined and reinforced through a
sustained conservation and maintenance action plan. The materials which were used by
Italians for restoration of palaces were never compatible with the original materials. The
original use of mortar with a high proportion of lime has confirm to give a strong and durable
construction, whereas the use of cement for repairs does more harm than good as cement has
properties and working qualities totally incompatible with traditional construction materials. So,
these types of restoration defy the principle of historical building restoration.90
89
Ibid. 90
Management plan for Fasil Gəbi world heritage sites, Developed by University of Gondar Department of
Tourism Management in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Authority for Research and
Conservation of Cultural Heritages, 2016,p, 53.
45
3.1.1 The Palace of king Fasilädäs’
Fig.4 King Fasilädäs‟ palace
Source: photograph by Netsanet Abay
The palace of king Fasilädäs is the most impressive castle within the enclosure which was built
around 1636 and was partially restored in the 20th
C using the original construction method. The
ground floor of the castle was used as a dining hall and formal reception area. The walls are
decorated with a symbol similar to the Star of David which became the sign of the Ethiopian
royal family after the Solomonic dynasty reclaimed the throne in the 13th
C. On the first floor is
the king‟s prayer room with four windows in four directions each with a view of one of it‟s
churches. On the terrace religious ceremonies were held and it was from here that the king
46
addressed his people. The second floor served as the king‟s bed room. At the top of the castle is
an open balcony which probably served as watchtower.91
This palace was deteriorated by different natural and human threaten factors. To avert
deterioration of the buildings conservation work was done by foreign and local architects. A
1963 report on heritage restoration work in Gondärian historic buildings shows that during that
time there was wide discussion within different heritage experts in different institutions of the
country, UNESO experts and architect Angelini. During their restoration works, the restorers
cleared grasses that grew on the palace of King Fasilädäs.92
On the other report of 1964 there was restoration work carried on different palaces and churches
which are found in and around Gondär. On the entrance of king Fasilädäs palace they restored
the destructed fences. The fence was built by 80x3.40x0.65 m height. In addition, the restorers
cleaned out the overall compound.93
The restoration work of 1968 was carried out by architect Bäqälä Mäkonän and Gərma
Täsäma. Their restoration work on the palace of king Fasilädäs tried to restore the damaged parts
of the palace wall and by using strong woods they restored the stair cases of palace. 94
In1976 the Ministry of youth, Culture and Sport affairs in collaboration with Gondär
Town, Culture Tourism, Youth and Sport Office restored different palaces and churches.
During that time, the palace of king Fasilädäs roofs were replacing the cement concrete by lime
mortar and woods. Based in the report, the restoration process was done according to the
principles of restoration of historic building and relatively it was good. 95
In 1979 the restoration work was carried out by engineer ʾA agre Gäbre. This conservation work
was restored the entrance of palaces of king Fasilädäs palace the entrance of king Fasilädäs
palace. His final report shows that during the restoration time he used good materials
which can substitute the original materials of the palaces.96
91
Biggs, P. Ethiopia: The Bradt Travel Guide.4th
edition. (Bradt Travel Guides ltd, UK),2005.Pp. 229-240. 92
ARCCH: heritage restoration work on Gondar province, 3970/76/63. 93
ARCCH: Heritage restoration work on Gondar and its surrounding area, Second report,/08484/64. 94
ARCCH: heritage restoration work on Gondar province, 399/27/68. P.54 95
. ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report of Gondarian historic buildings,1/164/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /23/ 76,p. 36. 96
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report of Gondarian Palaces,2/57/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9/79,p. 82.
47
In 1989, there was restoration of Gondärian historic buildings which included different
damaged parts of palaces. There restoration work also included the roof of king Fasilädäs
palace, because during Italian restoration time to restore the roof they had used cement like
pervious buildings. So to maintain the originality of the palace they took off part of the
roof with careful method and restored it by using the original materials that are similar with
the early time construction materials; such as əqur ʾƎn ät (black wood) and wäyra
(olive) for destructed windows and doors, red stones and limes for the roofs of the
palace.97
Based on the reports of 1990, there was restoration work carried out in 1990 under the
supervision of the ARCCH and managed by local experts from the ARCCH (office
architects) and masons and craftsmen in Gondär participated on the restoration work of
Gondärian historic buildings. That restoration work was include king Fasilädäs palace,
restoration work was strengthening wall and structural integrity, door and window work and
work of clean-up palace. 98
The restoration work continued to 1991, during that time the restoration work carried out on
Palaces were the rehabilitation of king Fasilädäs Castle each and every part. All these
maintenance operations were carried out by Architect Mamo Getahun.99
In1992, Gondär town heritage conservation office was commissioned to conduct a roof
maintenance and ground repairs on the palace of king Fasilädäs. Similarly, there was
electric installation on the palace of king Fasilädäs.100
The heritage restoration program on Gondärian historic buildings in 1993 was more
specifically on the palace of King Fasilädäs. The work of conservation includes the restoration of
roofs, the restoration of floor, wall lining adjustment, removal of the paint on the wall and work
of electric installation and lighting. During restoration work of floors on the palaces of King
97
ARCCH: Gondar zone administrative of heritage conservation, 1/,/152//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 89,p. 38. 98
ARCCH: Gondar zone administrative of heritage conservation, 1/931//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 90,P.93. 99
ARCCH: Gondar zone administrative of heritage conservation, 1, /856//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 91, p.170. 100
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report on Gondarian Palaces,1 ,/866//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 92, p.192.
48
Fasilädäs, most of the floors were changed by cement concrete during the restoration time of
Italians, so to remove this cement it was very difficult, it may cause disturbance on the
building. So, to keep the originality of the palace by preparing 4 cm width traditional
plank which was prepared in traditional method from əde (pine) and wanza,(Cordia
Africana) they covered the past cement concrete by this tiny timber. Then after covering
the cement concrete by traditional plank, they smeared the planks by flaxseed oil. The wall
lining adjustment work of King Fasilädäs palace before this restoration was not effective
because of the lack of pure water supply and lack of able professionals. Due to these situations
the palace cracked, so to restore this part of the palace restoration was an essential thing.101
The other initiating factor for paint restoration work in 1993 was incompatibility of previous wall
paint with the original color of the palace. Since the construction time of the palaces until the
first restoration program by Italians, there was no any new color on the walls. But after the
restoration made by Italians the all of the paint of the wall was marked by various
colors.
These paints had also different strength. The paints had no relation with the historic buildings
paint. When we see the historic palaces structure and walls paint it may create confusion for
people or visitors. So to remove this paint and to show the original feature of the wall they
removed the paints by washing and eliminating using sharp materials with careful method.
Regarding the work of electric lighting on king Fasilädäs palace there was some restoration one.
Actually when we see the electric lighting work on the palace it is strange because these palaces
are of the17thC result of Gondärian period, during that time there was no electric power
in our country as well as in the palaces. So electric lightning of Gondärian historic
buildings seems to be the intervention of technology on these historical palaces. But the fact is
because of the broken up of the past traditional lanterns the restorers replaced them with inky
that is made from wood and clay. The preparations of these traditional lamps were with
keeping content of tradition and by measuring the amount of electricity which is injecting in
101
ARCCH: Gondar zone administrative of heritage conservation, 3 /459//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 93, p.196.
49
the lamps. In addition these traditional lamps are designed to provide light by using oil and
cotton like the past time.102
3.1.2 The Library of king Yohhanes
Fig: 5 Library of king Yohhanes.
Source: Gondär Town Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport Office.
The other palace is the chancellery of king Yohanəs, who made few additions to the building in
Gondär apart from two pavilions, one for the chancellor and the other for library. The tiny castle
built by king Yohanəs I is one of the buildings in the compound.103
Regarding the conservation movement on the library of king Yohhanes was not mentioned in the
reports. All of the reports and other written documents that discussed about Gondarian historic
building conservation work were not once about the conservation work of the library of
Yohhanes
102
Ibid 103
Management plan for FasilGebi world heritage sites, Developed by University of Gondar Department of Tourism
Management in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Authority for Research and Conservation of
Cultural Heritages, 2016, p 18.
50
3.1.3 The palace of king Iyasu I
Fig: 6 the Palace of King Iyasu I.
Source: Gondär Town Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport Office.
King ʾIyäsu I is one of the strong kings during Gondärian period. To show his strength he called
by his nick name “ʾIyäsu the great”. The king‟s castle is one of the largest and richly constructed
structures in the royal compound. In the third year of his reign (1685) the gorgeous building of
emperor ʾIyäsu I had been completed. The castle was decorated with ceilings adorned with gold
and precious stones. Unfortunately the castle was partially damaged by earth quake in 1704 and
the ceilings of the ground floor were shattered by the British bombardment during the World
War I.104
104
Budge, Willias. A history of Ethiopia: Nubia and Abyssinia. vol. II. ( London: Methuen and Co. Ltd), 1928.
Pp.409-410.
51
The conservation work on the palace of King ʾIyäsu I, on the other report of 1964 there was
restoration work carried on different palaces and churches which are found in and around
Gondär. During that time palace of King ʾIyäsu I was highly destructed, so to maintain this
palace they used stones, Eucalyptus wood, lime and metal.105
3.1.4 The palace of king Dawit III
Source: Gondär Town Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport Office.
King Dawit III also built 30 meter long and 12.30 meters wide concrete hall. He also built a cage
for lions within the imperial compound where black named Abyssinian lions were kept as an
105
ARCCH: Heritage restoration work on Gondar and its surrounding area, Second report,/08484/64.
Fig: 7. the palace of king Dawit III
52
important royal symbol, which had been practiced until the reign of Emperor Haile selassie I in
20th
C.106
The restoration work in 1964 on the palace of king Dawit, the restorers totally removed the
roof of the palace and substituted with the original materials of the building, because the roof
was restored by Italians before 30 years ago with cement concrete. 107
3.1.5 The Banquet hall of King Bäkafa
When it comes to the Banquet of King Bäkafa king Dawit III was succeeded by King Bäkafa
(1721-30), who took up again the building of royal structures. King Bäkafa built an enormous
banquet hall. The banquet hall was the last structure in the imperial compound built before the
disintegration of Gondärian period.108
During the time of Italian occupation of Ethiopia, the banquet hall of king Bäkafa was one of
them. This castle from the city reveals that part of the northern facade was collapsing, two
windows were opened and so much water drains in to these collapsed parts of the castle which
were restored by using cements and concrete. But because of the original and this new
materials were not incompatibility the restoration was not successful. After a few time these
restored parts began to crack.109
The conservation work in 1964 on the banquet hall of king Bäkafa, they restored the roof,
windows and doors.110
In 1985, there was a restoration program on different palaces and the bath of king Fasilädäs.
During that time, on the palace of king Bäkafa banquet hall there was destruction on the
windows and doors. To restore these demolished parts of the banquet hall the restorers used
106
Management plan for Fasil Gebi world heritage sites, Developed by University of Gondar Department of Tourism
Management in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Authority for Research and Conservation of
Cultural Heritages, 2016, p, 22. 107 ARCCH: Heritage restoration work on Gondar and its surrounding area, Second report,/08484/64.
108Management plan for Fasil Gebi world heritage sites, p, 25.
109Ibid,p, 53.
110 ARCCH: Heritage restoration work on Gondar and its surrounding area, Second report,/08484/64.
53
different strong woods like əqur ʾƎn ät( black wood)and wäyra (olive)which are
collected and purchased from private owners or governmental sectors from the
surrounding area especially in lay Armacho.111
In 1990, the banquet hall king Bäkafa have also been strengthened which means that before
destruction of the historic building they restored deteriorated parts of the building and
maintenance of the banquet hall roof.
The restoration of King Bäkafa‟s banquet hall in 1994 was carried out by Amhara
region heritage conservation office and Federal authority for research and conservation of
cultural heritage. They operated and controlled this restoration activity ranging from the study
work to the restoration details and finalization. The reason for the planed restoration program
was the collapse of the north wall of the main hall and on the reinforced concrete structure. Due
to its original construction nature and faulty repairs in the past, the building walls have
suffered from serious structural problems. The north side wall of the banquet hall was
tiled out by maximum 55 cm from plumb line. The other side of the hall was also in ward tiled
by 8 cm thick parallel walls which were loaded by a reinforced cement concrete beams and shape
in a fashion of the old wood and stone roof. This reinforced concrete roof was found under a
state of heavy deterioration which led the banquet hall to destruction. All these problems are the
main reasons for carrying out restoration activity on the banquet hall of King Bäkafa.112
As Flemming,s explanation, Gondär monuments are built of local stone, such as hard, dark grey
basalt and a softer, red volcanic lava rock, with mortar and representation materials based on
lime believed to have been extracted from find the way limestone deposits somewhere in the
Gondär area.113
In the report of restoration work of Bäkafa Banquet hall in 1994 EC carried out by architect
Mamo Getahun, he stated that the castles were built by using common traditional rubble (raw
111
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report of Gondarian Palaces,2/62/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9/85,p. 160. 112
Fleming Aalund. Master Plan for the Preservation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage.(UNESCO, Paris),
1985.p,.78. 113
Fleming Aalund. Master Plan for the Preservation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage.(UNESCO, Paris),
1985.p,.78.
54
basalt) stone and lime mortar binding. In this construction, dressed stone is used on the currently
non existing roof slabs and on the arches of doors and window openings. On the other hand
wood is important to restore roof beams, lintels, door panels, window panels, balconies, wall
plates and probably for the looted staircases and laddering leading to basement and terrace. This
indicate that wood is one of the most important material in the making of the Gondärian historic
buildings114
The overall outcome of the restoration improved the visual impact which is dominantly seen on
the halls and enhances the understanding of visitors. The other restoration was the lighting on
the other side of the palace; it brings a sense of old and traditional sense of interior space in the
hall. During the restoration they used materials like lime mortar which was bought from kiln
burners in Guder-Ambo, Timber logs and planks searched and collected by purchasing from
different areas. Machinery was needed to remove the concrete structures without vibration
and to prepare different items during the restoration.
Regarding the capacity of professionals under taking this restoration, the craftsmen had
good experience. Different craftsmen in the field of wood works, stone shaping, masons,
carpenters, lime mortar workers and assistants were brought to participate in this
restoration.
The organizational structure of restoration was such that the federal and regional institutions at
different level of status shared the responsibilities for this restoration task. During the
restoration time, authority for research and conservation of cultural heritage was the
responsible body for this task under the ministry of youth, sport and culture. The
authority handled the budget allocation, planning and programming of the work. Amhara
National Regional State and North Gondär Tourism, Culture Youth and Sport Office supported
by providing financial resource and by preparing the work schedule in collaboration with other
stakeholders.115
A 1997 work shop report shows that during that time, King Bäkafa‟s castle was suffering from
structural problem and about five year ago it was provided with a permanent shoring for support.
114
ARCCH: Gondar zone administrative of heritage conservation,2 /459//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 94, p. 3. 115
Fleming Aalund. Master Plan for the Preservation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage.(UNESCO, Paris),
1985.p,.78-80.
55
The lower level of the western hall of the building is a retaining wall, which serves also a
function of curtain all for the compound. This notable wall is strictly out of plumb, especially
in the southern portion. In the most inclination area, the difference between the base and top
position is about 50 cm. The group analyzed the decay caused by this major issue and the
conservation consequences.
The report indicated that the group discussed more on the positive and negative contributions
of the reinforced concrete roof built during the Italian occupation (1930s) which led to
harsh damages due to lack of maintenance. To know in detail about the decay part of the castle,
the group identified the need for a more precise measurement of the tilting wall. And in order to
provide the structural engineer with detailed information about the situation of the state of the
structure and to evaluate different options for rehabilitation.116
ʾƎrgəb bär, because of its small size it offered the group opportunity to study in more depth some
of the less visible aspect of the decay. For example, the phenomenon of the erosion of red
volcanic stones was studied to understand the possible relation with the carving systems and the
quality of the stone. The biological colonization was also examined to understand the relation
with moisture and sun exposure.117
Generally from my perspective the workshop was a good survey representing a necessary and
unique foundation for projects both with exclusive conservation objects, as well as for those
including rehabilitation and re use purposes. The preparation of detailed survey is useful to be
used during the whole process of conservation project including developing analysis, to
calculate costs and time, to explain interferences to the site manager (customers),
sponsors and to record the works and archive the transformation taking place to the building as
a result of restoration. On the other side, the workshop was important as it gathered
multidisciplinary and heterogeneous group of professionals including students and let them
communicate through a practical exercise and demonstrated the importance of analysis prior to
conservation actions.118
116
Ethiopian cultural heritage project , site planning and conservation activities in Gondar , workshop report “building survey and analysis”, 2005, p,10. 117
Ibid 118
Ibid,12.
56
The restoration work of 2005 was carried out by architect ʾAlämayähu G/Wälde. The target of
the restoration work was the banquet hall of King Bäkafa and the swimming pool of king
Fasilädäs. As ʾAlämayähu explained he was responsible for the restoration work of the
banquet hall of King Bäkafa. The result of restoration work of King Bäkafa Banquet hall
was very attractive and the features of the banquet hall that we see today were made at that
time.
When I saw this building in 2003 EC, the building‟s roof and windows were almost damaged.
It was also horrible to enter in to the Hall. But today anybody can enter in to the hall without any
fear. This shows that there is improvement regarding the application of conservation
principles during restoration work.
Fig: 8 the Banquet hall of King Bakaffa.
Source: Gondär Town Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport Office.
3.1.6 The Palace of Məntəwab
The castle of queen Məntəwab (1730-1770) is located at the northern edge of the compound
linked with the Bäkafa castle and that of Balädəras Bär to form an aggregate of structures on the
opposite side of the imperial compound. The two storey building of queen Məntəwab is rich with
57
battlements, arches and bas-reliefs, which shows an elegant architecture with another small
square shaped storey at the top.
Another structure known as queen Məntəwab sauna (bath room) is also located very close to her
castle. This building used to have two floors, but unfortunately the first floor of this building is
left except the outer walls. At the ground floor there are two rooms with vaults on which rounded
holes were serving for steam emission.119
The restoration of Italians on the palace of Məntəwab, there was a problem on the southern
facade where it is possible to notice that there was crack on the right side. The restorers tried to
restore this destructed parts of the castle, but they were not successful like the previous one.
Because of these problems the castle structure comparing the present images of the facades
with the historical ones is different. This shows that the castle lost its originality by the
inappropriate way of conservation, but based on the report there is no any measure taken on
the restorers.120
Generally regarding the conservation work of Italians on Gondärian historic buildings, we can
say that it was more of consolidation of historic buildings, because the meaning of
consolidation is more appropriate with the work of Italians. Consolidation is a way of
rebuilding the damaged part of the object by adding new materials to ensure its
continued durability or structural integrity and to transfer the next generation. As we can
learn from different documents and reports the conservation activity of Italians from 1930
to 1938 on Gondärian historic buildings, due to their less quality of input materials and did
not take into account the principles of restoration and hence their work was not successful.
Actually their maintenance helped the buildings to resist the bombings and to stay up to this
day, but the authenticity of the building is partially omitted by their restoration system.
119
Biggs, P. Ethiopia: The Bradt Travel Guide, 4th
edition, 2005, p. 242. 120
Management plan for Fasil Gəbi world heritage sites, Developed by University of Gondar Department of
Tourism Management in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Authority for Research and
Conservation of Cultural Heritages, 2016,p, 53.
58
After Italian restoration, other international and local experts tried to change the past
restoration work materials as much as possible.121
The restoration work on the palace of Məntəwab in 1963, the restorers cleared grasses that grew
on the palace of Məntəwab.122
The restoration work of 1968 was carried out by architect Bäqälä Mäkonän and Gərma
Täsäma. Their restoration work was mainly focused on King Fasilädäs and Məntəwab
palaces. They tried to restore the damaged parts of Məntəwab palace wall and by using strong
woods to restore.123
In1976 the Ministry of youth, Culture and sport affairs in collaboration with Gondär
town, culture tourism, youth and sport office restored different palaces and churches. On
the palace of ʾƎtege Məntəwab roof replacing the cement concrete by lime mortar and woods.124
In 1979 the restoration work was carried out by engineer ʾA agre Gäbre on the palaces of ʾƎtege
Məntəwab palace which is found away from the main compound by 5 kms in Qusqʷam. During
that time compound fence the palace of ʾƎtege Məntəwab was highly destructed. Later, the
architect restored the fence by using traditional materials which means the original materials of
the fence that are stone and lime.125
A 1990 report shows that there was restoration work on the palace of ʾƎtege Məntəwab. The
restoration work includes on its wall, doors and roofs. Until the end of the year, the restoration
work was continued by restoring the above damaged parts of the palaces.126
121
In my perspective the restoration of Italians on Gondarian historic buildings has left its own positive
and negative impact on the palaces. Negative impact of the restoration of Italians on the palaces is they restored by
new materials which means their used materials have not any relation with the previous materials of the
buildings, this follow disappearance of the authenticity of buildings and after a few times the materials cause d
deterioration of the buildings. The positive side of the restoration is as I tried to show on the above paragraph it
helped to resist different human made factors such as bombard during war time. 122
ARCCH: heritage restoration work on Gondar province, 3970/76/63. 123
ARCCH: heritage restoration work on Gondar province, 399/27/68. P.54. 124
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report of Gondarian historic buildings,1/164/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /23/ 76,p. 36. 125
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report of Gondarian Palaces,2/57/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9/79,p. 82. 126
ARCCH: Gondar zone administrative of heritage conservation, 1 /1132//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 90,p.103.
59
In 1997 EC there was a workshop in Fasil Gəbi concerning the conservation problems
on Gondärian palaces. Different categories of participant were invited to take part in the
workshop. The participants were four ECHP counterparts (two architects, building engineer and
structural engineer), one architect working as a ECHP counterpart in Axum sub
component, one junior official of the engineering department of the municipality of Gondär and
one architect working in private office.
The team selected the castle of Məntəwab in relation to the need for documentation their state of
conservation, in order to identify the project conservation activities. This castle stands on the
northern side of the compound and is sided by two courtyard limited by the high
compound gates which has two gates, Balä dəras bär in the northeast side and ʾƎrgəb bär on
the southwest. ʾʾƎrgəb bär is integrated in the structure of the Bäkafa‟s castle which has also
been the subject of survey and analysis in the workshop.
The report shows that in the first ten days the team work was supervised and coordinated by the
ECHP and Mr Becker who presented the various techniques in their application to
different buildings and survey problems. In addition to the above task, the team prepared
photograph survey of the compound, proposal of inventory for the gates and bridges and
analysis of the Məntəwab castle to make hypothesis on the buildings phases.
After a compilation of measured drawings for each building, they discussed about the
link between survey and conservation projects. During their discussion, the main topics have
been Ethiopian cultural heritage project, site planning and conservation activities in Gondar,
workshop report “building survey and analysis”, touched. The visual observation of the
building is a first step for the interpretation of conservation problems and possible
solution. Visual observation has been detailed in four different aspects such as identification of
building materials and techniques because knowing building materials is very important to
restore the building, identification of the main or more urgent conservation problem of the
building, identification of the most recent decay of the building and identification of the
structural problem of the building.127
127
Ethiopian cultural heritage project , site planning and conservation activities in Gondar and Axum, Gondar sub
component, conservation guide lines, final report, 2007,p, 17.
60
As I tried to discuss in the above paragraphs most of the damages of the Balä dəras
Bär appeared to be caused by water penetration by away capillarity (channel). The missing
roof is indeed the major cause of the penetration of water in to the building associated
with infiltration from the unprotected crest of the wall. The water penetration caused
various decays, washing of the masonry with erosion of mortar joints, heavy decay of
structural woods, enlargement of minor cracks and cause for biological colonization. After
their discussion for restoration of this building they suggested that further analysis on the state of
timber with non destructive testing which means to check the inner sections and remaining
structural capacity. The other method is a careful study of the outstanding roofing system and
test of water proofing materials to be placed slot in the structure. The last but not the least
suggestion is exploring solutions to replace the wooden structure of the staircase without
dismantling the steps.128
Fig: 9 the palace of Etege Məntəwab
Source: Photograph by Netsanet Abay.
128
61
3.1.7 The Bath of King Fasilädäs
The bath of king Fasilädäs is located about 2 kms away from the compound; it is enclosed by tall
stone wall. The pool is overlooked by a two-story building that has flat roof and two wooden
balconies. The building of the swimming pool had probably been used for ritual purposes rather
than for royal leisure pursuits.129
For many times this swimming pool was restored. In1976 the Ministry of youth, Culture and
sport affairs in collaboration with Gondär town, culture tourism, youth and sport office
restored different palaces and churches. During that time, the bath of king Fasilädäs doors
were destructed, the compound of the bath was also polluted, the egg shape building
found on the surrounding of the bath, due to lack of conservation was being used as toilet,
all , these problems initiated the above mentioned two offices to restore the site.130
A 1979 report shows that there was restoration on the bath of King Fasilädäs fence.131
But there
is no other detail information about the overall restoration.
After six years, in 1985, there was a restoration program on different palaces and the bath of king
Fasilädäs.132
Based on the reports of 1990, there was restoration work carried out in 1990 under the
supervision of the ARCCH and managed by local experts from the ARCCH (office
architects) and masons and craftsmen in Gondär participated on the restoration work of
Gondärian historic buildings. Based on the reports of 1990, there was restoration work carried
out in 1990 under the supervision of the ARCCH and managed by local experts from
the ARCCH (office architects) and masons and craftsmen in Gondär participated on the
restoration work of Gondärian historic buildings. During their restoration work time they
clean-up bath of king Fasilädäs.133
In1992, Gondär town heritage conservation office was commissioned to conduct a roof
129
Biggs, P. Ethiopia: The Bradt Travel Guide, 4th
edition, 2005, p. 242. 130
ARCCH: heritage restoration work on Gondar province, 3970/76/63. 131
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report of Gondarian Palaces,2/57/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9/79,p. 81. 132
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report of Gondarian Palaces,2/62/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9/85,p. 160. 133
ARCCH: Gondar zone administrative of heritage conservation, 1/931//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 90,P.93.
62
maintenance, ground repairs and the construction of fence on the bath of king Fasilädäs.134
In 1996 and 1997, the conservation of the bath of king Fasilädäs included restoration of the
outer fence wall, restoration and consolidation of circular towers, removal of deteriorated
cement concrete structure on the main building, preparation of red stone aggregate,
preparation of traditional iron nails and fixers to the original size and shape. In addition,
before the beginning of restoration works, necessary materials for restoration were mobilized to
the site. Among them were cement, sand, stone, eucalyptus (bahərzaf) logs, iron plates of
different size, anti pest chemical are some of them.
About the above materials that are prepared to be used as an input of restoration, most of them
are in contrary with the original materials of the building. As an example eucalyptus
(Bahərzaf) logs, cement, irons and other materials are not among the original materials used for
construction of the palaces. These materials have not any relation with the original materials in
terms of their strength and weight.135
Fig: 10 the bath of king Fasilädäs.
Source: Gondär Town Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport Office.
134
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report on Gondarian Palaces,1 ,/866//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 92, p.192. 135
Ibid
63
3.1.8 The Palace of Ras Mikaʾel Səhul (Ras Gənb)
As much as possible in the previous pages, I tried to discuss about the overall conservation
works of Gondärian palaces, but still I did not discuss about the conservation work on the palace
of Ras Mikaʾel Səhul (Ras Gənb). Ras Gənb is one of the historical buildings in the town
constructed from the same materials and with the same architectural style other castles. It is
believed to have been constructed by Emperor Fasilädäs for Ras Bitəwodäd Wäldä Georgis, a
son-in-law or brother-in- law of the emperor. It became, therefore, a special structure in Gondär
specially assigned to the office of Bitəwodäd (formerly the highest appointment at court and had
been combined during the last century with the military rank of Ras). The title of Ras used to be
awarded to a nobleman who led the political-military coalition that enthroned and supported each
king.136
The history of Mikaʾel Səhul‟s palace or Ras Gənb, however, is full of confusion. It is known
among the local society and in many literatures by the name Ras Mikaʾel Səhul Gənb (and
sometimes, Gemb). There are two problems related with the name. One is related with the prefix
that associates the castle with Ras Mikaʾel Səhul. Though the castle was constructed many years
before the coming to Gondär of Ras Mikaʾel Səhul and it was in fact had been occupied by other
officials before Ras Michael occupied it for a period of three years.137
In my review of conservation reading of conservation related documents about Gondärian
historic buildings I couldn‟t get any document pertaining to Ras Gənb. When I asked my
informants Ms Zänäbu and MrʾAlämayähu , about the time of palace restoration and why it was
not restored continuously like other palaces, they told me about it‟s complete restoration during
the time of Emperor Haile selassie I and restoration was done at that time because the palace was
used as a residence for the Emperor. Because of this the building is not much damaged,
136Bantaläm Tadäsä, „‟Tracing and Promoting the Routes of Tewodros from Quara to Derasgie and Their
Surroundings,’’Ethiopian e-journal for research and innovations foresight, Vol 7.no (2), 2016, pp. 25-26.
137Ibid.
64
sometimes when a small signs of crack began to be seen on the walls of the building the French
government treated this problems.138
On the conservation guide line report of Gondärian historic buildings in 2007 GC regarding the
historic building materials different guide lines are listed. It is important that the extent of
replacement materials be minimized, because the original materials contribute to the authenticity
of the property as a historic resource. Even when there placement material exactly matches that
of the original, the integrity of a historic building is to some degree compromised when extensive
amounts are removed. This is because the original material exhibits a record of the labor and
craftsmanship of an earlier time and this is lost when it is replaced.139
Bernard M. Feilden, in his
book “Conservation of historic buildings”, mentioned different principles in the conservation of
historic buildings and included the treatment method of building materials. The techniques of
treating historic building materials are such as treatment of materials, repair of materials,
replacement materials and covering materials. Under the principle of treatment of materials
include different guide lines among them deterioration is the first one when the materials become
deteriorate:
Preserve original building materials, such as do not remove siding that is in good
condition or that can be repaired in place. Only remove siding which is
deteriorated and must be replaced. Masonry features that define the overall
historic character such as walls, cornices, pediments, steps and foundations,
should be preserved and avoid rebuilding a major portion of an exterior wall that
could be repaired.
During repairing of materials the architect must be consider following things;
Avoid the removal of damaged materials that can be repaired, isolated areas of
damage may be stabilized or fixed, using consolidates, epoxies and resins may be
considered for wood repair and special masonry repair components also may be
used. Original mortar that is in good condition should be preserved in place,
repoint only those mortar joints where there is evidence of a moisture problem or
when mortar is missing, duplicate the original mortar in strength, composition,
color, texture, joint width and profile, do not use mortar with a high Portland
cement content, which will be substantially harder than the brick and does not
138
Informant Ms Zänäbu and MrʾAlämayähu . 139
Ethiopian cultural heritage project , site planning and conservation activities in Gondar and Axum, Gondar sub
component, conservation guide lines, final report, 2007,p, 17.
65
allow for expansion and contraction, the result is deterioration of the brick
itself.140
Based on these principles all the above mentioned restoration materials in Gondärian historic
buildings were not advisable for historic building restoration.
Conserving and rehabilitating historic building is quite different from designing a new one.
Before designing a restoration project the architect has to know the building in all of its parts.
First of all the conservation planner must know the exact drawing of the building to understand
its historic significance, the historic period of construction, the later additions, transformations
and the state of conservation. All these information is essential to decide and to consider the
single parts of the building fabric in the appropriate way.141
Generally from my perspective the workshop was a good survey representing a necessary and
unique foundation for projects both with exclusive conservation objects, as well as for those
including rehabilitation and re use purposes. The preparation of detailed survey is useful to be
used during the whole process of conservation project including developing analysis, to calculate
costs and time, to explain interferences to the site manager (customers), sponsors and to record
the works and archive the transformation taking place to the building as a result of restoration.
On the other side, the workshop was important as it gathered multidisciplinary and
heterogeneous group of professionals including students and let them communicate through a
practical exercise and demonstrated the importance of analysis prior to conservation actions.142
A 1999 EC, Ethiopian cultural heritage project prepared conservation guide line on Gondärian
palaces. Conservation activities were carried out in the past in Gondär and Gondär areas in
different periods, with diverse goals and under various works supervisor. The actual result is a
serious of stratification of building material and surfaces. The main target of this conservation
140
Bernard M. Feilden .Conservation of historic buildings. Director Emeritus.(International Centre for the Thesis of
the Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)), third edition, Rome.2003. 141
Ethiopian cultural heritage project , site planning and conservation activities in Gondar , workshop report
“building survey and analysis”, 2005, p,10. 142
In my analysis the workshop participated different stakeholders, which means it creates collaboration with other
concerning bodies. This is good opportunity for detailed analysis of each and every buildings and it facilitates to
perform organized and formal conservation movement on the sites. It also helps to keep the principles of
restoration and to control the process of restoration work.
66
plan is to get a good start for future preservation and management of the sites. It is also
fundamental to establish a common and shared approach to the conservation of Gondärian
heritage sites together with a documentation of previous interventions. As I tried to discuss in the
previous pages, activities that were carried out by the Italians during the occupation of Ethiopia
changed dramatically the shape of the buildings in Fasil Gəbi and other sites in the area. The
reinforced concrete works were carried out to recreate roofing systems, staircase (set of steps)
and structural elements. Most of the time large reconstructions were performed based on the
interpretation of existing features and the oral history of the site. These works were carried out
with the aim of bringing back the glory of Ethiopian past as a reflection.143
The restoration works carried out by UNESCO consultants, Angelini during in the 1960‟s and
Coulon afterwards were on the contrary more conservative in their approach and focused on the
consolidation of existing features with very few elements being substituted. Considering with
different approaches and methods both the Italians works and later ones have been essential for
the survival of Gondär‟s cultural heritage still today.144
Based on the report of 1999, the aim of these guidelines is to increase awareness of values
inherent to Gondärian architectural and archeological heritage, to provide information on basic
principles and methods of conservation and restoration.145
In 2000 EC the restoration work of palaces was done by the support of UNDP financial aid.
During that time the restoration work included all palaces which are found in the Fasil Gəbi and
Qusqʷam complex. The final report of the general context and master plan in Gondär in 2007 GC
show that during that time the historic sites were severely harmed. The Fasil Gəbi imperial
compound shows an almost rectified landscape and most of the compound‟s open spaces were
covered with grass. Local trees are scattered around the site, but mostly not in proximity to the
buildings. Dispersed water was not channeled at the moment and during the rainy season the
running water is creating large puddles (swamp) and stagnating at the base of the walls. The
143
Ethiopian cultural heritage project , site planning and conservation activities in Gondar and Axum, Gondar sub
component, conservation guide lines, final report, 2007, p,4. 144
Ibid,p, 7. 145
Ibid, p, 5.
67
other problem on the buildings was that birds were present on the site and the consequent
damage related to their excrement was not controllable. The life and habit of those birds should
have been monitored in order to understand if the site is becoming dominant residence of one or
more species and which are the possible consequences. Thus some problems are occurring on the
Fasil Gəbi.146
On the other hand the compound of Qusqʷam was invaded by vegetation both on horizontal and
vertical surfaces and especially during the rainy season. The most damaged elements were the
wooden ones, which were affected by a very heavy type of biological colonization. During the
summer season the power of rain showered the physical structures of buildings in Qusqʷam
which was constantly subjected to structural stress and surface washing. The banquet hall was
also considered among the others, the one with more artistic value for the simplicity of its
structures and the presence of various bas-reliefs on the south west facade (front). Not only this,
there are also other plenty of problems on the buildings, the banquet hall, the condition of the
ruins and architectural remains in the surrounding area are in a poor state of conservation and in
danger of collapse.147
Basically the main cause for the demolishing of the site is the bombing by
dervishes on the compound. Based on sources that, I got, until the coming of Emperor Haile
selassie I to power there was no any type of restoration on these destructed buildings. Finally
during the time of emperor Haile selassie I some of these heritage sites were restored. There are
Qusqʷam church, Ras Gənb and the banquet hall of king Bäkafa were restored but the remaining
palaces were not restored.148
During my visit of the site in 2010, on the banquet hall of Məntəwab, which is found in Qusqʷam
complex, and different ruins of the compound there is no any type of restoration. When I try to
compare the reports of the general context and master plan in Gondär2007 GC with the present
condition of the buildings there is no any change or restoration. Because of this problem the
ruins like the palace of Məntəwab , the house of horse, the banquet hall, and other buildings
are in the process of destruction. Within the compound only the ruins of buildings are shown on
146
Ethiopian cultural heritage project, site planning and conservation activities in Gondar and Axum, final report,
vol.1. General context and master plan, Gondar sub component, 2007, p, 30-31. 147
Ibid 148
Informant Mr Henose, he is a guide in Qusəquwamə compound.
68
the surface. This indicates that the absence of conservation work on the site. Not only this when
sometimes restorers tried to restore this building especially the banquet hall they did not use
original or compatible materials. During my visit in 2010, I saw the restoration materials for the
buildings, e.g., cement; this is not the original ingredient material of the building. My informant
Mr Henose, said to me that the restoration work took a time not more than a week, after that the
cement began to lay down on the ground and again the buildings are led to destruction.149
As my informant architect ʾAlämayähu explained, in 2000 EC there was restoration work on all
Gondärian historic buildings except Qusqʷam compound. This restoration was good as compared
to the previous ones in applying rules and principles of conservation during historic building
restoration. The restorers, before going to work, tried to thesis all over the site about the
buildings from historical perspective and also architectural perspective. According to my
informant the materials which were prepared for restoration were also appropriately good, and
some of the materials are similar to the original materials of the building. The remaining
materials because of the absence of materials from the surrounding area were substituted by
other materials after conducting a thesis about the new materials. The wooden materials, due to
disappearance of this type of woods from the surrounding area, came from ima and Käfa. The
restoration project was financially supported by European Union (EU) and World Monument
Fund (WMF) and all the restorers were also local architects. About the professional background
of the restorers there were two architects in ARCCH office and other experienced craftsmen in
Gondär. My informant ʾAlämayähu said that, local experts were a relatively better than
international architects. What he wants to say is that when local craftsmen restore one historic
building they have a sense of belongingness and they do it with careful method. Unfortunately
there is no written document about the overall process of restoration 150
In order to identify changes and evaluate the processes of restoration work on Gondärian historic
buildings from the beginning to 2013 GC I have presented them in the next page. The table
contains the whole processes of restoration work that were carried out in different time on
149
Informant MrHenose 150
Informant MrʾAlämayähu. He is a heritage conservator in ARCCH office and also he supervises different historic
sites during restoration time. Mainly he supervises the heritage sites of Gondar and Gondar area and Harare.
69
Gondärian palaces. I hope the table helps readers easily evaluate and understand the restoration
processes in Gondärian palaces.
70
Year of
restoration
work
Professionals
background
Financial resources to
the project. Amount
&Funding agent
Material resources
for restoration work
Process of executing the
project work in the light
of conservation
procedures and principles
Degree of success
The (Italians) restoration work
final result is expose palaces for
destruction and reduced its
authenticity. Based on the
conservation and restoration
work principles most of their
work was in contrary with the
principles.
1930‟s
GC
Name; unknown Italian government. Amount; unknown
New material
(cement &metal). They did not consider
any rule and principle
of restoration work
1963EC Architect Sandro
Angelini and other
local craftsmen.
The funding Agent
was UNDP and
Ethiopian government.
There is no any
information
It is difficult to say they
consider or not consider
the principles of
conservation.
Difficult to measure.
1964 EC Architects Sandro
Angelini and local
masons, carpenters
and daily laborers.
UNESCO, EOTC and
Ethiopian government.
Amount; unknown
New; Eucalyptus
wood and metal.
Old; stones and
lime.
They defy some principle
of conservation work
There was no any information.
1965
Two Italian
architects, and
other local masons,
carpenters and
daily laborers.
Ethiopian
government. Amount; unknown.
Old; Sand, red
lime Ne cement.
In line with principle of
restoration.
There was communication
problem between architectures
and local masons and carpenters
during restoration work time.
1968 EC Architect Gərma
Täsäma and Bäqälä
Mäkonən.
Ethiopian government
Amount; 15000 Eth. No information _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1970EC.
The UNESCO
experts.
UNESCO. No information
- - - - -
- - - - -- -
71
1971 Addis Ababa
university students
and Mr, Säwaläm
ʾAdal
Nəguse Gorfu and
Səlä i.
Ethiopian government.
Amount; 110,000
Eth,birr.
No information
- - - - -
- - - - -
1972 EC
No information Ethiopian government
Amount; 81,979.84 No information _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
End of
1960‟s to
beginning
of 1970‟s
GC.
Architect Sandro
Angelini and Jean
Claude Coulon
UNDP and UNESCO, Amount ; Unknown
Old; lime, red lava
stones and timbers.
They(restorers) are in line
with the principles of
restoration.
They tried to bring the original
physical structure of the historic
buildings.
1975/76
EC
Architect ʾA agre
Gäbre and local
craftsmen.
Ethiopian government.
Amount ; Unknown Old; red stone,
timbers and lime
mortar.
They are in line with the
principles of
conservation.
They tried to restore different
historic buildings in to the
original physical structure and
completed their work on time.
1979 Architect ʾA agre
Gäbre and local
craftsmen
Ethiopian
government.
There is no any
information.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1985 EC The conservation
work was carried
out by Gondär
town tourism,
culture and sport
office
Ethiopian federal
government
Amount ; Unknown
There was no use of
building materials
because their work
was preservation of
historic buildings.
They are in line with the
principles of
conservation.
Regarding by prevention of the
historic buildings from threaten
factors they were successful.
1989 EC Architect Mamo
Getahun
Ethiopian government
and Ethiopian
Orthodox Church
Old; processed lime,
woods, sand and
metal processed with
traditional method
They are in line with the
principles of restoration.
The success degree of the
restoration work in 1989 was
good.
1990 Architect Fasil
ʾAyähu
Ethiopian federal
government. Amount ;
Unknown
Old; processed lime,
woods and sand.
No information. - - -- - - - - - -
72
1991
ʾ
Fasil
ʾAyähu with other
local craftsmen.
Ethiopian federal
government and EU
Amount ; Unknown
Old; woods (wäyra
olive əqur
ʾənč ät) and lime.
The restorer tried to
consider the principle of
preserve and reveals the
aesthetic and historic
value of the monument.
Partially they tried to consider
the principles of conservation
and restoration work.
1992 Fasil ʾAyähu Ethiopian federal
government and
International fund for
monuments (IMF)
Amount ; Unknown
Old; red stone, lime,
timbers and
New; electric cables
Regarding by use of
original materials of the
restoration of historic
buildings is successful,
but sometimes there was
intervention like using
of electric cables.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1993 Architect Mamo
Getahun and other
foreign architect
there name was
unknown.
UNDP and UNESCO.
Amount ; Unknown Old; wood(tide
(pine), &wanza
(Cordia Africana)),
flaxseed oil, paint
New; electric cables.
They are not in line with
the principles of
conservation.
By the cause of the foreign
architect abandon his work and
go away from the country.
Because of this problem the
restoration work was not
finished on time,
1994 Architect Mamo
Getahun, local
craftsmen and
archeologist from
ARCCH.
The funding agents
were Amhara national
regional state and
north Gondär Culture
Tourism, Youth and
sport office.
Old; kiln burners in
Guder Ambo and
timber logs.
They are in line with the
principles of
conservation of historic
buildings.
They tried to lighting and
furnishing on the destructed
sides of the palaces and bring a
sense of old and traditional sense
of interior spaces in the historic
buildings.
1996 Architect Mäzämr
ʾAbiy and other
craftsmen.
Norway government
and ARCCH.
Amount ; Unknown
Old; sand, red stone
and Eucalyptus logs.
New; cement and
iron plates
They are not in line with
the principles of
conservation of historic
buildings
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2000 Architect
ʾAlämayähu
G/Wolde and other
experienced
craftsmen in
Gondär.
European union (EU)
and World Monument
Fund (WMF).
Amount ; Unknown
Old; lime mortar,
sand, red stone,
woods like əqurʾ
ənč ät and
wäyra(olive).
They are in line with
principles of
conservation of historic
buildings.
The restoration work degree of
2000 was better than the
previous years by different
things, including the background
of professionals in different
disciplines and they used
73
original materials.
2005
Architectʾ
Alämayähu& other
local experienced
masons and daily
laborers.
Norway government Amount ; Unknown
Old; woods, lime
and red stones.
They are in line with the
principles of
conservation.
The restoration work of 2005
was the sign of conservation
work becomes develop in our
country especially on Gondärian
historic buildings. So, their
restoration work was successful
Table 4: The overall restoration processes on Gondärian historic buildings from 1930‟s to 2013
Generally, I tried to show the overall processes of conservation history of Gondärian historic buildings from 1930s to 2013 GC. Based
on the reports about the conservation of Gondärian historic buildings from the beginning there were problems related with protecting
the originality of the historic buildings during restoration time. However, from time to time there have been some sorts of
improvement. The improvements are shown in the attention given to applying the principles of conservation of historic buildings;
keeping the originality of the historic buildings by using original material during restoration work and conducting restoration work by
professionals. In my view these are signposts of the improvement of restoration work on historic buildings of Gondär
74
3.2 Institutional Structure for the Organization and Implementation of Conservation
Projects on Gondärian Historic Buildings
Like other governmental institutions, the organization of conservation projects on Gondärian
historic buildings has its own structure. I tried to show the organizational structure of
conservation project on Gondärian historic buildings from highest federal level to town
administration. In Ethiopia there are different organized institutional structures for preservation
and conservation of cultural heritages. Apart from the world heritage sites, Ethiopia‟s
government is also performing protection and conservation activities in other heritage sites
through the work of ARCCH. There are other regional, zonal and town institutional settings for
the conservation of heritages in the country.151
Fig: 5 Institutional structure and inter institutional connection for the organization and
implementation on Gondärian historic buildings.
EOTC PatriarchMinistry of culture and
TourismANRS Culture and Tourism
Bureau
North Gondar Zone Diocese
State Ministry of Tourism
State Ministry of Culture
Gondar City culture and
Tourism
DebreBirhan
Selassie Church
DebreTsehay
KusquamChurch
KidusYohannes
Church
Ethiopian Tourism
ARCCH
Conservation & preservation directorate
World heritage management
directorate
Steering
Fasil Ghebbi world heritage site
Source: Management plan for Fasil Gəbi world heritage sites. 2016.
151
Management plan for FasilGhebbi world heritage sites, Developed by University of Gondar Department of
Tourism Management in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Authority for Research and
Conservation of Cultural Heritages, 2016, 113.
75
3.3 The Roles and Responsibilities of Different Stakeholders
The Gondärian historic buildings (Fasil Gəbi) are administered by different parties through
cooperation and integration among stakeholders. The major and leading stakeholders are the
Federal ministry of culture and tourism, Authority for research and conservation of cultural
heritages, Ethiopian tourism organization, Amhara National Regional State Culture, Tourism and
Parks development bureau, north Gondär zone Culture and Tourism Department, Gondär city
Culture, Tourism Youth and Sport department, Gondär surrounding provinces culture and
tourism office, Däbräwa Wereda culture and tourism office and Ethiopian Orthodox Täwahədo
church north Gondär diocese. In addition to the above mentioned main stakeholders, others such
as local communities, private sectors, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations,
Gondär city municipal and related governmental offices at different levels play an important role
for the effective administration of these historical sites.152
The duties and responsibilities of Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
are the following:
Protect and supervise cultural heritages.
Give the necessary education on preservation of cultural heritage.
Carries out research and thesis on cultural heritages.
Give permission for cultural heritages restoration and conservation work.
Provides professional and technical support for preservation and conservation of
cultural heritages as well as for thesis and research activities conducted on some
regional administration.
Allocate budget for heritage restoration work.153
152
Ibid,p,110 153
Ibid
76
The authority provides legal framework for the protection of the Ethiopian cultural heritages. It
also performs intensive surveys in order to identify all sites in need of protection and
conservation.154
The responsibility and duties of the issue of conservation is also included the responsibilities and
duties of Amhara National Regional State Culture, Tourism and Parks development bureau.
These are the following.
Coordinate and lead vigorous marketing and promotion activities.
Ensure the psychological and physical well being of visitors
Protection of heritages in collaboration with local community.
Set monitoring and evaluation strategies to follow up the management of the property
During conservation work provide professional support.
Allocate budget for heritage conservation work.
The next major stakeholder in the administration of the world heritage sites of Fasil Gəbi north
Gondär zone culture and tourism department. The following are the duty and responsibilities of
the office:
Supervise the condition of historic buildings.
Work closely with the city administration and wäräda culture and tourism departments
and offices.
Providing technical and financial support to the owners and administrators of the world
heritage site.155
The Gondär city culture, tourism and sport development, like other stakeholders has its own
duties and responsibilities regarding the conservation of Gondärian historic buildings. The office
has the following responsibilities:
Giving continuous training to employees of each site in collaboration with academic
institutions.
154
Ibid, p, 110. 155
Ibid, p, 126.
77
Fairly Assigning budgets obtained from different sources fairly to each sites located in
the town.
Employing qualified personnel for office and field work.
Close supervision of conservation and restoration works to be done.
Creating a sense of heritage belongingness and ownership among the local communities
Create awareness among the local communities about the values of the world site
heritage
Ensuring the participation of the local communities in decision making process regarding
the heritages.
Establishing the conservation training center in collaboration with the regional education
bureau.156
3.3.1 The Contribution of Nongovernmental Organizations
Different nongovernmental organizations including UNESCO have a pivotal role on
conservation and restoration of Gondärian historic buildings. The contribution of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is high. Gondärian historic
buildings were registered by UNESCO in 1979 with the support of different countries.
According to my informant among those countries that supported the registration of Gondärian
historic building sunder UNESCO was France. France played a magnificent role to register these
historic buildings under UNESCO by providing studies about Gondärian palaces, for example
they studied about Gondär‟s historical background and the palaces‟ architectural origin. They
also studied about the situation of the palaces in 1985 and restored the palaces of “Ras Mikaʾel‟
Səhul” called Ras Gənb. 157
To get a heritage registered by the UNESCO, as world heritage there are different rule and
regulations. Firstly world heritage sites are identified by the world heritage committee as cultural
and natural properties of outstanding universal value in order to be protected under UNESCO
convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage. To include
156
Ibid, p, 111. 157
Informant Mr ʾAlämayähu and MrYä iwas.
78
heritage in world heritage list, it must meet at least one out of the ten selection criteria.
Gondärian historic buildings or Fasil Gəbi were included in the world heritage sites for fulfilling
the 2nd
and 3rd
criteria. These criteria are;
Exhibit an important interchange of human values over a span of time or within a cultural
area of the world, on developments on the area of architecture or technology,
monumental arts, town planning or landscape design.
Bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization
which is living or which has disappeared. 158
The ICOMOS proposal of description for Fasil Gəbi to the world heritage list reports the
following;
Criterion II, The characteristic of the style of the “period of Gondär” appeared in the 17th
c.
Criterion III, Fasil Gəbi, Qusqʷam and other sites listed for the inscription belong to an
exceptional witness of the modern Ethiopian civilization of the 17th
and 18th
C in the region of
north of Lake Țana.
The lists of Gondärian architectures that are registered by UNESCO are the following;
- Fasil Gəbi
- Qusqʷam church and compound
- Däbrä Bərəhan church and compound
- King Fasilädäs Bath
- Ras Mikaʾel Səhul Palace (Ras Gənb)
- Aʾzäzo ruins.
- Churches
- Chicken house and
- The tomb of the horse, all these are today under the protection of UNESCO.159
158
ARCCH: Reports of restoration of Gondarian palaces, 7/09/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 97, 159
Ibid.
79
The other nongovernmental organization that supports the conservation of Gondärian historic
buildings is the government of Norway. For restoration of the Bath of king Fasilädäs, from 2001-
2006 a five year plan the government released a fund to be to be used exclusively to finance the
project. The object of the project was restoration of the building of their authentic forms
completed according to plans and documentation of the heritage site‟s history, restoration
records and drawings completed. The restoration work includes floor dismantling and
restoration, roof dismantling and restoration, wall plastering, Balconies, bridge surface
amendments and electric installations. After the restoration work, prepared reports for
restoration and documentation components and also they prepared booklets and brochures in CD
and DVD, unfortunately I can got this materials.160
According to information obtained from Mr Dawit about the restoration of historic buildings in
Gondär, France is still actively participating in the restoration of the palace of Ras Mikaʾel Səhul
by providing full financial and professional supplies. I could not get additional information about
the overall processes of restoration, funding and the exact time of restoration.161
3.3.2 The Contribution of the Local Community
Cultural and historical heritages are manifestation of a given society's social, economic and
political identity. Be it tangible or intangible, both cultural and historical heritages are good
manifestations of the identity of that particular society. They are like a mirror to show to the
existing generation what had been in the past.162
The local communities in Gondär have their own direct contribution in conserving and
preserving the Gondärian historic buildings from the beginning to now. Based on my informants‟
explanation the community supports the governmental organizations in conserving these
historical sites through different mechanism. According to Mr Dawit, during restoration time the
community supports the restorers by providing processed materials for repairs, by protecting the
area or the compound of the palaces from any damaging factors. Because sometimes the
160
ARCCH: Reports of restoration of Gondarian palaces, 7/09/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 97, p, 83. 161
Informant MrDawit 162Leʿulsägäd Wärqu: Preserving Cultural and Historical Heritages to Preserve Identity, 2016, p, 3.
80
different city administration bodies try to use the palaces for office and cottage industry
purposes, however this plan was brought to an end by the resistance of the society.163
As Mr Alamayehu‟s explanation, has its basically the city culture, tourism and sport office tests
out continuously the physical condition of the palaces. When sometimes cracks begin to show on
the buildings before the supervision of the city culture, tourism and sport office, the community
apply to Gondär city culture, tourism and sport development office about the situation. After
restoration work completed sometimes if the restoration is not correct meaning if it hides the
original features of the building member of the community would comments regarding the
failure to maintain the original characteristic of the building. This shows that the involvement of
local community in the conservation of the historic buildings is high.164
I get some information from the publication 1982 ʾAdis Zämän news paper that shows the
contribution of the local community in the conservation of Gondärian historic buildings
organized by the government. In the newspaper, the contribution of society in conserving
moveable and immovable heritages in Amharic version stated,
“በቅርቡ በ ጎ ንደር ክፍለ ሀ ገ ር በመንግስትአ ስተዳዳሪዎችና በሰፊው የ ጎ ንደር ህዝብ ትብብር
አ ን ዳንድ ቅር ሶች ላይውድመትና ዝርፊያ ባደረሱ ግለሰቦች ላይ በወሰዳችሁት እ ርምጃ ኩራት
ተሰምቶና ል። ”
“It is proud of the recent action taken by the Gondär province administration and community
on the individuals who abuse and depraved the masses of heritages”.165
3.3.3 Contribution of Ethiopian Orthodox Täwahədo Church
The contribution of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo church for the conservation of Gondärian
historic buildings is numerous. Like other stakeholders Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo church has
its own responsibility and duty, because it administers the churches which are found in the
surrounding of the historic building. The compound of Gondärian historic buildings orFasil Gəbi
163
Informant MrDawit, 164
Informant MrʾAlämayähu. 165ʾAdis Zämän, 1994.p.90.
81
contains not only palaces but also of the many churches that are attached to the compound
wall.166
These churches are also registered as a world heritage together with the palaces. According to
ʾAba ZäʾIyäsus the administrator of ʾA a ami Mikaʾel church there are different responsibilities
of the EOTC regarding the conservation of the churches as well as the palaces. These
responsibilities are the following;
Administer the church objects as well as intangible element of the heritage.
Assign priests and deacons to practice ecclesiastical responsibilities.
Make the churches and objects in the church open for tourists to visit.
Control illegal and unfair activities of visitors using its own security system to
avoid any damage on the precious properties.
All these are the duties and responsibilities of the church.167
When it comes to the contribution of Ethiopian orthodox Tewahdo church its duty of
conservation is not only for the palaces but also for the churches that are found within the
compound. Of course churches are under the world heritage site together with the palaces. The
government bodies also conserve the churches as well as the palaces. According to ʾAba
ZäʾIyäsus most of the time the church collected money in Gondär by different means from the
worshipers for the restoration of church. During restoration the worshipers also help the
architects through labor and by supplying necessary materials for the restoration. For example
they providing woods purchased or collected from deserts area and after stones dug from
different places. Priests teach the community about value of these heritages and the duties and
responsibilities of the church and worshipers in conserving them.168
3.4 Structural and Functional Conservation Problems of Gondärian Historic Buildings
166
Management plan for Fasil Gəbi world heritage sites, Developed by University of Gondar Department of Tourism
Management in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Authority for Research and Conservation of
Cultural Heritages, 2016, p, 116. 167
Ibid 168
Informant ʾAba Zä ʾIyäsus.
82
There is a functional conservation problem on Gondärian historic buildings from early time to
present day. As Flemming Aalund explained, the library of King Yohhanes was restored by the
Italians, who probably replaced or rebuilt as much as 80 per cent of the original fabric. During
that time the palaces were used as office for the branch section of the Ministry of Culture. The
first floor of the building had also been used for offices purpose. This shows that this building
changed its function from library to office, and this has consequently created confusion regarding
the history of the building, that led to the rise of misunderstanding among the community
visitors. This shows that at that time, there was no heritage conservation rules applied during the
implementation of the conservation project in Gondär especially in Fasil Gəbi. However all to
the conservation principles and rules the structural and functional aspects of the historic
buildings should have been conserved as well. 169
On the other hand Flemming Aalund raises other functional problem of the banquet hall of King
Bäkafa. Different international organizations from different countries planed to grow
production, marketing and promotion can be handled on a co-operative basis with the assistance
of the Handicrafts and Small-scale Industries Development Agency (HASIDA), or alternatively
by the Ethiopian Tourist Trading Corporation (ETTC). The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce is
another institution interested in the marketing of handicrafts, having recently appraised local
handicraft products in various parts of the country, with professional and financial assistance
from the Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA).Potential external funding
sources include the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the European Economic
Community (EEC) which has an office in Paris concerned with crafts promotion, the world
Crafts Council in New York, AFRO-ART in Stockholm, Sweden, the ABAL Foundation in
Voorschoten, the Netherlands, or other marketing organizations in Europe and elsewhere. All
these organizations preferred the banquet hall of King Bäkafa, because the whole building would
be an ideal setting for the production of various handicrafts, including display and shop
areas.170
According to my informant MrʾAlämayähu ‟s explanation this work was not successful;
169
FlemmingAalund. Master Plan for the Preservation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage. (UNSECO), 1985, p.
82. 170
Ibid, p. 83.
83
it was interrupted by the resistance of the community and by the refusal of other governmental
institutions.171
Today the palace of Ras Mikaʾel Səhul (RasGənb) is serving as a museum since 2010 EC. This is
also another functional problem of the palaces. During the past times the building served as a
palace for different kings but now it is serving as a museum. During my field observation I tried
to ask MrʾAsc aläw, head of Gondär city culture, tourism and sport development, and
MrʾAlämayähu why as to this palace is being used for museum purpose. They told me about the
absence of museum in Gondär town and Ras Gənb is currently used to realize the desired a
museum until another building is constructed for museum.172
According to my informants during
the time of Derg this palace was used as trocher room.
During restoration work sometimes structural problems have been shown on Gondärian historic
buildings as a result of different causes. Especially during the early restoration by the Italians the
use of some materials like metals and cements has left considerable negative consequence on the
structure of the historic buildings..On the banquet hall of King Bäkafa, there are long metals put
on the back of the banquet hall. MrʾAlämayähu revealed that, they erected these metals for the
purpose of providing support for the building because before ten years the building had highly
deteriorated. Now this building has been restored in a good way. Similarly, on the castle of
Məntəwab there are structural testes made on the wall of the building. The aim of these structural
testes is to check how the cracks have been going on. These structural testes have minimized the
attractiveness of the palace.173
171
Informant MrʾAlämayähu 172
Informant MrʾAsc aläw. 173
Informant MrʾAlämayähu .
84
Chapter Four
4.1History of Conservation Challenges on Gondärian Historic Buildings
As clearly stated in the research report of the Getty conservation institute, in the field of cultural
heritage conservation, there are three major challenges of conservation. These challenges are:
first, management context, which includes availability and use of resources, including funds,
trained personnel, technology, political and legislative mandates and conditions. Second,
physical conditions: behavior of materials and structural systems, deterioration causes and
mechanisms. Third, significance and social values: why an object or place is meaningful, to
whom and for whom it is conserved, the impact of intervention and on how it is understood or
perceived.174
All of the above mentioned challenges all of them are evident on Gondärian historic buildings.
For the sake of convenience in presentation I divided these problems in to different categories
such as financial problems, short supply of local materials, and lack of skilled manpower. All
these problems have been encountered during the time of conservation works on the Gondärian
historic buildings.
4.1.1Financial Problems
Finance is one of the most essential components of resources required for heritage conservation.
Among the main constraints in conservation of Gondärian historic buildings during restoration
time was shortage of finance. In 1992 EC, as the report, indicates one of the main problems faced
during restoration was shortage of finance. Engineer Mamo Gatahun said “because of the
absence of enough financial supply our work is not successful. Because of this problem the
quality of the restoration work decreased and it was not finished on time.”175
During that time the
challenge was not only money but also shortage of skilled man power was also one of the
challenges against successful implementation of the restoration work.176
The problem of finance
has always been there happened not only in the past. It is one of the prevailing challenges until
now. According to MrʾAsc aläw the budget available for heritage conservation in Gondär is not
174
Getty Conservation Institute. Values and Heritage Conservation. Los Angeles: 1200 Getty Center Drive, 2010.p. 175
176
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report on Gondarian Palaces, 1 /866//ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 92.p. 192.
85
enough. The general budget of ARCCH for conservation of heritages in Ethiopia is around 20-22
million birr for all heritage sites in Ethiopia. So we can imagine that is insufficient or inadequate
national budget. As a result of this most of the Gondärian historic buildings that are found in the
town and its surrounding area are not continuously and adequately restored.177
4.1.2 Short Supply of Local Materials
Most of the cultural heritage properties of the world have been built by using local materials. In
the same way the historical buildings of Gondär were built using local materials.178
In earlier
times the utilization of raw materials for maintenance and restoration of these historical buildings
in the city has become nominal due to the inaccessibility and high cost of the local materials
compared to imported items. As a result addition of new materials, which never fit with the
original ones, became a common practice of restores. This has left its own negative impact on the
buildings which become less flexible and shorter life span. As MrʾAlämayähu‟s explanation has
it not only the high cost of materials but also most of the local materials, especially woods, are
becoming scarce.179
4.1.3 Lack of Skilled Manpower
Man power is an essential component of any development and heritage management. There has
been critical shortage of skilled manpower in the area of heritage restoration and preservation in
Ethiopia. As a result the serial of Fasil Gəbi have suffered a great loss due to lack of skilled
human power in the field of conservation. This problem like the previous one revealed, today
this problem is being continued until recent time. As my informant revealed, today this problem
is being minimized from time to time.180
In early time mostly the historical building were not
restored by professionals and this caused different negative impacts on them. For example the
reports of 1985, 1992 and 1994 shows that the main challenge against successful restoration
during was shortage of skilled manpower. One of the main causes for shortage of skilled man
power is lack of in-country training programs in the field. There is only one institution in the
country that gives training about heritages conservation. Of course the problem has continued
177
Informant Mr ʾAsc aläw 178
Ibid 179
Informant Mr ʾAlämayähu 180
.Ibid
86
until today but from year to year there is some improvement through trainingof professionals in
the field out of the country.181
The other conservation challenge of historic buildings in Gondär during restoration was related
to conservation guide lines. So far no conservation guide lines are prepared to direct
conservation interventions and assess the impact of emerging risks and threats. Of course there
are conservation guide lines that are prepared by UNESCO and other organizations to be applied
for all world heritage sites. But when it comes to the world heritage site in Gondär town‟
especially in the palaces, practically the guide lines were not used during conservation works.
So, to lead conservation interventions in the world heritage property of Gondär a conservation
guideline and risk preparedness plan are seriously needed. The guide lines demanded the
minimum standards of interventions to supervise the implementation of conservation projects in
the site. They also include risk preparedness directions to assess the impact of key emerging risks
and threats in most appropriate impact reducing strategies.182
All the above mentioned
conservation challenges of Gondärian historic buildings have been occurring during the
restoration works on the buildings.
The other problem is related with site management. A number of challenges in conservation
work are founded in organizational culture related to shared values and beliefs which govern
behavior and actions. Different organizational cultures can lead to different approaches in
conservation ranging from “the strict self-denial of the archaeologists, to the unapologetic self
confidence of the creative architect”.183
Several governmental and non governmental institutions
are responsible for the management of the Fasil Gəbi world heritage site. These include the
ministry of culture and tourism, ARCCH, the culture and tourism bureau of the Amhara National
Regional State, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Gondär town municipality and zonal
181
During my investigation of different documents I tried to review different reports that are related with restoration
of Gondarian palaces, the above three years restoration work reports shows that there was a problem of skilled
manpower. 182
Management Plan for Fasil Gəbi World Heritage Sites Developed by University of Gondar, Department of
Tourism Management in Collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Authority for Research and
Conservation of Cultural heritages, 2016.p. 64. 183
Nurul Zahirah Mohd Azizi et al., Recurring Issues in Historic Building Conservation,ASLI QoL2015, Annual
Serial Landmark International Conferences on Quality of Life
ASEAN-Turkey ASLI QoL2015, Elseivier, 2016.p,4.
87
administration of the Gondär area. However, each of these institutions has its own chain of
management and they interact with each other as the need arises. Each of these institutions or
authoritative organizations works under their own rules and regulations in the field of heritage
management. But lack of necessary communication and cooperation between these institutions is
making the situation worse for implementation of conservation projects.184
4.2 Natural and Human Factors affecting of Gondärian Historic Buildings
4.2.1 Natural Factors
Natural factors include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods, landslides, fires
caused by lightning, and so forth. All these disasters throughout human history have had a huge
destructive effect on cultural property.185
Among the above mentioned natural factors, earth
quake is one of the problems facing the sustainable protection of Gondärian historic buildings. In
1704,there was earth quake that destructed partially the palace of king ʾIyäsu I.186
This is just one
of the natural factors that affected the Gondärian historical buildings. The other natural disaster
is related to climate. Climate is the consequence of many factors, such as radiation (especially
short wave radiation), temperature, and moisture in its many forms vaporize of clouds, rain, ice,
snow and sunshine. All together these environmental elements make up the various climates in
condition of the world which in turn are modified by local conditions such as mountains, valleys
at relative altitudes, proximity to bodies of water or cities to create a great diversity of
microclimates. The effects of atmospheric pollutants are mostly demonstrated on the materials of
the building especially on woods and stones. Wood is protected by paints, oils waxes and resin
and due to this all are greatly affected by pollution.
184Ibid, p. 65.
185Fielden,Bernard M. Conservation of historic buildings. International Centre for the Thesis of the Preservation and
Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)), third edition, Rome, 2003.p.93
186Budge, Willias. A history of Ethiopia: Nubia and Abyssinia. Vol. II. ( London: Methuen and Co. Ltd), 1928. Pp.
409-410.
88
Building stones have also a wide range of durability problems as pollutants affect the calcium
component of the stones. Limestones and calcareous sandstones suffer most. Natural weathering
by rain, wind and frost is accelerated by pollution. In addition, the expansion of salts within the
pore structure as they crystallize and hydrate causes damage.187
These natural factors have their
own side effect on the physical integrity of cultural properties. The Gondärian historic buildings
are also exposed to all the above mentioned climate related problems, because the buildings were
made from the above mentioned building materials and due to the absence of any preventive
action for the buildings like shelter. On the other hand due to it‟s survival for a long period of
time the buildings experienced different changes inter physical condition that resulted from
changes in weather and climate.188
The other natural factor affecting cultural heritages are insects. According to Mr Dawit, insects
are the other threats against the survival of the historic buildings. In Gondärian historic building
insects remained have to be dangerous for the existence of the castles.189
For example, a 1990 EC
report shows that most of the king Fasilädäs palace staircases and window woods are almost
destructed due to the colonization of insects. Not only during that time but also until now insects
are living within the buildings compound. To prevent the impact of these natural factors, site
managers spray pesticide all over the compound. Some of the natural factors have solution to
prevent their effect on the buildings, but for most of them there are no solutions.190
Bacteria and lichens can cause the decay of building materials by producing acids which react
chemically with the structural material. Advanced stages of fungal decay are easily recognized
because the structure of the wood is damaged, either crumbling or broken up into shrink distorted
cubes of lignin in extreme cases or with a bowing inwards and outwards parallel to the small
piece or waviness and blistering effect. The color may be changed with a brownish or whitish
187Feilden,Bernard M. Conservation of historic buildings,2003, pp.
188During my visitation, most of the ruins of the buildings because of the buildings expose to warm and cold
temperatures for long period of time, due to this the stones broken out and the woods also changed their color and
broken in different pieces. 189
Informant Mr Dawit 190
ARCCH: Gondar zone administrative of heritage conservation, 1 /1132/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9 / 90.p. 103.
89
discoloration, depending on the type of fungus. These have a great negative effect on the
buildings beyond its color and strength.191
4.2.2 Human Factors
Human factors threatening heritages are created by different actions of humans. Sometimes they
are known as manmade factors. As Feliming‟s explanation has it manmade causes of decay need
careful assessment, as they are in general the by-product of the industrial productivity that brings
us wealth and enables us to press the claims of conservation. They are serious and can only be
reduced by a forethought and international cooperation. Neglect and ignorance are possibly the
major causes of destruction by man coupled with vandalism or war and fires.192
Pollution is one of the human factors causing heritage destruction. Studies to date have been
mainly concentrated on the vibrations generated by vehicle wheels acting on the road surface.
Irregularities in the road surface of about 20 mm (0.8 in) in amplitude can cause peak particle
velocities in the ground of 5 mm/s (0.2 in/sec).Pollution is the main problem affecting Gondärian
historic buildings from early time to the present. Historical buildings in Gondär city experience
high pressure from traffic congestion and overcrowdings because the historic buildings are
situated in the center of the town.193
The restoration work report of 1985 shows that, during that
time the bus station was near to the historical buildings compound and because of that the latter
were threatened by the noise pollution caused by the vehicles. Later the site of the bus station
was changed from the area of the historic building compound to another area.194
According to
my informant Mr Dawit, today the major problem vibration is resulting from high volume of
traffic passing by the royal enclosure especially on the gate of Qobʾas əl. In addition to vibration
resulting from vehicular pollution, other human activities include religious and public gatherings,
annual and semi-annual bazaars, events, trade fairs and exhibitions and music concerts that are
organized in around the historic buildings compound. Among these, the religious events of
epiphany and Mäsqäl the commemoration of the celebration (finding of the true cross) are the
191
Feilden,Bernard M. Conservation of historic buildings,2003, pp.133. 192
Ibid, p. 157. 193
Ibid, p. 159. 194
ARCCH: Heritage Maintenance Report of Gondarian Palaces, 2/62/ቅ /ጥ/ሪ /ዕ /9/85.p. 160.
90
major ones. The numbers of people who participate in these events is very high. Although the
above mentioned religious gatherings and other public events such as bazaars, trade fairs
prepared once or twice a year. This shows that there are about around five events organized in a
year within in the historic buildings compound and the negative impact is immense.195
According to my informant‟s explanation, the movement of visitors and musicians in the
compound is also the other problem. Most of these people are staying on the prohibited area of
the buildings. To solve this problem, the site managers tag different notice papers on the
prohibited areas of the building especially on the ruins of the palaces.196
The other challenge that affects Gondärian historic buildings is the problem of lack
collaboration. As MrʾAs aläw explained, for heritage conservation the work of heritage
conservation office or tourism and culture office alone is not enough, different institutions must
collaborate with the above responsible bodies. He said that always restoration work done by
architect and local masons. To avoid these problem interdisciplinary conservation approach has
to be applied.197
4.3 Heritage Values of Gondärian Historic Buildings
Values and valuing processes are very important to understand the importance and future fate of
heritages. Conservation of heritage is determined by the values given for them. That is, in the
field of cultural heritage conservation, values (particularly of the intrinsic) are critical to decide
what to conserve and how to conserve. The conservation decision reveals various and sometimes
divergent values such as historic, artistic, economic, politics, and aesthetics and some of them
may be interdependent on each other. Therefore, currently, value is important factor in the field
of conservation at all levels local, national, and international.198
We can understand what values
are there associated with a particular heritage by examining the stories being told about it and the
meaning/s constructed about the heritage. Values give something significance over others and
thereby transform some objects and places into heritage. The ultimate aim of conservation is not
195
Informant Mr Dawit 196
Ibid 197
Informant Mr ʾAsc aläw 198
Getty Conservation Institute. Values and Heritage Conservation. Los Angeles: 1200 Getty Center Drive,
2010.p.8.
91
to conserve material for its own sake but, rather to maintain the values embodied by the heritage.
Physical intervention is one of the ways to realize this. The process of valorizing begins when
individuals, Families, communities or institutions decide some objects or places are worth
preserving, because it represents something worth remembering, something about themselves
and their past that should be transmitted to future generations.199
Gondärian historic buildings have their own diverse heritage values, which are political value,
commemorative value, spiritual value, economic value, social value, architectural and artistic
value.
4.3.1Political Value
When it comes to the political value of Gondärian historic buildings (Fasil Gəbi) it had been the
political center of medieval Ethiopia for more than two hundred years. It also played a central
role in the country‟s politics during the period. These heritages could serve as very important
symbol to create historical nationalism consensus and mobilize the general public towards a
common goal. In addition, the Gondärian historic buildings are the symbol of Solomonic
dynasty‟s survival from the troubles of the 16th
C and revival ofits centralized power and
architectural innovation. 200
4.3.2 Commemorative Value
The palaces tangible properties and intangible legacies associated with the Gondärian historic
building are the channel of communication between the past and present and carries the memory
of the Gondärian period to the present and future generation. Moreover the properties are
inspiring legacies for the present and future generation that has to be to conserved and taken as
one of the exemplary achievements of humanity.201
199
Ibid 200
LaVerle Berry.“Architecture and Kingship: The Significance of Gondar-Style Architecture,” Michigan State
University Press, Vol. 2, No. 3, 1995.p. 10.
201Management Plan for Fasil Gəbi World Heritage Sites.Developed by University of Gondar, Department of
Tourism Management in Collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Authority for Research and
Conservation of Cultural heritages, 2016.p.55.
92
4.3.3. Spiritual Value
Fasil Gəbi holds not only palaces but also many Churches, some of them surrounding the palaces
and some others of them far from the compound. These churches are sources of spiritual
satisfaction to the present generation. The churches situated around the palaces the church of
ʾA a amiMikaʾel, ʾƎlfəñ Giyorgis and Gəm a bet maryam. Among the churches that are found
relatively far from the compound, Däbrä Bərhan selassie, Saint Yohhanes church and monastery
of Qusqʷam complex are some of them. These architectural heritages have direct and indirect
meaning to the Christian community as a source of spiritual satisfaction.202
4.3.4 Economic Value
The Fasil Gəbi world heritage sites have immense economic benefits. The heritage sites generate
induced employment opportunity. The heritage sites attract both domestic and international
tourists and generate high amount of foreign currency. The heritages have played a significant
role in the development of transportation facilities and other infrastructures like hotels, shops that
contain traditional materials and clothes which are necessary for both tourist and the local
community. In addition, heritages have their own contribution in creating work opportunity for
local community in different way. During my visit in the palaces compound there are many
photographers, guiders, cleaners, coffee and tea vendors and others.203
4.3.5 Architectural Value
The architectural features of Gondärian historic buildings can be described as the most
extraordinary innovation of the 17th
C Ethiopia. The royal enclosure, especially king Fasilädäs‟
castle, has boasted the most elegant and architecturally perfect building which magnifies and
propagates the best hand of the 17th
C architectural style in Ethiopia. On the other hand, the
construction of these architectures lies in the effort consciously made to enhance the image of
Solomonic kingship and as much as possible to restore that image to what it had been before the
Muslim wars of the mid-sixteenth centuries. The Gondärian architectures are exemplary in their
202
Ibid.
203During my visitation in 2010 EC, I understood that the existence of these heritages has created different work
opportunities for the community. As I tried to mention the work activities that are being done in the compound of
the palaces we can imagine that the economic advantage of the heritage for the surrounding area as well as the
country.
93
effort to build palaces and churches for other governments that administered the country after the
decline of Gondärian period.204
204
LaVerle Berry. “Architecture and Kingship: The Significance of Gondar-Style Architecture, 2003. P.12.
94
Conclusion
Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society
that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and preserved for the benefit
of future generations. As historic buildings are one of such cultural heritages, Gondärian historic
buildings are one of the marvelous historical buildings making up architectural heritage in
Ethiopia‟s. Gondärian historic buildings found on the site commonly known as (Fasil Gəbi) are
palaces and churches. Gondär was the 17th
century capital of Ethiopia and it is notable for its
Medieval Castles and Churches. The city‟s unique imperial compound contains a number of
Castles built between 1632 and around the end of Gondärian period (1769). It served as the seat
of emperor Fasilädäs and various other successive Emperors who ruled during the period of the
17th and 18th centuries. These architectural results are one of the manifestations of the period‟s
prosperity in art in the country. These medieval time architectures have helped our country to be
in good position in possession of architectural heritages in the world. In addition to these, these
architectural heritages have different importance for the country, such as economically,
politically, socially, architectural and other plenty of advantages. Even if the palaces are
contributing as a source income generation to our country, the work of conservation to maintain
their physical state is not up to the required standard. The preservation of historic buildings is a
one-way street. There is no chance to renovate or to save a historic site once it's gone. This
reality brings to light the importance of locating and saving buildings of historic significance,
because once they are destroyed, they would be lost.
Gondärian historic buildings were attacked in different times by natural and human factors. In
1930‟s the historical buildings were hardly bombarded by the English military force. Actually
their plans were not attacking the palaces but to attack Italians who took as office in the palaces.
The compound of Qusqʷam complex was not damaged because of it‟s farness from the main
compound or Fasil Gəbi. During that time most part of the palaces was damaged, Italians tried to
restore some part of the buildings but their restoration in turn caused another problem on the
buildings. Because of improper use of materials that are not compatible with the original
materials, lack of skilled manpower, absence of strong legislation for on heritages in the country
and absence of responsibility facilitate the destruction of buildings. After the restoration made by
the Italians, the buildings were restored again by other local and international heritage experts.
95
Among the international heritage exporters Angelini from Italy and Coulon from France are
mentioned first. Of course there are also skilled local heritage experts who restored these historic
buildings for long time, but they are few in number.
When the restorers maintain the buildings they didn‟t follow the principles applied prepared for
and used in the restoring historic buildings. There are also internationally accepted conservation
laws that serve to regulate conservation of world heritage sites but in Ethiopia it is not seriously
used. While restoring the Gondärian historic buildings, the experts used different building
materials that are not similar with the original materials of the buildings as a result the
authenticity of the buildings has been threatened.
As already pointed out in this thesis, the physical deteriorations are endangering the aesthetical
and historical values of the historical building. The physical aspects of the buildings still need
exhaustive and comprehensive investigation by multidisciplinary professionals so that substantial
findings on the existing condition and challenges of the historic buildings other than identified in
this thesis could be uncovered. Generally for the first time the conservation history of Gondärian
historic buildings began during the 1930s by Italians. The method and practice of conservation
has changed from time to time, or from one government to the next but still the overall state of
conservation in Ethiopia is infant stage.
Finally, because of lack of established works on the conservation history and management
records of the palaces, this issue needs further investigation. However, I believe this thesis will
help me to project a further investigation on the same topic in the future. Besides, it would
provide insight to those who are interested to research on the conservation history of
architectural heritages.
96
Recommendations
Gondärian historic buildings are the symbol of our medieval time history by its political and
architectural innovation. At present, the Gondärian historic buildings have great historical and
other different significances for the country. So, to sustain their significances to next generation
conservation work must continue in the future too. Therefore, I recommend the following in
order to help to conserve these historic buildings and ensure their transfer to the coming
generation.
ARCCH must conduct proper preservation of the Gondärian palaces. The historic
buildings are the architectural result of 17th
C, and they have always been associated with
the development of architecture and survival of Solomonic dynasty during Gondärian
period. So, the ARCCH must conserve it properly in cooperation with other concerning
bodies.
The other problem affecting conservation of Gondärian historic buildings is lack of
adequate budget, so to solve this problem the government must improve the budget for
conservation of heritages.
There is conflict related with administration of the site between different governmental
bodies and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. So to solve this problem between the Church
authority and government structures the two agents must agree on the issue of site
management.
The main threats against the survival of these buildings are pollution, vibration of
vehicles, tourists‟ movement on the buildings and organization of events like concerts. So
to avoid these problems the town municipality has to prepare other place for these events
and create awareness to local and foreign tourists.
ARCCH must motivate and support (financially too) scholars to investigate different
aspect of these historical buildings; this could solve the problem of lack of documentation
regarding the history of site.
To solve the shortage of skilled manpower the government must train more specialists in
the field of heritage conservation and institutionalize conservation thesis in the higher
academic institutions of the country such as universities.
97
The government should encourage sharing experience in heritage conservation from other
countries.
98
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Table of informants
No Name Age Place of interview Date of
interview
Remark
1 ʾAlämayähu
GäbreWälde
52 Addis Ababa, in
ARCCH office.
Dec.10,2017,
Feb.15, 2018
May.10,2018
He is an architect and
he has worked above
ten years in restoration
work on Gondärian
historic buildings as a
supervisor.
2 ʾAsc aläw
Wärku
43 In Gondär town
tourism, culture sport
and youth office.
Nov.24,
2017.
Now he is ahead of
Gondär town tourism,
culture, and sport and
youth office.
3 Dawit Bälä ä
29 Gondär town tourism,
culture sport and youth
office.
Nov.21,
2017.
He is civil engineer and
he works in Gondär
town tourism, culture,
sport and youth office
4 Henose
Sämaḵäñ
31 Gondär, in Qusqʷam compound.
Nov.29,
2017.
He is a guide in
Qusqʷam compound
5 ʾAba
ZäʾIyäsus
68 Gondär, in the church
of Mikaʾel Dec. 1, 2017. He the administrator of
ʾA a ami Mikaʾel church.
6 Zänäbu
əlahun
41 Gondär, in Ras Gənb
museum.
Nov.26,
2017.
She is a guide in Ras
Gənb Museum.
7 Yä iwas
Däsaläñ
45 Bahər darin Amhara
National Regional State
Culture, Tourism and
Parks Development
Bureau.
Dec. 18,
2017.
He is a head of heritage
conservation office in
Amhara National
Regional State Culture,
Tourism and Parks
Development Bureau.
Table: 6. Tables of informants.
106
Appendix
Interview Questions
1 What is the origin of Gondarian historic buildings?
2 How Gondarian historic buildings are being conserved?
3 What are the contributions of the society to conserve these heritages?
4 What are the contributions of Governmental and Nongovernmental organizations for the
conservation of historic buildings?
5 How the conservation stakeholders are organized?
6 what are the conservation challenges of Gondarian historic buildings?
7 what was the conservation history of the historic buildings from early time to present?
8 what is the contribution of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo church for the conservation of
Gondarian historic buildings?
9 when and how the Gondarian historic buildings are registered by UNESCO? Who were the
contributors?
10 Is there any help from foreign organizations for the conservation of heritages? If so How?
11 what are the value of Gondarian historic buildings in the aspect of economic, social and
political value?
Prepared by Netsanet Abay
107
Declaration
I, declare that this paper is purely my original work and has not been presented
for a degree in any university. All the material used for this thesis is prudently
acknowledged.
NameNetsanet Abay
Signature _____________________________
Date_______________________________
Place Debre Berhan
I confirm that this thesis has been submitted with my approval as academic advisor.
____________________________
Wessen Shiferaw (PhD. candidate)
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