Tigray, one of the nine states of ancient Ethiopia, is the center of overarching civilization. The pre-historic civilizations of Damat and Aksumite Kingdom have been the cornerstones of Ethiopian history. Additionally, obelisks, manuscripts, coins, palaces, churches, monasteries, mosques and other antiquities are abundant in Tigray.
Cherkos Wukro, one of the 124 rock-hewn churches in the state is found in eastern Tigray zone, 500 meters away from the town of Wukro. The town’s name was derived from a highly fascinating heritage, which Ethiopia should preserve cautiously. Currently, the monolithic church is on the brink of collapse.
The magnificently curved church which was built in the 4th century BC by twin Kings of Abreha and Atsebeha has unique architectural style, according to the administrator Aba Gebremichael Beyene.
‘‘It was hewed out from a rock in an incredible
fashion. Its cruciform pillars
are decorated by colorful paintings. It has also three
temples and barrel-vaulted ceiling decorated in the same fashion. Furthermore,
there are three doors meant for clergies, men and women,’’ he explains.
However, Aba Gebremichael states that, since recent years, the church room a problem of leakage beset the church during the rainy season. The fast dilapidating church shows cracks on its rocky walls and concerned bodies are turning a blind eye in renovating it.
“I stayed in this church for 21 years. All these years I had never seen the church facing such a risk of collapse. As a result, ancient artifacts and holy books are being damaged by water and there is an anxiety that this amazing rock-hewn church could fall down,’’ he reaffirms.
Aba Gebremichael has reported the case to Wukro Culture and Tourism Office and Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau. But swift measure that could rescue the heritage are tardy in coming.
‘‘I want to Mekelle to inform Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau. They told me that they have planned to renovate it last January. But nothing has been done so far. Now rain is dripping down the walls from the church’s four corners. When water percolates down the rock, the church could be subject to further dilapidations and eye-sore fractures. Having understood this, every stakeholder should show concern about this irreplaceable heritage,’’ he urges.
Cherkos wukro has passed many challenges in its 1,666 years history. During the 9th BC, the notorious queen named Yodit Gudit had burnt the church. Nevertheless, as it is built out of a rock, the conflagration did not damage it despite severe destruction on manuscripts, paintings and other artifacts, says priest Gebretsadikan Kelelom.
He adds that the church had faced challenges at the time of Italian invasion in 1935.It used to be as military station when the civil war broke out between TPLF and the Derg regime and it had been attacked by artillery.
“As it found in the roadside, it has been vulnerable for attacks. On the other hand, tourists have been easily accessing it. But since recent times, water is gushing from the crack of its roofs and walls. Hence, the government and other stakeholders must act aware of this.They must renovate it on time,’’ the priest highlighted.
For her part, Masho Tsegay, Wukro Culture and Tourism Office Head, says that in collaboration with Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau and other pertinent bodies, her office is striving to save Cherkos Wukro from destruction.
‘‘Not only Cherkos Wukro but also Abreha we Aatsbeha rock-hewn church and the palace of Emperor Yohannes IV face a similar risk. Every Woreda has heritage expert. The experts report to us what is happening there. If the problem is simple, we fix it ourselves and if it is beyond our capacity, we report to Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau. Accordingly, as the threat posed on Cherkos Wukro is serious, we had reported that to the state and they have informed us in a formal letter they will renovate it soon,’’ she notes.
Historical manuscripts show that Cherkos Wukro was mainly unveiled to the outside world when British expedition led by General Napier to Abyssinia was undertaken in 1868.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition, March 8/2020
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
