Ethiopia, apart from its natural attractions, remarkable historical sites and favored cultures, it is also known for its sites of worship. This incredible list includes the 11 Rock Hewn monolithic churches of Lalibela carved from solid rock in the 12th and 13th centuries, St. Gabriel in Kulibi, Harar, and the Debre Damo Monastery to mention few among others. The country is rich in incredible religious spots.
Located in the town of Wukro, Tigray State, some 790 km north of Addis Ababa, the Al-Nejashi Mosque, is also the other sacred place of worship, which holds an important place in Islamic history. The Mosque, the tomb of the Abyssinian King Ahmed Nejashi and 15 tombs of the followers of the Prophet Muhammad, is said to be the first Mosque in Africa. Not only that, but by Ethiopian Muslims, it is also hailed as the second site of worship after Mecca.
As documents indicate, the Mosque is named after Nejash, who hosted companions of the Prophet who escaped persecution in Mecca. This is here the first Hegira took place by the companions of the prophet following persecution and torture in Mecca.
The spot though is an important historic and religious center and the number of people visiting the mosque is increasing from time to time; compared to other similar sites, according to Culture and Tourism Bureau of Tigray.
Hadid Tour Travel and Logistics PLC General Manger Gemechis Tujuba said that tourism is strongly linked to product development; and tourism marketing is an integral component of destination countries’ growth and development. And in this regard, even if the number of Mosque’s visitor is steadily growing; it is, nonetheless, relatively low compared to other destinations.
As to him, the number should be more because Al-Nejashi Mosque, the tomb of the Abyssinian King Ahmed Nejashi, and 15 tombs of the companions of Prophet Muhammed, has significant historic and religious values.
Activities are being done in fragmented manner, and in absence of strong coordination among private-public partnerships. Also, the lack of focus on market niches demonstrated by poor linkage of market and products have played a role in reducing its number of visitors.
In fact, a lot of efforts have been made by states’ and federal governments, private stakeholders, the Ethiopian tourism industry in general and Al- Nejashi Mosque, in particular, to promote Al-Nejashi Mosque.
“In my view, Al Nejashi Mosque could be one of the best religious destinations acclaimed by Middle East nations. To this effect, we have to do a lot as the task could not be an easy one.”
Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau Deputy Head Zenabu Halefom, for her part, said that the Bureau is working with pertinent stakes to promote the Holy site to the world. For instance, following the invitation extended by the State for Eritrean and Sudanese Public Diplomacy, Delegations have visited the site. Most of the delegations were thrilled by the Mosque’s historical and religious values. The effort has borne fruit where branding Al-Nejashi gathering attention in Somalia and Djibouti.
“Likewise, we are working in partnership with a private firm, Ethio- Negeshi Tourism Development Firm, engaged in promoting the Holy site to the Arab world. This is an encouraging move to promote the Mosque and further strengthen the tie between and among the Middle East nations as these parts of nations share same values,” Zenabu remarked.
As to the Head, such responsibility could not be left to merely the Bureau. Stakes at all levels should play their respective roles in promoting the site in more coordinated manner than ever before. There should be well established connection and harmonized relation between and among logistics and tour operators and the hospitality industry.
“Alula Aba Nega Airport should be capacitated to the level of landing space that could make direct international flight, so as to facilitate easy mobility to the site.”
Former Ministry of Tourism and Culture Public and International Relations Director Gezahegn Abate said that Ministry is responsible for developing and promoting tourism in the country. And with regard to Al- Nejashi, it is doing its level best along with the State.
According to him, historic sites such as the Egyptian pyramids, the Rock Hewn churches of Ethiopia, the South African Robben Island Prison where Nelson Mandela imprisoned for 27 years, or the Island of Gorée in Senegal, a symbol of the memory of the slave trade in Africa, as well as safari parks and other grandiose landscapes (Victoria Falls, Sahara desert) are all assets that make the African Continent an increasingly coveted tourist destination. This ancient, historic and religious Mosque should come to the forefront as those destinations, because it deserves it, he underscored.
Al-Nejashi Mosque, was established in the 7th century by Muslim refugees who escaped persecution in Mecca and fled to the then Aksumite Kingdom,
The Ethiopian Herald April 10, 2019
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
