This project builds on previous research focused on vernacular building traditions and heritage damage in Tigray, Ethiopia by Alula Asfha conducted based on Frobenius Institute in Germany. The prior study assessed 400 sites remotely, visited 50 conflict-affected locations, and conducted impact assessments for 15 sites, identifying four critical heritage clusters in need of urgent intervention. These sites face challenges from conflict damage, decay, environmental factors, and modernization. This initiative extends the research by conducting detailed damage assessments and developing sustainable restoration strategies through 3D documentation, impact assessments, and community involvement. By fostering collaboration and a holistic understanding, the project aims to create sustainable heritage management practices and enhance resilience against future threats. The cultural landscape approach was chosen for its ability to integrate cultural, environmental, and historical dimensions into a cohesive framework, offering a comprehensive and adaptive methodology for heritage management that evolves in response to dynamic socio-environmental factors and local community needs.

The primary goal of the Tigray Heritage Scapes Restoration Initiative is to conduct comprehensive damage assessments and develop scientifically grounded conservation plans for heritage sites in Tigray, Ethiopia. This effort aims to preserve cultural assets, foster community engagement, and promote sustainable development.

To achieve this, the project will focus on four key objectives:

• Comprehensive Documentation

The project will employ advanced 3D documentation, satellite imagery, and drone surveys to create high-resolution digital models and maps of the sites. On-the-ground assessments by interdisciplinary teams—comprising structural engineers, archaeologists, and conservation specialists—will supplement these methods. Historical records and community interviews will provide qualitative insights into the sites' conditions and the impact of conflict and other hazards. These assessments will identify areas of degradation, vulnerability, and restoration potential.

• Development and Implementation of Restoration Plans

Restoration strategies will address material stabilization, structural reinforcement, and climate control measures, prioritizing the use of local traditional builders and craftspeople. Workshops with international experts will foster knowledge exchange and innovation. Environmental monitoring tools will ensure the sustainability of restoration efforts by mitigating weather and climate impacts.

• Community Engagement and Capacity Building

Local communities will be actively involved through participatory tools, research assistantships, and MSc. theses supervised in collaboration with the Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau and Mekelle University. Workshops, focus groups, and exhibitions will raise awareness, while digital platforms will enable community feedback and reporting. Oral history projects will document and share local knowledge through platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok in Tigrigna and English, enriching restoration efforts with cultural context.

• Training Programs for Artisans and Craftspeople

Training initiatives will equip local artisans and craftsmen with the skills needed for restoration work, ensuring sustainable preservation practices.

Nejashi town in northern Ethiopia is a vital cultural and historical landmark, renowned for its deep-rooted connection to early Islamic history in Africa. Named after the just King Nejashi of the Aksumite kingdom, the town is celebrated for providing sanctuary to early Muslim followers of Prophet Muhammad around 615 CE. The legacy of this story manifests in the town today, highlighting themes of asylum, interfaith dialogue, and cultural exchange that have shaped Nejashi's identity. This reflects its significant role in fostering religious tolerance and integration.

The Al Nejashi Mosque, one of Africa's oldest mosques, is the town's architectural and spiritual centerpiece. The mosque, believed to be the burial site of several companions of Prophet Muhammad, combines traditional Ethiopian construction techniques with Islamic architectural elements, showcasing the unique cultural synthesis present in Nejashi. This blending of African, Arab, and Islamic influences is also evident in the town's traditions, language, cuisine, and daily practices, illustrating a rich confluence of diverse cultural elements that define the community's identity.

The Nejashi town Islamic community lives in connection with the surrounding Orthodox Christian community. The Amanuel Church, in close proximity to the mosque, is deeply connected in history and tradition. There are several vernacular buildings which have not been studied yet and are going under change. Heritage conservation efforts should manage these interrelated heritage sites and local vernacular building traditions within one broader cultural landscape.

The Negash Amedin Mesgid's main building and the minaret were directly hit by artillery on December 15, 2020. This caused severe damage to the mosque and revealed extensive looting afterward, coinciding with the reported massacre of 81 people. St. Amanuel Church was also directly hit by artillery. There has been no restoration of either site, leading to further deterioration over the past three and a half years.

Efforts to preserve Nejashi's cultural heritage, including restoration projects for the mosque and historical sites, are crucial for maintaining the town's legacy. These initiatives aim to protect not only the physical structures but also the cultural narratives and practices integral to Nejashi. In a contemporary context, Nejashi serves as a powerful symbol of tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect, offering historical insights that can address modern challenges related to cultural integration and religious harmony. Through its preservation, Nejashi continues to inspire and educate, highlighting Ethiopia's enduring role as a crossroads of civilizations and a beacon of cultural heritage.

• • • • • •  Current Condition: Both sites exhibit significant structural degradation due to damage from artillery during the conflict, followed by weathering, erosion, and lack of maintenance. The Nejashi Mosque, in particular, has suffered from instability and roof leaks. The minaret has also been destabilized.The local building heritage in the town is going through rapid change which affected the vernacular tradition. 

          • Threats: Environmental factors such as heavy rains, temperature fluctuations, and seismic activities. Human-induced threats include vandalism, unauthorized construction, and neglect. Previously planned massive projects,if implemented in the future could change the cultural landscape and loss in uniques identity of the site.  

Cheleqot, located 17 km outside Mekelle city, boasts a rich cultural heritage. As a former regional capital in the 19th century, it hosts several important structures, some in good condition and others in ruins. The Sillassie (Holy Trinity) Church features a complex compound with the best-preserved circular church architecture. Ruins on the site include the residence of Nathanael Peirce and the palace of Raesi Woldesillasie, both in need of restoration and archaeological activities. The Trinity Church also has well-preserved fresco paintings by Haleqa Hailu from 1793, commissioned by Ras WoldeSellassie (1745–1816), the most powerful regional ruler in Ethiopia/Abyssinia at the time.

Despite its cultural heritage and historical significance, the village attracts limited tourists, even though it is close to Mekelle. The church houses a large collection of movable heritage, including crowns, crosses, and manuscripts. A museum building was constructed by Mekelle University but remains non-functional due to the conflict. A comprehensive conservation plan for the heritage landscape is needed in the village.

The church structures are characterized by intricate carvings, vibrant frescoes, and innovative construction techniques. However, these wood panels are starting to weather. Documenting them is necessary. Preserving these architectural marvels is crucial for maintaining the cultural identity of Cheleqot. Ongoing restoration and protection efforts underscore the importance of safeguarding both the physical structures and the cultural and religious narratives they embody. These preservation initiatives ensure that Cheleqot continues to serve as a testament to Ethiopia's rich cultural and religious history, offering valuable insights and inspiration for future generations. Through these efforts, Cheleqot remains a beacon of Ethiopia's enduring legacy as a crossroads of civilizations and a keeper of profound cultural heritage.

The residence of Nathanael Peirce, documented by researchers in 2014, was totally demolished and reduced to debris in 2022. This poses a similar challenge to other elements of the village's heritage landscape, which are slowly disappearing without being documented. Currently, there are several Hidmo vernacular architecture structures in the village that are rapidly transforming due to modernity.

• Current Condition:The Cheleqot Sillassie Church's timber elements and frescoes are experiencing significant deterioration, evidenced by advanced decay and structural weakening. The former residence of Nathanael Peirce has suffered near-total destruction, with only minimal remnants of the original structure remaining.Change in traditional architecture of the area due to modernity. 

• Threats: The site faces multiple threats, including soil erosion, inadequate preservation efforts, and the adverse effects of contemporary developments. These factors collectively contribute to the accelerated degradation of the historical and cultural assets within the village.

Agulae is a small town in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, rich in heritage despite its limited tourism activity. Among its notable sites is the former palace compound of Emperor Yohannes, which includes a well-preserved hall and imperial residence buildings. Unfortunately, the site suffered vandalism and looting during the Tigray War, and the site's protector was also killed. Nearby, there is a well-conserved example of vernacular architecture known as Kidanmihret, a Hidmo typology.

Agulae's historical significance is well-documented. Portuguese priest Francisco Álvares first noted the village on August 13, 1520, describing a "well-built church — upon very thick stone supports; very well hewn" dedicated to Saint Chirqos. This account underscores Agulae's long-standing architectural and religious importance. Further highlighting its historical significance, Emperor Iyasu I decreed in 1698 that tolls should no longer be collected in the town, reflecting its importance in the regional economy and governance.

In 1868, members of the Napier Expedition visited Agulae and found the church in ruins. Despite this destruction, historian David Phillipson suggests its construction may date back to the Late Aksumite period or shortly thereafter. The church, although in ruins, showcases intricate stonework and architectural prowess, significant to the village's cultural identity. Preservation of these structures is crucial for maintaining Agulae's heritage, providing insights into the region's historical and religious practices.

Currently, the remnants of the church described by Álvares are in a state of ruin, reflecting the impacts of time, treasure-seeking activities, and lack of maintenance. The former Emperor Yohannes Palace and Kidane Mihret Church, along with the vernacular architecture, are in varying states of disrepair, with some structures facing imminent collapse.

Threats to these sites include erosion, lack of maintenance, modern development pressures, environmental factors such as weathering and potential seismic activity, structural weaknesses exacerbated by environmental exposure, and human activities including illicit excavations and inappropriate renovations. Preservation efforts are essential to safeguard Agulae's cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the rich tapestry of Ethiopia's historical legacy. Through ongoing research and preservation initiatives, Agulae remains a vital link to Ethiopia's storied past.

• • • • Current Condition: The remnants of the church described by Francisco Álvares are in a state of ruin, reflecting the impacts of time, treasure-seeking activities, and lack of maintenance. The site exhibits significant structural degradation, with many parts of the original architecture having collapsed or been removed. The former Emperor Yohannes Palace and Kidane Mihret Church, along with the vernacular architecture, are in varying states of disrepair, with some structures facing imminent collapse.

      • Threats: Erosion, lack of maintenance, and modern development pressures. Environmental factors such as weathering and potential seismic activity also pose risks to the remaining structures. Structural weaknesses exacerbated by environmental exposure and human activities, including illicit excavations and inappropriate renovations. 

Khw'ien Village, located northeast of Khw'ien in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, is a remarkable example of cluster of the last remaining Hidmo Vernacular architecture in the region. Nestled along the fertile banks of the May Enda Estiphanos River, Khw'ien's landscape is not only ideal for agriculture but also visually stunning. Historically, the village was a minor political center during the imperial era and played a role in the salt trade (arho). Despite its historical importance, Khw'ien remains relatively isolated, with infrastructure development lagging behind other areas, preserving its traditional lifestyle and architectural heritage, notably its numerous Hidmo structures.

A recent preliminary investigation in February 2024 by a research team focused on Khw'ien's architectural heritage, particularly the remaining Hidmos, traditional Ethiopian houses known for their unique construction. Among the structures studied were the former residence of Riese Debri Gebremariam, recognized as the most magnificent residence in the village, and the St. Mikael and Estifanos Churches, the latter being abandoned but historically significant. Interviews with local priests, monks, and Riese Debri Gebremariam's son provided rich insights into the construction and history of these buildings, shedding light on the community's traditional building practices and family legacies. The data collected through hand drawings, photography, and laser scanning documents the village's unique architectural features and the challenges of maintaining these historical structures.

The fieldwork in Khw'ien Village revealed the pressing need for preservation efforts. Many Hidmos, including significant historical residences, are vacant and deteriorating. The insights gained from interviews and documentation emphasize the village's cultural heritage and the community's deep historical roots. As residents increasingly move to urban areas, the urgency to preserve and restore Khw'ien's heritage structures grows. The welcoming atmosphere of the village and the community's involvement in the documentation process highlight the importance of maintaining these cultural treasures for future generations.

• Current Condition: Many of Khw'ien's hidmo structures, including significant historical residences, are vacant and deteriorating. The St. Estifanos Church is abandoned and in a state of disrepair.

• Threats: Erosion, lack of maintenance, and the impacts of modern development. Additionally, the migration of residents to urban areas exacerbates the deterioration of these historical structures due to neglect and reduced local efforts to maintain them. 

Our project logo embodies the principles of resilience, restoration, and cultural continuity within the heritage sector. Drawing inspiration from Kintsugi, the Japanese technique of mending broken pottery with gold, the logo features a traditional Jebena (coffee pot) repaired using this method. This visual metaphor underscores the importance of acknowledging and preserving cultural heritage, not by concealing its fractures but by embracing them as integral parts of its historical narrative.

The artwork was created by Goitom Gebru, an Israel-based artist and architect, whose work explores the intersection of art, architecture, and cultural identity. By integrating Kintsugi into an emblem of Ethiopian tradition, the logo reflects the dynamic processes of heritage conservation, adaptation, and resilience in the face of challenges. It serves as a powerful representation of the ongoing dialogue between past and present in heritage preservation efforts.