Prague, 27 June 2025

Prof. Wolbert Smidt and Dr. Alula Tesfay Asfha hosted a focused side workshop during the European Conference on African Studies (ECAS) in Prague. The session brought together current Gerda Henkel Foundation Fellows and partner researchers engaged in the study and preservation of Ethiopian cultural heritage.

The workshop created space for participants from across disciplines—archaeology, history, anthropology, architecture, and digital humanities—to discuss:

•     Methodological challenges in field-based heritage research

•     Integrating community knowledge systems

•     Strategic alignment of projects in post-conflict settings

•     Emerging opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration

The session reaffirmed the importance of interdisciplinary and locally grounded approaches to cultural heritage, and contributed to shaping a shared research agenda for Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa.

Frankfurt am Main, June 2025
As part of its 100-year anniversary celebrations, the Frobenius Institute is showcasing research initiatives and works through a series of corridor presentations. Among them is the Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Initiative, a project focused on the documentation and restoration of cultural heritage in post-conflict Tigray, Ethiopia.

The display is open to visitors in Frankfurt am Main on the first floor of the IG Farben Building, Frobenius Institute corridor, throughout the anniversary year. 

Warsaw, Poland – May 23, 2025
Dr. Alula Tesfay Asfha (Goethe University / Mekelle University) presented at the Power, Space, and Culture II conference at the University of Warsaw on the ethical and technical challenges of digitally documenting sacred Orthodox Christian sites in Tigray.

Titled “Digital Preservation and Access to Sacred Orthodox Monasteries: Ethical and Technical Challenges,” the talk reflected on case studies from Wukro Ch’erqos, Abune Penteleon, and Gunda Gundo. It examined how technologies like 3D scanning and photogrammetry can enhance scholarly access while raising important questions about consent, sacred boundaries, and theological sensitivity.

Learn more about the conference and abstracts here: 

Power, Space, and Culture II - Archeoorientalistyka 

May, 2025 
 

Graduate students from the MSc Urban Planning and Development program at Mekelle University recently completed hands-on training in heritage mapping and aerial documentation as part of the Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Initiative.

The fieldwork focused on the historic site of Feleg Da’ero, where students were introduced to the use of drone technology for aerial heritage documentation. In addition, they carried out data collection in Mekelle, Wukro, and Adigrat to support the generation of heritage maps using open-source geospatial tools.

This practical training component aimed to build local capacity in digital heritage documentation, equipping future urban planners with tools to integrate cultural heritage into spatial planning and post-conflict recovery strategies.

Mekelle, Ethiopia – May 16, 2025 
 

A discussion was held with H.E. Dr. Atsbha Gebreegziabher, Head of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration’s Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Prof. Rumi Okazaki (Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan), Dr. Alula Tesfay Asfha (Goethe University Frankfurt / Mekelle University), Mr. Taddess Girmay (Addis Ababa University), and Mr. Binyam Fitsum (Academic Assistant, Tigray HeritageScapes Project/ Mekelle University).

The discussion addressed pressing cultural heritage priorities in Tigray and explored strategic opportunities for future collaboration between regional authorities and academic institutions. It was also updated on the recent joint fieldwork conducted under the Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Initiative (funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation) and the international research project Digital Documentation of Architectural Heritage and Regional Revitalization in Ethiopia (2025–27), led by Prof. Okazaki and supported by the Kajima Foundation.

Nairobi, Kenya – May 13, 2025
 

As part of the UNESCO's Conference on Authenticity in Africa, held in Nairobi, the Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Initiative was featured in a collaborative poster presentations spotlighting heritage conservation efforts across the continent.

We joined colleagues Prof. Bekeh Ukelina, Prof. Rumi Okazaki, Dr. Tokie Laotan-Brown adn 'Tobiloba Akibo  in a shared booth presentation that brought together case studies from Ethiopia, Nigeria, and beyond. The posters highlighted interdisciplinary approaches to heritage documentation, community engagement, and post-conflict recovery, reflecting shared commitments to preservation, equity, and innovation.

The conference provided an important platform to exchange ideas and strengthen networks for African-led heritage scholarship. The Initiative is grateful for the opportunity to contribute and extends sincere appreciation to its collaborators for their leadership and tireless work in advancing the field.

May, 2025 
 

As part of the Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Initiative, 20 architecture and urban conservation students participated in a five-day fieldwork program focused on the documentation of traditional settlements in Cheleqot, Kwién, Debre Damo, and Gheralta.

While the students primarily conducted manual recording and sketching of heritage structures, they were also introduced to advanced documentation techniques, including drone mapping, photogrammetry, and LiDAR scanning. These introductory sessions aimed to build awareness of digital tools increasingly used in heritage conservation worldwide.

The activity was coordinated by Mr. Gebremeskel Teweldemedhin (Mekelle University), a member of the initiative. 

2024--2-26

We are pleased to announce the inclusion of our research project in the Center for Interdisciplinary African Studies Annual Yearbook. This publication highlights innovative and impactful studies in African studies, and we are honored to contribute to this scholarly discourse.

The yearbook is now accessible online and features a diverse array of interdisciplinary research. We invite you to explore the publication to gain insights into the latest advancements in the field.

🔗 Access the yearbook: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/167332233/ZIAF_annual_report_2024.pdf 

2024--2-21

The Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Initiative has commenced its first round of evaluations for scholarship applicants conducting research in heritage conservation and restoration. This initiative aims to support students engaged in preserving and revitalizing Tigray’s cultural heritage through academic research. 

Presenter of Proposals

Melat Atsebeha – Supervisor: Birhane Aregawi
Image-Based Structural Assessment of Masonry Building: The Case of Atse Yohannes Palace (Agulae)

Sirak Gidey –
Adaptive Reuse on Heritage Building of Dejat Gebresilasie, Agulae, Tigray

Kibrom Meles – Supervisor: Dr. Zemenfes
Assessment on Practical and Challenges of Heritage Conservation: The Case of Atse Yohannes Palace in Agulae Town

Tsigab Berihu – Supervisor: Habtom Teklay
Impact of Tigray War on Indigenous Creative Industries of Basketry and Embroidery in Cheleqot and Qhuien Villages, Enderta Wereda, Tigray

Follow the recording of the presentations with this link. 

https://youtu.be/mTizcQsa_0k

Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Intiative- Evaluation of scholarship applicants (First round)

We’ve had a strong start to 2025 with field visits as part of the Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Initiative. Our team visited several key sites, including Cheleqot, the Nejashi area, Aguale, and Khwi'en, to assess their condition. We focused on identifying at-risk sites, while noting that some have already begun receiving initial interventions. We are now looking forward to detailed assessments and interventions from our multidisciplinary team to address the challenges these sites face and ensure effective preservation efforts. 

In December 2024, we officially launched the "Tigray HeritageScapes Restoration Initiative" with a dynamic full-day workshop that brought together experts from various fields, including architectural conservation, history, anthropology, structural engineering, urban planning, museology, archaeology, and representatives from the Bureau of Culture. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and engaging in meaningful discussions on the restoration and preservation of Tigray’s heritage. It marked an important step forward in building a multidisciplinary approach to heritage management, setting the stage for future efforts and ongoing dialogue.