Gondar: The restoration of the Emperor Fasiledus’s Palace (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO inscribed heritage located in Ethiopia’s historical town of Gondar is progressing with great care to preserve its historical structure, according to a team of engineers involved in the project.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, this world heritage, located in the Amhara Regional State, in North Gondar, was the residence of the Ethiopian emperor Fasilides and his successors in the 16th and 17th centuries. The fortress-city of Fasil Ghebbi is surrounded by a 900-m-long wall, the city contains palaces, churches, monasteries, and unique public and private buildings.
Under the leadership of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Gondar is undergoing a significant transformation that includes not only large-scale infrastructure development but also the meticulous restoration of the Emperor Fasiledus’s Palace. This ambitious project is being executed with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and best practices in knowledge tran
sfer. Skilled engineers overseeing the work affirm that the palace’s original form and essence are being preserved in the reconstruction.
Deputy Mayor of Gondar, Chalachew Dagnew spoke about the endeavor’s importance, stating, “Preserving our ancestral heritage is crucial. By participating in the restoration, citizens are actively contributing to the preservation of history for future generations.” He added, by reviving the faded history of our ancient kings, we are creating a legacy that future generations will proudly recount.
The restoration, undertaken by BAIK General Trading Company, focuses on maintaining the historical form and integrity of the heritage site. Coordinator of the project, Lakachew Eniyew noted that the project has created employment opportunities for over 800 individuals, supported by both government and local community contributions.
Engineer Mesafint Kasaw, Project Manager at BAIK General Business Company, emphasized the accelerated pace of the restoration work. The renovation proce
ss entails knowledge transfer through the restoration of historical architecture; the courtyard is being revitalized with greenery and a paved pedestrian walkway, all while carefully preserving its historical form and content.
Dagmawi Girma, a participant in the project, expressed his pride in contributing to the preservation of ancestral history for future generations. Beyond job creation, the completed restoration will significantly enhance the city’s tourism potential. Marzeneb Asrese and Bazezew Getu, who have contributed to various aspects of the renovation, highlighted the opportunity to leave a lasting historical mark by understanding and preserving the true meaning of the heritage.