On Development of Abraha Castle Hotel

The transfer of ownership of Abraha Castle to Sur Construction PLC in 2019 has ignited discussions about the destiny of this culturally significant site. Architectural plans to convert it into a five-star hotel were initially revealed in August 2019 (Preliminary Design) on Twitter, and later in April 2020 (final) through the Facebook accounts of Tadese Yemane, then CEO of Sur Construction PLC. Recently, in November 2023, the plans were presented through the Dimtsi Woyane Television news coverage. The proposed development, especially the construction of a five-star hotel around the Castle, suggests a significant intervention, raising concerns about its potential impact on heritage. This has triggered a broader discussion through social media and various circles, with numerous messages and emails prompting me to express my opinion on the matter.

While the transition of landmarks to private ownership is not unheard of, it remains relatively uncommon. The shift of culturally significant sites into private hands introduces intricate considerations at the intersection of financial interests and public welfare. This spans various domains, including research, education, history, aesthetics, identity, and culture.

The news reveals the unveiling of the final architectural design by architect Fasil Ghiorgis, witnessed by an audience comprising members from Mekelle University, Mekelle Municipality, and the Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Renowned for his keen sensitivity to heritage, the architect emphasized the extensive research undertaken on the building’s history, materials, and features. He assured that the design was crafted with a deep understanding of local architecture and history, aiming to seamlessly blend modernity with heritage preservation.

The architect mentioned that the newly proposed hotel will be a ‘historical hotel,’ and every detail, from the door handle to the door and ceiling, will be executed in a way that represents the culture. Sur Construction’s Managing Director, Mr. Zinfu Asfaw, revealed the successful bid for Abraha Castle Hotel after three attempts, outlining their three-year timeline for project completion while emphasizing the commitment to preserving the site’s heritage.

The Head of the Tigray Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Atsbeha Gebreegziabher, expressed active efforts to ensure the maintenance of historical and heritage integrity throughout the renovation. He emphasized the bureau’s commitment to striking a balance between heritage preservation and development goals.

In an interview with TPM media, Mr. Gebretsadkan Abay, the manager of Abraha Castle Hotel, mentioned that he is confident that the new construction will enhance the heritage and historic value of the site. The construction is set to commence soon and is expected to be completed in three years. Mr. Fisseha Zereabiruk, an expert on tourism from the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Mekelle administration, stated that the castle faces numerous challenges, including the failure to generate enough revenue and a lack of maintenance, particularly during the Tigray war.

Mr. Gebresillasie Weldemichael, who has been working at Abraha Castle Hotel since 1969 Amete Mihret, accumulating 44 years of experience, has witnessed the castle undergo various stages of development over the years. He expresses confidence that the planned new development, situated at the ‘backside’ of the castle, will enhance its quality and heritage value. Mr. Weldemichael remains hopeful that the construction, initially scheduled before the war, will proceed as planned.

While those closely connected to Abrha Castle seem to agree on the development plan, strong concerns have been expressed by various individuals. Many have shared their nostalgia and memories associated with the site, expressing worry about perceived trends of insensitivity in Mekelle towards heritage. This concern is exemplified by the continuous demolition of Hidmos, vernacular structures around the city. A cursory review of travel website ratings reveals that many travelers appreciate the experience of staying in a historical castle site, despite the lower quality of amenities in the building as a hotel.

Addressing the intricate intersection of private interests and public welfare often entails the implementation of regulatory mechanisms. Regulatory instruments, including urban plans, heritage regulations, and meticulous registries assume a pivotal role in mitigating potential conflicts arising from the pursuit of financial objectives versus the preservation of cultural assets. Given Sur Construction PLC’s status as a public-owned endowment, the company’s interests can be viewed not solely through a profit-driven lens but also with a positive commitment to site development, contributing to the revitalization of Mekelle as a welcoming city. Prior to engaging in regulatory initiatives, it is imperative to acquire a profound understanding of the elements requiring protection and the values inherent in the cultural property, exemplified by Abraha Castle Hotel, that will resonate with future generations. This endeavor extends beyond administrative tasks; it embodies a responsibility to preserve the essence of collective history, identity, and evolution, recognizing the challenges faced by communities in safeguarding their past against natural disasters, human-made adversities, and short-term interests.

The impending change in Abraha Castle’s ownership prompts exploration beyond its physical structure, delving into the layers of cultural, historical, and societal significance it encapsulates. This exploration is not merely an attempt to secure the castle’s future; it is a commitment to preserving the intricate threads that weave our collective identity, aspirations, and shared heritage.

Abraha Castle Close up. By author. 2020. 

Picture shared by Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray Facebook page. Parent company for Sur Construction. 2023. By Fasil Giorghis Architects. 

Some of the pictures of the Abraha Castle Approved Final Hotel Design. Accessed from Tadesse Yemane, (former CEO Sur construction) 2020. Facebook post. By Fasil Giorghis Architects. 

Perspective of the sites for the preliminary design from August 2019 shows the complete development of the site. Accessed from Tadesse Yemane, (former CEO Sur construction) 2019. Twitter post By Fasil Giorghis Architects. 

2- Brief History of Dejat Abraha Castle

Dejat Abraha, serving as the governor of Eastern Tigray from 1899 to 1909 Amete Mihret, with Mekelle as his capital, held a pivotal role in the region. Born to Raesi Araya Dimitsu, uncle of Emperor Yohannes IV and governor of Enderta, Dejat Abraha underwent early education in Italian language and culture in Torino, Italy. His linguistic proficiency led to his role as a translator from 1878 to 1889 Amete Mihret., where he gained extensive knowledge of culture and development. He was Ethiopia’s minister of interior under Lij Iyasu. In 1903, he initiated the construction of his castle.

Youtube capture. Source unknown

Following Dejat Abraha exile to Showa province and subsequent demise in 1919 due to the Spanish flu pandemic, his castle fell into disrepair, acquiring local lore attributing its state to the presence of malevolent spirits. The reason for the ruin is not clear but attributed to airstrike or other cause of conflict. However, between 1954 Amete Mihret. and 1959 Amete Mihret., Raesi Mengesha Seyoum, the ruler of Tigray, spearheaded the renovation of the castle, transforming it into a hotel with the consent and contribution of Dejat Abraha’s daughter.

Abraha Castle Aerial View (Probably 1930), Collection of Cultural Association of Tigray.

Abraha Castle (1935), Istituto Nazionale Luce A.O.

Abraha Castle Date Unknown. Tsehaye Zemenfes on Facebook

During Dejat Abraha Administration Mekelle was an important node to the salt trade stretching from the lowland salt mine in the Afar lowlands. Salt was an important commodity as it was used as a currency. His treasury in Mekelle was rich in silver coins and salt that helped him envision to build a new town center with the castle at the center. In addition, it would be said his brief residency in the Emperor Yohannes IV palace in his early times of administration was not welcomed by the descendants of the Emperor. (ref. Tadesse Sequar) In his vision of creating the alternative town center, he allocated new market areas, Sillasie Church and residential settlements.

Now, Abraha Castle stands as a pivotal landmark in Mekelle city, sharing its significance with Yohannes IV’s palace and Hawelti Semaetat. To comprehend the castle’s journey through time, it is essential to delve into the annals of Mekelle’s past, which was once a cluster of dispersed settlements until the latter half of the 19th  century.

The decision of Hatsey Yohannes IV to establish his main palace within preexisting settlements catalyzed Mekelle’s transformation into a notable economic and political hub. This strategic move laid the foundation for distinctive architectural features, notably the well-developed large Hidmos, and traditional town planning techniques (Associated Hidmos), vernacular to the Tigray region. It is noteworthy that Hatsey Yohannes’ vision extended beyond constructing a mere palace; it was a comprehensive urban development project strategically positioning the palace and allocating surrounding areas to Market (Edaga Senuy), nobilities, churches (most notably Medhini Alem), clergy, and diverse working and religious communities.

In 1903, Dejazmach Abraha Araya initiated the construction of Abraha Castle, engaging both local and foreign builders. The community actively participated (sometimes forced) by providing labor and contributing construction materials. Notably, the elevated ground on which the castle stands was manually modified with the assistance of public labor. The olive wood used for the ceiling and opening woodwork was manually transported from the Dese’a forest. It took about two weeks to cover the journey on foot. Unlike the establishment of a new town, Dejat Abraha focus was on creating a new town center within Mekelle. This center included a market (Edaga Senbet), a church (Enda Selassie), and designated settlement areas for various communities and nobilities. Positioned adjacent to a vital stream, the castle played a central role in the local heritage landscape. However, the passage of time eventually resulted in the abandonment and ruin of the castle.

Abraha Castle in ruins. 1930s. Source unknown

Abraha Castle in ruins. Source and Date Unknown. From Girmay Berhe on Facebook.

At the time of renovation (1960), source unknown.

Picture of Abraha castle after renovation. Source unknown.

The 1960s witnessed a transformative initiative under the administration of Raesi Mengesha Siyoum, who renovated and repurposed Dejat Abraha Castle into a hotel. The Dergue socialist government nationalized the hotel building and put it under Ghion Hotels administration, a state hospitality enterprise. This went on until 2012, when it was transferred to the Tigray State Bureau of Culture and Tourism. The bureau had decided to privatize it again through a public bid. A local company Sur Construction PLC won the bid to build a five-star hotel on the site.

Subsequently, Ethiopia’s proclamation on the classification of cultural heritage (Proc. no. 839/2014) delineated Abraha Castle as a regional heritage site, while Yohannes’ Palace earned the status of federal/national heritage, falling under the administration of the national palaces administration.

This historical journey illuminates the intricate interplay between visionary urban planning, familial legacies, and governmental interventions, shaping Abraha Castle into a repository of cultural and historical significance that transcends the temporal shifts in ownership and governance. The transition of the castle from a strategic urban center to a hotel echoes the adaptability of cultural heritage to evolving societal needs, making it a dynamic and living testament to the community’s shared history and identity.

3- What is the Heritage Value of Abraha Castle?

The heritage values of Abraha Castle extend beyond the mere confines of physical structures, weaving a tapestry that narrates the intricate history, culture, and evolution of the Tigray people and in wider Ethiopia. While acknowledging the fluid nature of cultural heritage values, let’s dissect the specific attributes that render Abraha Castle an invaluable cultural asset why intervention in the site needs to be taken sensitively.

a. Historic Value: Abraha Castle and its encompassing area stand as living witnesses, chronicling the history, livelihood, and developmental journey of the Tigray people, particularly during the latter half of the 19^th century and early 20^th C. This epoch marked a crucial stage in the extensive history of the Tigray people. The castle, intricately tied to the ambition of Dejat Abraha Araya, bears witness to the labor division and roles that shaped the relationships among different classes in the last phase of Imperial and feudal Ethiopia. It serves as a tangible testament to a specific phase in the evolutionary trajectory of the community.

b. Artistic/architectural Value: The artistic and architectural significance of Abraha Castle is profound, intertwined with an adaptive continuation of indigenous traditional construction techniques. The castle has an important architectural and artistic value that was manifested by the continuation and adaptation of traditional construction techniques, specifically the Hidmo construction. It is another piece in the stone masonry construction tradition that gives character to Mekelle city.

c. Cohesive Cultural Binding: Abraha Castle, in conjunction with other key monuments in Mekelle like Yohannes IV palace and Hawelti, functions as a cohesive force, binding together the smaller tangible and intangible heritages within Mekelle. The castle is located in an important focal and focus point in the city that allows a panoramic view into and from the city. This interconnectedness extends to churches, streets, houses, and various supplementary functions of the era, creating a complex yet harmonious tapestry of cultural heritage. Moreover, the castle, in synergy with natural elements such as the river and the town’s landscape, contributes to the holistic cultural identity of Mekelle.

In essence, the heritage values of Abraha Castle transcend the confines of individual significance, intertwining with the broader narrative of the Tigray people. Its historic, artistic, and cohesive values not only enrich the cultural fabric of Mekelle but also serve as a dynamic testament to the ongoing evolution of a community deeply rooted in its past, while adapting to the demands of the present and future.

4- What Value needs to be conserved for future generations?

In light of the monument’s heritage values, it is imperative to prioritize the conservation of existing remnants that serve as crucial artifacts for unraveling the historical tapestry of the era. This encompasses not only the architectural structures but also the broader context, including landscape features, scenic elements, and their intricate connections with offsite components of the city influenced by Dejat Abraha. These offsite elements, such as churches, the market, and the river, contribute significantly to the cultural and historical significance of the Abraha Castle site.

The proposed establishment of a new five-star hotel within the Abraha Castle site necessitates a judicious approach to intervention. To maintain the authenticity and historical integrity of the monument, any actions on the site should be kept to a minimum. Furthermore, interventions that are deemed necessary should be designed with reversibility in mind. This cautious stance is rooted in the anticipation of advancements in research tools and conservation techniques, emphasizing the need to preserve the option for more refined and less intrusive approaches in the future.

By adopting a strategy of minimal and reversible intervention, we not only acknowledge the current limitations in our understanding and technologies but also demonstrate a commitment to adaptability. This approach ensures that the heritage values of the Abraha Castle site are safeguarded against potential adverse effects from the proposed hotel development, allowing for the continued exploration and interpretation of this historical monument for future generations.

5- Recommendation to the developer

The potential development of Abraha Castle represents a unique prospect for Sur Construction PLC to establish a pioneering standard in Tigray. The challenge lies in leveraging the cultural heritage assets for economic gain while safeguarding their intrinsic core values. This calls for a nuanced and analytical approach to development, ensuring that economic benefits harmonize with heritage preservation.

a. Heritage Strategic Plan: The foundational step in the development process of the hotel should involve crafting a comprehensive Heritage Strategic Plan. This plan should not be a solitary endeavor but a collaborative initiative involving stakeholders at every level from the university and to the residents. By engaging various perspectives, it ensures that the heritage values and community interests are duly considered, setting the stage for a balanced and inclusive approach to development and expansion.

b. Diverse Income Generation Schemes: A key focus for Sur Construction PLC should be diversifying income generation beyond the conventional construction of additional rooms on the historic site. This entails exploring alternative revenue streams that not only respect the historical significance of Abraha Castle but also contribute to its enhancement. Potential avenues may include cultural education programs, guided tours, interpretive centers, or events that celebrate the cultural richness of the site.

c. Heritage Impact Assessment and Design Emphasis: In instances where construction becomes unavoidable, a meticulous Heritage Impact Assessment is imperative. This assessment should delve into the potential ramifications on the heritage values, both direct and indirect. Emphasizing design, preferably through competitive processes, ensures that any alterations or additions to the site align with the cultural aesthetics and historical context.

By championing a Heritage Strategic Plan, diversifying income sources, and incorporating meticulous heritage impact assessments and design competitions, Sur Construction PLC can spearhead a paradigm that not only elevates Abraha Castle as an economic asset but also secures its place as a cherished cultural legacy for generations to come.

6- Recommendation to Authorities

Preserving Heritage through Institutional Framework:

In the ongoing recovery from the war, Tigray faces significant challenges, necessitating collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. Prioritizing the sustainable conservation of our heritage requires the establishment of dedicated institutions. A key element in this endeavor is the empowerment of associations specifically dedicated to overseeing heritage preservation. In Tigray, a crucial initiative involves the implementation of a unified registry and inscription system encompassing both tangible and intangible heritage, complemented by detailed descriptions. This valuable information should be accessible to the public and experts, fostering transparent communication and informed engagement. To fortify the commitment to long-term preservation, subsequent layers of regulations must be instituted to govern the management of these cultural assets.

Regulating Cultural Properties for Long-Term Preservation:

For registered cultural properties, such as Abraha Castle, stringent regulations must be established and rigorously enforced. This involves crafting and implementing a comprehensive set of rules tailored to the unique attributes of each heritage site. To ensure effective communication with the public, information about the conditions and developments of culturally significant properties should be disseminated through easily accessible media channels. This proactive approach not only promotes public awareness but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the preservation of Tigray’s rich cultural heritage.

Annex- Birds of  Abraha Castle 

Biodiversity in the compound of Abraha Castle. By author 2020

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Mr. Gebresillasie Weldemichael, who has been working at Abraha Castle Hotel since 1969 Amete Mihret, accumulating 44 years of experience, has witnessed the castle undergo various stages of development over the years. He expresses confidence that the planned new development, situated at the ‘backside’ of the castle, will enhance its quality and heritage value. Mr. Weldemichael remains hopeful that the construction, initially scheduled before the war, will proceed as planned.

While those closely connected to Abraha Castle seem to agree on the development plan, strong concerns have been expressed by various individuals. Many have shared their nostalgia and memories associated with the site, expressing worry about perceived trends of insensitivity in Mekelle towards heritage. This concern is exemplified by the continuous demolition of Hidmos, vernacular structures around the city. A cursory review of travel website ratings reveals that many travelers appreciate the experience of staying in a historical castle site, despite the lower quality of amenities in the building as a hotel.

Addressing the intricate intersection of private interests and public welfare often entails the implementation of regulatory mechanisms. Regulatory instruments, including urban plans, heritage regulations, and meticulous registries, assume a pivotal role in mitigating potential conflicts arising from the pursuit of financial objectives versus the preservation of cultural assets. Given Sur Construction PLC’s status as a publicly-owned endowment, the company’s interests can be viewed not solely through a profit-driven lens but also with a positive commitment to site development, contributing to the revitalization of Mekelle as a welcoming city. Prior to engaging in regulatory initiatives, it is imperative to acquire a profound understanding of the elements requiring protection and the values inherent in the cultural property, exemplified by Abraha Castle Hotel, that will resonate with future generations. This endeavor extends beyond administrative tasks; it embodies a responsibility to preserve the essence of collective history, identity, and evolution, recognizing the challenges faced by communities in safeguarding their past against natural disasters, human-made adversities, and short-term interests.

The impending change in Abraha Castle’s ownership prompts exploration beyond its physical structure, delving into the layers of cultural, historical, and societal significance it encapsulates. This exploration is not merely an attempt to secure the castle’s future; it is a commitment to preserving the intricate threads that weave our collective identity, aspirations, and shared heritage.