INTRODUCTION.pptxzbjdvsb...............b.sv

history project ethiopia architecture

1. HISTORY PROJECT GORGORA /DEBRE SINA MONASTRY

2. G orgora Gedam, officially known as Debre Sina Church, is a significant historical and religious site located in Gorgora, a town on the northern shores of Lake Tana in Ethiopia's Amhara Region. Established in 1608, the church is renowned for its unique circular architecture, thatched roof, and well-preserved murals, making it one of the earliest and most beautiful round churches in Ethiopia.. INTRODUCTION

3. G orgora gained prominence during the reign of Emperor Susenyos I in the early 17th century. In 1607, he granted land to Jesuit missionaries, leading to the establishment of a significant Catholic mission in the area. The Jesuits constructed a church in 1618, designed by Pedro Páez, which was completed in 1621 and dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption. This church, built with stone and mud, eventually collapsed but marked the beginning of stone construction around Lake Tana BACKGROUND

4. Emperor Susenyos also established a royal palace in Gorgora around 1621, further elevating the town's status. However, after his son, Emperor Fasilides, reinstated the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and expelled the Jesuits, the Catholic establishments in Gorgora were abandoned. The ruins of the Portuguese Cathedral and the palace remain as historical landmarks. CONTD.....

5. D ebre Sina Church stands out for its circular design and thatched roof, characteristic of traditional Ethiopian church architecture. The interior walls are adorned with ornate murals, some of which are older and better preserved than those found in other churches around Lake Tana. Notably, one fresco known as the “Egyptian Saint Mary” is believed to have been brought from Egypt and is thought to possess healing powers. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

6. CURRENT STATUS T oday, Debre Sina Church remains an active place of worship and a significant tourist attraction. The surrounding area has been the focus of the Gorgora Project, a national initiative launched in 2020 under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's "Dine for Nation" program. This project aims to develop Gorgora into a premier tourist destination by enhancing its natural and historical assets. The first phase, including the inauguration of the Gorgora Eco Resort, was completed in July 2024

7. CONTD.... Th e project encompasses the development of modern amenities such as seaside cafes, restaurants, cycling and horse-riding paths, traditional villages, agricultural research centers, and fishing access points. These developments aim to boost tourism while preserving the cultural and historical significance of sites like Debre Sina Church..

8. Documentation

9. Gorg ora Gedam (Debre Sina Church) is a testament to Ethiopia's rich religious and architectural heritage. Its historical significance, coupled with recent development initiatives, positions it as a vital cultural and tourist hub in the region. The ongoing efforts to preserve and promote this heritage site ensure that it continues to be a source of inspiration and learning for future generations. Conclusion

10. THANK YOU MEMBERS ID ASAMINEW SILAS ETS 0168/15 BESUFIKAD DARGAZE ETS 0252/15 DEREJE DUBALE ETS 0392/15 YABETS HAILU ETS1353/15