Christianity has a vast history that begins in the Middle East and the religion is currently popular in European countries and some African regions, which the Europeans took under control. There are more than one billion Christians in the world, and this religion usually includes Orthodoxy, Protestantism, and Catholicism. Orthodoxy is widespread in such countries as russia, Ukraine, and Belarus; Protestantism is practiced in the USA and South Africa; Catholicism is a prevailing religion in West and North Europe (Roy 104). According to Takele, the Ethiopian geographical position is unique because of the isolation of the mountain range from the rest of the world, making Lalibela a great place for religious enlightenment (2). Such religious centers as Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia are becoming one of the most famous in the world. In recent decades, Christianity in African countries has been developing at a high pace.
Eleven Medieval Rock-Hewn Churches are located in the center of Lalibela and are attributed to the domain of the king of the region who started the construction of these churches in the 12th century (Takele 9). The heir of the Zagwe dynasty attempted to build a new Jerusalem on African land and proclaim Rock-Hewn Churches the center of Christianity available for all Ethiopians. The desire to create the second center of Christian destiny forced the king of Lalibela to name the biggest river in the region “Jordan”. Churches are divided into three groups and are found in different parts of this river. Many priests state that the first group symbolizes the Earthy Jerusalem and is located on the North side of the river, the second is the Heavenly Jerusalem located on the East side, and the third consists of one isolated church and is called Bete Giyorgis.
Unique constructions look like masterpieces of art, and many art professionals consider them a cultural heritage of the earth. Monolithic blocks, windows, doors, roofs, and columns attract local citizens and tourists. 87,7% of citizens believe that these churches are key charms for foreign visitors (Berhanu et al. 7). Some citizens and workers in Rock-Hewn Churches believe that the buildings are unique because angels were joining builders’ bodies to work the whole day and night. Many architects around the world are interested in these constructions because of the complex labyrinth and catacombs structures (Takele 9). The churches have always been homes to priests and monks who lead daily worship and maintain the appearance of the constructions. Nowadays, a vast number of workers’ heirs live and work in the local settlement.
The purpose of creating Rock-Hewn Churches is unusual for many people professing Christianity as the distance from large cities helped Christians to immerse themselves in more profound thoughts and connect the holy with the religion. These Churches are still used for daily worship, receiving pilgrims, and celebrating such holidays as Christmas and Easter. Rock-Hewn Churches are the heart of African Christianity and stay important heritages for citizens of Ethiopia and many other African regions (Takle 13). The churches were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978, and Africans are taking part in rebuilding them to save their uniqueness such as their exterior, atmosphere, and history (Takle 14). However, the Ethiopian climate does not give many opportunities to reconstruct the world heritage.
According to Takle, scientific research was not done, and incorrect usage of cement accelerates the destruction of this religious heritage (9). Drainage ditches were covered with earth till the 20th century, and now, after the churches’ recovery, archeologists found out that paintings and sculptures inside the buildings were destroyed, and constructions became unstable. Concerns for the preservation of Rock-Hewn Churches are now being raised in the world and all efforts are directed towards a better attitude to the religious object.
Many Christians around the world are not indifferent to the historical heritage of Ethiopia as it is one of the most significant religious places. Scientists and many travel organizations suggested that the modern history of Rock-Hewn Churches should be continued by developing travel destinations. However, even though modern innovations give a chance to develop religious tourism in Lalibela, it still might be challenging to do this due to the historical motive of being isolated from a vast influx of people. Berhanu stated that historically Lalibela has never been surrounded by comfortable infrastructure, and this factor might be a severe barrier to the creation of the modern history of the heritage (2). The age of the churches and the complexity of maintenance make the government and church workers concerned about the durability of the constructions. Rock-Hewn Churches have a massive impact on Christians, and religion always goes in the first place.
Religion has existed in Ethiopia for a long time, and particular relation to heritages is not uncommon. The idea of immersion in religion away from overcrowded cities remains one of the most attractive to Christians worldwide. Moreover, Christians’ interest in preserving history supports faith at a decent level. Efforts, money, and time spent on saving such religious places as Rock-Hewn Churches positively influence it by modern technologies and help create a history of the present.
Works Cited
Berhanu, Esubalew Bayih. “Potentials and Challenges of Religious Tourism Development in Lalibela, Ethiopia”. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, vol. 7, no. 4, 2018, pp. 1-17.
Roy, Oliver. Is Europe Christian? Oxford University Press, 2019.
Takele, Yezihalem Sisay “Cultural Heritage Management Practices – in the Medival Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia”. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, vol. 4, no. 1, 2020, pp. 8-20.