Ethiopia restores Fasil Ghebbi Castle

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The Fasil Ghebbi (Amharic: ፋሲል ግቢ) is a fortress located in Gondar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. It was founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides and was the home of Ethiopian emperors. Its unique architecture shows diverse influences including Portuguese, Hindu, and Arab characteristics. Because of its historical importance and architecture, the fortress was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The complex of buildings includes Fasilides' castle, Iyasu I's palace, Dawit III's Hall, Empress Mentewab's castle, a chancellery and library from Yohannes I, a banqueting hall from the emperor Bakaffa, stables, and three churches: Asasame Qeddus Mikael, Elfign Giyorgis and Gemjabet Mariyam.

The white color caused a level of outrage, however according to Fasil Giorgis, the renovation of the castles was conducted using materials true to the originals, including rough-hewn basalt and lime mortar. “It’s done in a manner consistent with heritage preservation,” he said, addressing concerns about the changes in appearance.

Previous appearence

Source: https://x.com/EthiopiainSA/status/1879816343354040702, https://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2025/01/17/debate-sparks-over-renovation-of-gondars-historic-fasiladas-castles/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasil_Ghebbi

[PartySick 172,975]

Kinda cool how it's a melding of different cultures within one building. Also weird to think about the number of buildings in the world that are older than my country  

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30 minutes ago, PartySick said:

 Also weird to think about the number of buildings in the world that are older than my country  

The oldest building in my provincial town dates from the 1500s and is still functional, which may be surprising from an American perspective. But from an ''Old World'' perspective travelling 100 kms is still a significant endeavour, so we both advantages and disadvantages.

30 minutes ago, PartySick said:

Kinda cool how it's a melding of different cultures within one building.

Ethiopia has a blend of native African, Egyptian, Western European, and Hindu influences, facilitated by the fact that Portugal had a presence there, and Portugal also colonized parts of India.

That led to them to create a super fascinating vibrant type of art that cannot be put into a single box. I will always have a deep fascination with Ethiopia and hope to visit.

[PartySick 172,975]

6 minutes ago, FfFfFfFF said:

Ethiopia has a blend of native African, Egyptian, Western European, and Hindu influences, facilitated by the fact that it was colonized by Portugal which also colonized parts of India.

That led to them to create a super fascinating type of art that cannot be put into a single box. I will always have a deep fascination with Ethiopia and hope to visit.

Not too long ago I was wondering why Africa wasn't more prominent on the global stage (like Europe and North America are as well as much of Asia and South America). I figured, kinda immaturely lmao, "it's where our species literally originates, shouldn't they be THE most powerful?".

Aside from being absolutely cucked by their terrible geography (mainly very few water routes which restricts trade), the actual amount of instability and conflict during and resulting from colonization and other civilizations coveting Africa's rich natural resources is actually astonishing.

I guess I hadn't considered they'd have an almost familiar (for Americans) melding of different cultures due to all of that.

[Neroneau 1,017]

Bring back the 1000yo house of Solomon 🫶