Tracing and Promoting The Routes of Tewodros from Auara to Derasgie and Their Surroundings

Abstract

The tangible and intangible heritage dynamics in the districts of the administrative zones of North and South Gondar is rich.. The attractions in these regions include water related heritage resources like hot springs, dike, cannels, brooks, water lodges, backlands, river forelands, bridges and other related resources; historic and strategic military sites, beautiful monuments, ancient caves and ancient and medieval churches and monasteries as well as rich intangible cultural heritages, particularly the performing art of folk music traditions of Burbuax communities. Many countries use architectural symbolism in memorial monuments, cultural projects, landscapes and institutions to commemorate individuals and events and promote them for sustainable development through tourism. Though significant battles were fought and huge sacrifices were made in the study area in the nine­teenth and twentieth centuries to defend the sovereignty of Ethiopia, many of the leaders and events are not well com­memorated. Though much has been said about Emperor Téwodros II, no significant memorials are attached to the spaces which have special acquaintances with him in  Quara, Dembia, Mahebere Sellassie, Derasgie and Gafat. Two places where Emperor Yohannes IV was fatally wounded and died fighting against the Sudanese Mahadists in Metemma  are marked with small monuments but both monuments have their own defects: they, together with the ruins of Yohannes's palace at Semernaha near Debre Tabor are not promoted for sustainable development. Heritages are supposed to be used for reconciliations, nation-building and sustainable development through tourism. However, in Ethiopia, people violate the heritage use decree of 1966 and abuse of the  heritage. Historical and memorial monuments are neither protected from human and natural calamities nor they are methodically promoted for tourism. Rather, some of such monuments have been destroyed for political reasons and some others have been altered to suit changing political circumstances. The main objective of this project is to promote these resources for sustainable tourist development as well as to maintain the mutual relation of these cultural heritage resources with the local society. This research will not pay attentions to heritages like the castles of Gondar and Semien National Park, about which much has been said, but to those denied due attention. The study is based on the use of qualitative methods, including literature reviews, interviews and direct observations.