Manufacturing Emperor Tewodros’s cannon at Gafat

Abstract

The main objective of this study intends to identify significant sites that have basic acquaintances with Emperor Tewodros II (1855 – 1868) in Dabra Tabor and its surroundings. It was conducted in quantitative methods – literature reviews, interviews and direct observations.  It attempts to identify the real place where Emperor Tewodros manufactured his cannon at Gafat, the source of raw materials used, the people involved and the technology implied in the manufactures of the cannon as well as part of the route along with the cannon was dragged to Maqdala. It also overviews other heritage potentials of the surrounding of Gafat, such as the ruins of the palaces of  Emperor  Yohannes  IV  at  Semernaha  and  Emperor  Suseneyos  at  Aringo  Abo;  historic churches in the area such as Dabra Tabor Iyesus, Hiruy Gioyrgis, Dabra Tabor Medhane and Wukro Medhane Alem.