A recent renovation of Gondar’s prized Fasiladas Ghebbi compound has drawn widespread attention, sparking debate among residents.
The massive walls and castles, that have made Gondar famous, were originally constructed by various emperors between the 1640s and 1740s. However, restoring the façade, now featuring white and pale colors, has raised concerns about preserving historical authenticity.
Critics question why the original hues, which had defined the castles for centuries, were altered during the restoration. “Why has the historic character of these buildings been changed to a whiter palette?” one commentator asked, reflecting a broader sentiment of unease about whether the restoration approach was appropriate.
Responding to the criticism, renowned architect Fasil Giorghis, who participated in the renovation as a consultant, defended the work. He pointed out that the refurbishment adhered to all contemporary regulatory standards and was informed by a detailed study of the castles’ original construction materials.
Speaking to BBC Amharic, he explained that the castles were originally built using rough-hewn basalt in a lime mortar. Over centuries, exposure to rain, sun, and natural processes gave the castles the weathered, “shrouded” appearance familiar to many today, he said.
Since the restoration was carried out using lime mortar, the color is said to appear noticeably whiter, Fasil explained.
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.
He explained that the brighter, lighter color is due to the new lime used in the restoration process. “The lime and stone structure will naturally weather over time, gradually returning to its original look,” he added, emphasizing that the change is temporary and a natural part of the aging process.
Fasil Giorgis acknowledged that in some cases, substances are added during renovations to enhance the appearance and restore the original color of the structures. However, he emphasized that they avoided using chemical additives, as these could pose unintended risks to the heritage.
The Fasil Ghebbi compound, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, consists of six castles enclosed by tall stone walls in the heart of the city center. While the site has undergone significant restoration work since the late 1990s, it continues to face challenges from the aging of its structures.
The Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH) conducted a comprehensive study on the restoration work several years ago, but it was set aside due to budget constraints.
The Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH) carried out a comprehensive study on the restoration work several years ago, but the project was shelved due to budget constraints. Speaking to the BBC, Fasil said the renovation, which began a year ago, was based on this earlier study conducted by experts.
