Lalibela Churches; It is located in the town of Lalibela, in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia, an eastern African country. In the area where the churches are located, there are 11 churches classified into 3 groups. The region, which is used as a pilgrimage and worship center today, is known as the “Jerusalem of Ethiopia”. In the dream of the king of the region, Hz. It is told that he saw the Prophet Jesus, wanted these churches to be built, and that angels worked in their construction.
The small town of Lalibela is considered the most important and holiest place in the country, both historically and culturally. Villages and churches are named after the Zagve king Lalibela. These churches, which were carved from a single piece of rock, were arranged in two main groups connected by underground passages. Lalibela Churches, which are full of symbols in every detail, attract attention with their architecture. The Lalibela Churches were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and taken under protection.
The Reason for Lalibela Churches
The exact date of construction of some of the churches declared world heritage is not known. It is generally assumed that the churches were built during the reign of King Lalibela in the 7th and 13th centuries. The churches, which were built underground so that the enemies would not notice, were built to build a second Jerusalem. In the churches, St. Jesus and the Prophet In addition to the depictions of the Virgin Mary, there are figures including important clergy from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Jerusalem, which was the center of the cross of the Middle East during the reign of King Lalibela, is a dangerous and inaccessible place due to the conflicts between Muslims and Christians. For this reason, the king aimed to build a new Jerusalem in order to create a safer place for Christians. King Lalibela ruled between 1181 and 1221. It is estimated that the construction of churches started right after the conquest of Jerusalem by Saladin’s Ayyubid army at the end of the 12th century. The construction of the churches was completed in 23 years after a day and night work.
According to what is told about the churches; The king saw Jesus in his dream and told him to build a church by carving the rocks to become a second Jerusalem. Skilled masons were brought from Jerusalem and Alexandria and 10 churches were built on both sides of the Jordan River. In the construction of churches, St. It is said that angels helped under the leadership of Jesus Christ. While the workers worked during the day, the angels worked at night, creating 10 times the work of the workers. After the death of the king, another church was built by his wife in memory of the king.
Characteristics of Lalibela Churches
These churches, which were built in three groups, were built by considering the eastern churches in terms of architecture. Among the structures from the east, west and north sections, the best preserved is the Church of St. George, located in the west section. These churches, which are the best examples of Ethiopia’s Traditional Construction methods, were carved from a single block of rock.
Among the 11 churches in the region, the last one to be built is the Church of Saint George, designed in the shape of a cross. This well-preserved church is one of the most remarkable structures of the region. Some of the churches are covered with shelters to protect them from natural events such as rain and storms. The site of the churches is visited by many monks and monks to celebrate the great and holy holidays of Ethiopia’s Christendom.
Within the northern group of Lalibela Churches;
There are Biete Medhane Alem (House of the Savior of the World), Biete Maryam (House of Mary), Biete Meskel (House of the Cross), Biete Denagel (House of Virgins). Biete Golgotha Mikael (Golgotha Mikael house) It is said that the tomb of King Lalibela is located in this section.
Within the western group of Lalibela Churches;
Biete Giyorgis (House of St. George) is located.
Within the eastern group of Lalibela Churches;
Biete Amanuel (Emannuel’s house), Biete Qeeddus Mercoreus (St. ) is located.
