An Analysis of the Construction Method of

Emperor Yohannes IV’s Buildings in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Nobuhiro Shimizu1

Abstract

Residential Buildings that were built in the second half of the nineteenth century by Emperor Yohannes IV of Ethiopia
are found in Mekelle and Agulac, Tigray region. At Yohannes IV Palace of Mekelle, two symmetrical buildings, the
main building and the residence, remain. At Kasa (the Emperor’s name at birth) Mansion of Agulac, there are also two
remaining buildings, the reception hall and the residence. In this paper, these four buildings at two sites are analyzed from
the perspective of architecture with a focus on wall, ceiling and roof structures, columns and openings. In Tigray region,
traditional construction method was developed with its distinct feature. Therefore, analysis is made concerning the targeted
buildings by extracting local and non-local elements. This paper makes it clear that the buildings under study basically
derived from architectural features of the local churches that had been locally developed in the region. However, the main
building of Yohannes IV Palace achieved a new type of design that has integrated various architectural elements of Tig-
ray’s churches and former Ethiopian palaces with elaborate and accurate work, especially on the use of wooden materials.

Keywords: Traditional Building, Construction Method, Yohannes IV Palace, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.

1. Background

Hïdmo is a traditional construction method of house in Tigray region. It consists of ceiling structure

gravel (Figs.1, 2)2. Generally, it tends to be rectangular with stone masonry wall. It is thought that this
construction method has begun in ancient time attested by the existence of similar clay model that was
excavated near Aksum3.
In Tigray region, buildings that were built in the second half of the nineteenth century by Emperor
Yohannes IV still remains in the current state capital Mekelle and nearby town Agulac, 20 km away from

Therefore, analysis of these buildings may enable us to understand both local tradition and foreign in-

Fig. 1: Ceiling Structure of Hïdmo, Photo by Ryo Higu- Fig. 2: External Appearance of a Hïdmo House,
chi, August 2010. Photo by Nobuhiro Shimizu, January 2014.

1 Lecturer, Department of Heritage Conservation, Institute of Paleoenvironment and Heritage Conservation,

Mekelle University, Ethiopia

3 Naigzy, 1971