Unearthing Ethiopia’s Lost Second Mecca

This report details the initial phase of the Negash Research Project, a collaborative archaeo-ethnographic study conducted by Polish and Ethiopian scholars in the Tigray region. The investigation focuses on the village of Negash, traditionally recognised as the site where followers of the Prophet Muhammad sought asylum in the 7th century. Researchers have successfully identified pre-modern architectural remains, including a ruined mosque and ancient dwellings, which may provide physical evidence of this early Islamic presence. Beyond physical excavation, the project incorporates ethnographic surveys to examine local oral traditions and the historical coexistence of Muslim and Christian communities. The ultimate objective is to preserve these cultural heritage sites while enhancing their potential as major destinations for international tourism and pilgrimage. This multidisciplinary effort seeks to bridge the gap between vivid local memory and formal historical records through rigorous scientific inquiry. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.samael.ink/subscribe