Unexplored cultural heritage resources and their challenges at religious sites: evidence from dabǝra zamadā mārǝyāmǝ monastery, North Wollo, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is renowned for its rich and largely untapped cultural heritage resources, particularly embodied in the historic churches and monasteries of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. However, many of these religious sites with invaluable yet often unexplored cultural heritage resources were suffer from inadequate documentation, preservation, management, and promotional efforts. To address these shortcomings, this research paper seeks to explore the potential cultural heritage resources and the challenges they face at the religious site of Dabǝra Zamadā Mārǝyāmǝ Monastery in the north Wollo Zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia. This study adopted a qualitative research approach with a dscriptive design. The data were gathered through field observations, in-depth interview, focus groupdiscussion, and document analysis. At the end, the collected data were thematically analyzed. The findings of the study revealed that founded in the second half of 12th century A. D. by ʾAbuna Barǝtalamiwosǝ, DZMM boasts a wealth of tangible and intangible cultural heritage resources, including icons, manuscripts, paintings, royal ceremonial attires, crowns, liturgical service instruments, distinctive art, architecture, and vibrant festivals. Despite this heritage richness, many resources are deteriorating due to neglect, poor conservation, lack of documentation, and improper handling. Without urgent and effective intervention, these invaluable cultural heritage resources face the risk of permanent loss.