A picture of a Muslim Sheikh taken inside an Ethiopian church.
In the beautiful region of Amhara , you'll find a heartwarming example of Muslim-Christian solidarity in the charming town of Gondar . If you take a stroll from Gondar to 'Smada', just an hour's walk from 'Wedda', you’ll arrive at a picturesque spot called 'Arata', surrounded by breathtaking mountains. Arata is an ancient village with a fascinating history—it's believed to have been founded by the great master Sheikh Bakib Ahmed in the 12th century. Legend has it that Sheikh Bakib Ahmed came to the rescue of the king’s son and relieved the local residents from paying taxes. How amazing is that? In Arata, where the community worships the god Messa , you'll also find the historic Arata Gabriel Mekane Selam Church . These sacred spaces have stood side by side for centuries, with people coming together to pray, engaging in both the call to prayer and heartfelt prostration . The locals built these mosques and churches with their own hands, working...