Qwiha: The Lost Aksumite City on the Ancient Trade Route

Just 10 km east of Mekelle, Qwiha stands as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of civilizations, from the 3rd millennium BCE through the Aksumite Empire and into modern Ethiopia. This ancient settlement, once a hub of obsidian toolmaking and ceramic production, later flourished as a trading post linking Tigray’s highlands to the Afar salt mines.

Archaeological discoveries reveal a blend of cultures: from remnants of Aksumite-era structures—including a stone-pillared building believed to have been destroyed by Imam Ahmed ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi in the 16th century—to Arabic inscriptions dating from the 10th–13th centuries, left behind by Muslim merchant communities coexisting with their Christian neighbors.

For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path journey, Qwiha is more than just an archaeological site; it is a tangible link to Ethiopia’s past. Whether exploring its ruins, tracing the footsteps of ancient traders, or contemplating the historical crossroads where faiths and cultures converged, Qwiha offers a rich and immersive travel experience.