The Historic Charm of Goha Tsion in Gondar

• Helloሰላም
  [selam]
• Goodbyeደስታ
  [desta]
• Yesአዎ
  [awo]
• Noአይ
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeእባክዎ
  [ebakwo]
• Thank youአመሰግናለሁ
  [amesegnalehu]
• Excuse me/Sorryስለስል
  [selsel]
• How are you?እንዴት ነህ?
  [endet neh?]
• Fine. And you?ጤና ነኝ። እሱም?
  [tena nega. esum?]
• Do you speak English?እንዴት እነሱ እንግሊዝኛ አይደል?
  [endet enesu engligna aydel?]
• I don't understandአይችም።
  [aychim]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseምን እንደሚያስገብር ነው።
  [min endimyasergebir new]
• I don't eat meatአልምን።
  [almen]
• Cheers!ሰማይ!
  [semay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseእኔ ፈንታውን እንደምናለኝ።
  [ene fantawen endemanaleng]

• Help!እርድ!
  [erd]
• Go away!በጣም አትሉ!
  [betam atlu]
• Call the Police!ፖሊስን ጥላ!
  [polisn tila]
• Call a doctor!ሰላም ጠይቁ!
  [selam tayeku]
• I'm lostተራክከኝ።
  [terakeng]
• I'm illእኔ ህመም ነኝ።
  [ene hemem nega]

• I'd like to buy...በመጠን እንደሚያዝናቸው።
  [bemeten endimyaznachew]
• I'm just lookingእኔ በትክክለኛ ነኝ።
  [ene betekukelagna nega]
• How much is it?መቼ ነው?
  [meche new?]
• That's too expensiveእውነት ትምህር ነው።
  [ewnet timher new]
• Can you lower the price?መነሻ በማንኛውን ነው።
  [menasha bemanegnaw new]

• What time is it?ነቅር ጊዜ ነው?
  [nekre gize new?]
• It's one o'clockአንድ ሰዓት ነው።
  [and se'at new]
• Half past (10)አምፃሪ (10)
  [amsari (10)]
• Morningጥንቄ
  [tinke]
• Afternoonከፍተኛ
  [keftenya]
• Eveningማታ
  [mata]
• Yesterdayትናንስ
  [tanas]
• Todayዛሬ
  [zare]
• Tomorrowነገር
  [neger]
• 1አንድ
  [and]
• 2ሁለት
  [hulet]
• 3ሶስት
  [sost]
• 4አራት
  [arat]
• 5አምስት
  [amsost]
• 6ስድስት
  [sedost]
• 7ሰባት
  [sebat]
• 8ስምንት
  [sement]
• 9ዘጠኝ
  [zetegn]
• 10አስራ
  [asra]

• Where's a/the...?በራሱ ማንኛውን ነው?
  [besiru manegnaw new?]
• What's the address?አይስማም ነው?
  [ayesamam new?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?መነሻ እንደሚነሳው ነው።
  [menasha endimenasaw new]
• When's the next (bus)?ቀጣይ ቦት እንዴት ነው?
  [ketye bot endet new?]
• A ticket (to ....)ትኬት (እስራት ...)
  [ticket (esrat ...)]

Goha Tsion is integral to the history of Gondar, which was founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides. Gondar emerged as the royal capital of Ethiopia, with its impressive castles and churches symbolizing the power and artistry of the time. Goha Tsion, located strategically near the royal enclosure, played a significant role in the socio-political life of the city.

During the Gondarine period (16th to 18th centuries), Goha Tsion became a cultural hub, reflecting the architectural and artistic achievements of the time. The neighbourhood is known for its vibrant community life and the blending of Ethiopian Orthodox Christian practices with local customs, creating a unique cultural identity that continues to thrive today.

The Italian occupation of Ethiopia from 1936 to 1941 had a profound impact on Goha Tsion and Gondar as a whole. Italian forces utilized the area for military purposes, which led to changes in the urban landscape. This period saw the introduction of new architectural styles and infrastructure, as well as a mix of cultural influences that shaped the modern identity of the neighbourhood.

After the fall of the Imperial regime in the 1970s, Goha Tsion experienced social and economic changes that affected its community structure. The Derg regime implemented policies that altered the local economy and governance, leading to shifts in population and urban development. Despite these challenges, the neighbourhood has maintained its cultural significance within Gondar.

In recent years, Goha Tsion has seen efforts aimed at revitalizing its cultural heritage. Initiatives promoting tourism and local crafts have emerged, drawing attention to the rich history and traditions of the area. Events celebrating Ethiopian culture, music, and dance are hosted here, fostering a sense of community and pride among residents while attracting visitors to experience the vibrant atmosphere.

Goha Tsion is located in the city of Gondar, which is well-connected through various means of transport. From the Gondar Airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel pickup, which is the most convenient option. Within Gondar, Goha Tsion is accessible via local taxis, bajajs (auto-rickshaws), or on foot, depending on your starting point. If you're coming from other neighborhoods, simply ask for a taxi to Goha Tsion, as most drivers are familiar with the area.

Goha Tsion is a relatively compact neighborhood, making it ideal for walking. There are also local taxis and bajajs available for longer distances or if you prefer not to walk. Public transportation options like minibuses are less common in this area, but you can find them in nearby neighborhoods. Bicycles can be rented in Gondar for those who want a more active way to explore the surroundings.

Goha Tsion is generally a safe area for tourists, but like any destination, it is important to remain cautious. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas known for targeting tourists, be vigilant in markets and busy streets.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police assistance or 944 for medical emergencies. The local hospital is located nearby, and it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available for purchasing over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs; always cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't consume food or drinks on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake, and a slight bow is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings, but don't refuse hospitality as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience Goha Tsion like a local, visit the nearby markets to enjoy fresh produce and traditional foods. Engage in conversations with locals who are often welcoming and eager to share their culture. Don't miss the chance to participate in local festivals or events if your visit coincides with them, as they provide a deep insight into the local way of life.