WordBulletin

World Bulletin / News Desk 

Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) is restoring the tombs of Ethiopia’s Christian ruler and 12 companions of Prophet Muhammad.

Ethiopia has a special significance for Muslims. During the early days of Islam the Muslims were few in number and persecuted by the polytheists of Mecca. Some Muslims immigrated to Abyssinia as its Christian ruler, the Negus or Najash, was considered to be a fair king. The Muslims delegation was warmly received by the king, who did not give in to pressure from the Meccan polytheists to return them. So Abyssinia, modern-day Ethiopia, became a shelter for Muslims in their hardest times.

Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ visited the Najash village in Mekele during his visit, where the tombs of companions of Prophet Muhammad are.

Bozdağ described the restoration as a show of “Turkey’s greatness.” He added that restoration by Turkey of companions who first immigrated to other places is big honor and pride for Turkey.