Yoḥannәs Mäțmәq (Saint-Jean Baptiste) de Gazen (Tәgray) : l’église et son baptistère. Nouvelles hypothèses

Abstract

Dedicated to the rock-hewn church of John the Baptist (Yoḥannәs Mäțmәq) of Gazen, in Eastern Tәgray, which has received little attention so far, this paper aims to specify its chronology and to shed light on its function. It is a vast three-aisled basilica, covered with ceilings, the naves being separated by pillars supporting an architrave. The sanctuary, extended by a semicircular apse, is flanked by annexes, including, at the southern end, a baptistery, which adds to the very few examples so far recorded in Ethiopia. If the precise ceremony ritual procedures escape us, we can at least reconstruct the dynamics of circulation of baptismal candidates. The architecture of the church has many points in common with the basilicas of the Aksumite period, but also, more broadly, with the early Christian churches of the Eastern Mediterranean, which leads us to suggest a 6th century or early 7th century dating ; this hypothesis is not contradicted by the evidence recently brought by archaeology for this region. Furthermore, this chronology, if accepted, could invite reconsideration of that of other rock-cut churches (Dәgum Sәellase, Bäraqit Maryam, Ḥawzen Täklä Haymanot). Easily accessible, of imposing dimensions, with benches along the walls and endowed with a baptistery, the church of Yoḥannәs Mäțmәq was intended to accommodate a large number of faithful. Its use was not limited to a funeral function, hitherto privileged in scholarship ; the hypothesis of a pilgrimage center, where baptism could be carried out, can be considered. Finally, the church of Gazen, whose commissioners are unknown, but which testifies to a substantial investment, may have played a role in the Christianization process of the rural populations of Eastern Tәgray.