Nutum Inyaru

File:Panoramic view of the road to Abuna Yemata Guh.jpg

A view of Nutum Inyaru from afar

Nutum Inyaru, well-known as the Altar of God in various languages across the Azdarin Faith, is a vertical rock formation standing up to 400 meters high in Tulura. Within it is a traditional Tuluran Monolithic Mosque, built within a framework of caves, elegantly carved out of sandstone with a small, main atrium.

It is considered a Holy Site in the Azdarin religion, as it is believed to be the mountaintop which the prophet, Mesfin, hiked up to speak to God. Millions travel to the site annually, with many making the treacherous hike over a period of time to show their ultimate faith to god, this is done during monsoon when thunder storms and rain are more intense. Most adherents will not make the hike, however will travel to the site and pray at the base of the formation.

Yenist making the climb/hike

The treacherous journey is viewed with great importance, particularly within Tuluran Yen culture, where ancestors are praised and ancient heritage is valued highly. The event of climbing up Nutum Inyaru is often highly spiritual, as described by 15th century Tuluran poet and philosopher Suru Waqussa.

With each hallowed footfall, I felt the souls of my ancestors convey to me their residual presence. My feet, one after the other, placed themselves carefully in the foot and hand indents made from hundreds before me. One feels part of something more than their tribe and kingdom, one feels connected to humanity, to God. It is with this journey, and my time spent within this natural wonder's caves, that my greatest revelation has occurred to me.

— Suru Waqussa, 1470

Many Mosque in central and northern Tulura are built in a monolithic similar style, with Nutum Inyaru believed to be the first of its kind. This is a hallmark of Gombakori and Lafamaani architecture, where monolithic castles, forts, mosque, ancient temples and more originated from. The style and use of rock formations spread north as well.