Harar and Its Surroundings

Harar is one of Ethiopia’s most unique and historically significant cities, attracting tourists for its Islamic heritage, ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and unique cultural practices and historical significance in Ethiopia’s history. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, Harar is often referred to as the “City of Saints” due to its rich religious and historical background. It is also famous for being the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.

Harar’s History and Cultural Significance

Founded between the 7th and 10th centuries, Harar became a major center for Islamic scholarship and trade. In the 16th century, it was the capital of the Adal Sultanate under Emir Nur, who built the Harar Jugol wall to defend the city. Harar has a strong Islamic influence, with over 82 mosques and 102 shrines in the old town. It was a major hub in the Red Sea-Indian Ocean trade network, connecting Ethiopia with Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants. In 1887, Emperor Menelik II incorporated Harar into modern Ethiopia, but the city retained its unique identity.

Harar used to be:

1. a) Center of Islamic Civilization in East Africa

Harar played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in Ethiopia and the surrounding Horn of Africa. The city has over 82 mosques and 102 shrines, some dating back to the 10th century. It was an important center for Islamic scholarship, attracting religious leaders and traders from Arabia, Persia, and India.

1. b) Capital of the Adal Sultanate (16th Century)

In the 1500s, Harar became the capital of the Adal Sultanate, under Ahmed ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi (Ahmed Gragn). Emir Nur, who ruled after Ahmed Gragn, built the famous Harar Jugol wall to protect the city from external attacks.

1. c) A Major Trade Hub

Harar was historically a key player in regional trade, connecting Ethiopia with Arab, Indian, and Ottoman merchants. The city was known for trading coffee, textiles, spices, and weapons. Harar’s unique long-standing trade networks still influence the city’s economy today.

1. d) Integration into Ethiopia (1887)

Emperor Menelik II incorporated Harar into the Ethiopian empire in 1887 after defeating Emir Abdullahi.

Despite being under Ethiopian rule, Harar maintained its distinct cultural identity.

Harar Jugol (Old Walled City) – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Harar Jugol is one of the best-preserved Islamic cities in Africa and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The 5-meter-high wall surrounding the city has five historic gates: Sanga Gate, Argob Bari, Asmadin Bari, Sukutat Bari, Badri Bari and the city has over 360 alleyways, creating a labyrinth-like structure. Harar is often called the “City of Saints” because of its many religious sites.

Harar’s Unique Culture and Architecture

Harari Houses

Traditional Harari houses are known for their unique interior designs, with colorful geometric patterns and storage niches for household items. The houses are often decorated with baskets, pottery, and ceremonial artifacts.

Harari Language and People

The Harari people speak the Harari language (also called Gey Sinan), a Semitic language with many Arabic and Oromo influences. Harar is a melting pot of different cultures, including Harari, Oromo, Somali, and Argobba.

Harar is famous for its trade and handicrafts, including basket weaving, coffee production, and textiles. The region produces Harar coffee, one of Ethiopia’s finest coffee varieties, known for its distinctive fruity and wine-like flavor. The city has vibrant markets, including the historic Gidir Magala (Big Market), where locals sell spices, textiles, and livestock.

Famous Attractions in and Around Harar

1) The Hyena Feeding Tradition

Harar is famous for its nightly hyena feeding ritual, where locals hand-feed wild hyenas. This tradition is believed to have started centuries ago as a way to maintain peace between humans and hyenas.

2) Arthur Rimbaud’s House

A museum dedicated to the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who lived in Harar in the late 19th century. The museum contains historical photographs and artifacts related to Harar’s past.

3) Jami Mosque (Grand Mosque of Harar)

One of the oldest mosques in Harar, dating back to the 16th century. A significant site for Islamic worship and religious learning.

4) The Tomb of Emir Nur

Emir Nur was the ruler who built the famous Jugol wall in the 16th century. His tomb is an important pilgrimage site for locals.

5) Traditional Houses of Harari

Harari houses are distinctive, colorful, and decorated with cultural artifacts. They are known for their unique architecture, wooden ceilings, and built-in wall niches. Many homes are open to tourists, offering an inside look at traditional Harari life.

6. Shawal ID

Shuwalid is an annual three-day festival celebrated by the Harari people of Ethiopia. It marks the end of six days of fasting to compensate omissions during Ramadan. The Harari people celebrate Shuwalid at the shrines of Aw Shulum Ahmed and Aw Akebara, found at the main entrance gates of the walled city of Harar. The festival starts with supplications and spiritual songs, followed by the reading of scriptures, music and dance. The celebration is concluded with words of blessing. The occasion unites community members of all ages and genders and serves as a platform for community elders to share their knowledge and experiences and to give blessings to the next generations, as well as for youth to learn about cultural values, norms and traditions. Shuwalid is transmitted within families and by participating in the celebration, as well as through formal educational and safeguarding measures in the sites where the festival takes place. The media and relevant government institutions also support the activities. A platform for the transmission of performing arts, oral traditions, traditional dress and other cultural elements, Shuwalid promotes social cohesion and a sense of identity. It also contributes to cultural exchange and supports the local community and artisans.

7) Harar’s Colorful Markets

Gidir Magala (Big Market): The city’s largest market, where visitors can buy handwoven baskets, spices, coffee, and textiles. Suqutat Magala: Famous for selling traditional Harari clothes and jewelry.

8) Dire Dawa (Near Harar) Located 48 km from Harar, Dire Dawa is a major commercial hub. Home to the Dire Dawa Railway Station, which connects Ethiopia to Djibouti. Famous for its markets, old railway station, and Kafira pottery workshops.

9) Surrounding Regions and Neighboring Ethnic Groups

Harar is surrounded by diverse ethnic communities, including:

Oromo People – The largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, living around Harar. Many Oromo in this region are Muslim and have deep historical ties to the city.

Somali People – Living in the nearby Somali Region, Somali traders and herders have historically interacted with Harar’s economy and culture.

Argobba People – A small Muslim community living in villages near Harar, known for their role in trade and Islamic scholarship.

Babile Elephant Sanctuary: Ethiopia’s Last Wild Elephants

Babile Elephant Sanctuary is a protected wildlife reserve located in eastern Ethiopia, spanning the Oromia and Somali regions. It is home to Ethiopia’s only remaining population of native elephants and covers an estimated 7,000 km². The sanctuary is also known for its diverse wildlife, rugged landscapes, and the nearby Valley of Marvels, a site famous for its unique rock formations.

The sanctuary is located about 40 km east of Harar and 50 km from Dire Dawa, making it a significant destination for eco-tourism in eastern Ethiopia.

The Valley of Marvels (Dakhata Rock Formations)

Located within the sanctuary, the Valley of Marvels is famous for its spectacular rock formations. The rocks are naturally shaped into bizarre formations resembling animals, humans, and abstract structures. A great spot for hiking, photography, and exploring unique geological landscapes.