Harar, often referred to as the "City of Saints" is Ethiopia’s most significant Islamic cultural hub and ranks as the fourth holiest city in Islam after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. The ancient walled city, Harar Jugol, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its rich history, architectural splendour, and cultural significance.
Religious and Historical Importance
Harar is home to 82 mosques and 438
shrines, the highest concentration in the world within a 48-hectare area.
Founded in the 7th century, Harar became the capital of the Adal Muslim state
in the 16th century and has maintained its status as a centre of Islamic faith
and culture.
Unique Architecture
The city’s unique houses, known as gey
gars, feature distinctive designs with carved wooden doors, split-level
interiors, and colourful décor. These houses embody Harar’s rich heritage and
are open to visitors through museums or guided tours.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Sherif Harari City
Museum - Housed in a mansion combining Islamic and Indian
architectural elements, this museum showcases antique Islamic manuscripts,
traditional costumes, and musical instruments.
Arthur Rimbaud
Museum - Dedicated to the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who
lived in Harar in the 19th century, this museum displays photographs and
memorabilia from that era.
Local Traditions and Markets
Harar’s markets are vibrant and
culturally rich. The Gidir Megala market offers foodstuffs and handicrafts,
while the city is also renowned for traditional crafts such as weaving,
jewellery-making, and bookbinding. Visitors can also experience the legendary
nightly feeding of wild hyenas, a practice rooted in local tradition.
Natural Attractions
Nearby attractions include:
- Valley of Marvels - Known for rock formations and wildlife, including baboons and
gazelles.
- Babile Elephant Sanctuary - Home to a unique subspecies of elephants.
- Laga Oda Rock Art - Prehistoric rock paintings dating back 5,000 years.
- Harar’s hyena feeding ritual predicts the city’s fortunes based on how much food the hyenas eat.
- Harar’s coffee is among the oldest in production, known for its heavy body and spicy aroma.
- French poet Arthur Rimbaud lived in Harar, working as an arms trader before he died in 1891.
- Harar: A Cultural Guide by David Vo Van and Mohammed Jamu Guleid (2007)
- Bradt Guide to Ethiopia by Philip Briggs (7th edition, 2015)
- Harar Tourist Information Office: harartourism@gmail.com
Festivals and Events
Harar celebrates Islamic festivals, including Eid al-Fitr and Ashura. Unique to Harar is the Shewal Eid festival, a week-long celebration featuring cultural performances. The city also attracts pilgrims to Kulubi Gabriel Church during Christian holy days.
Getting There and Around
Harar is accessible by road (510 km east of Addis Ababa) and via Dire Dawa, which is 52 km away and has an airport serviced by Ethiopian Airlines. Within Harar, exploring on foot is recommended, though taxis and bajajis (three-wheeled vehicles) are available.
Accommodation
Harar offers cultural guesthouses set
in traditional homes and budget lodgings in the new town. Additional
accommodations can be found in nearby Dire Dawa.
Did You Know?
Further Reading
Harar remains a vibrant and welcoming
city, offering a unique blend of religious heritage, architectural beauty, and
cultural traditions.
