Harar, Ethiopia

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Harar, Ethiopia

Region: Harari Region

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Geographic Coordinates: 9.311100, 42.127800

Climate: Harar has a semi-arid climate with two rainy seasons, from March to May and from July to September, and two dry seasons in between. Temperatures are generally warm throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 25°C to 30°C.

Population: 174994

Language: Oromo

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Harar is a city in Ethiopia that boasts a rich cultural and religious heritage, As well as unique architecture and bustling markets. Founded by Arab immigrants in the 7th century, Harar has been an important center for trade, Religion, And culture ever since. One of the most impressive features of Harar is its walled old town. Built in the 16th century to protect against invaders, These walls still stand today. Inside them are narrow streets lined with traditional houses made from mud and wood that are painted in bright colors and decorated with intricate patterns.

Harar is also home to over 80 mosques and shrines dedicated to local saints believed to have healing powers. One notable mosque is the Jami Mosque which dates back to the 10th century. The city’s markets are another highlight, With several large markets selling everything from spices to textiles to livestock. The Jugal market held every Monday and Thursday is particularly famous. A unique aspect of Harari culture involves feeding wild hyenas at night outside the city walls with scraps of meat – a tradition that continues today.

Visitors can also enjoy stunning natural scenery by hiking through nearby mountains or visiting national parks such as Babille Elephant Sanctuary or Awash National Park. Overall, Harar offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path adventure travel experience for those seeking insight into Ethiopia’s rich history, Culture, And traditions.

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1. Harar Jugol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the walled city of Harar, boasting over 82 mosques and shrines with unique architecture.
2. Witnessing hyenas being fed by hand at night outside the city walls is an unusual attraction in Harar.
3. Rimbaud House is the former residence of French poet Arthur Rimbaud during his stay in Ethiopia.
4. The tomb of Sheikh Abadir, a revered Muslim scholar and saint, can be found in Harar and draws numerous visitors annually.
5. Feres Magala Square, located in old town Harar’s center, hosts a statue of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
6. Gidir Magala Market is a bustling marketplace selling souvenirs, textiles, and spices among other goods.
7. The Ras Tafari Palace Museum was once Emperor Haile Selassie I’s palace but now serves as an Ethiopian art and history museum.
8. Shoa Gate Museum showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region surrounding Harar.
9. Jami Mosque dates back to the 16th century and features intricate carvings on its minaret; it lies within old town Harar’s walls.
10. Medhane Alem Cathedral Church serves as one of Orthodox Christians’ primary churches in Harar since its construction in 1906.

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1. Agriculture
   • Coffee production
   • Khat
   • Maize
   • Vegetables
2. Tourism
   • UNESCO World Heritage Site
   • Walled city of Harar
   • Traditional houses
   • Hyena feeding ceremony
3. Handicrafts
   • Weaving
   • Embroidery
   • Textiles (shawls, scarves, traditional clothing)
4. Retail trade
   • Clothing
   • Household items
   • Foodstuffs
5. Education
   • Primary schools
   • Higher institutions of learning (e.g. Haramaya University)
6. Health services
   • Several hospitals (including private ones)
   • Serves residents of Harar City and other parts of Ethiopia
7. Transport services
   • Road networks
   • Public transportation systems (e.g. buses, taxis)
   • Serves both locals and visitors

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1. The establishment of the walled city of Harar in the 7th century by Arab immigrants.
2. The arrival of Imam Ahmed Gragn in 1528, who conquered and ruled over Harar for a brief period.
3. The establishment of the Emirate of Harar under Amir Abdullahi ibn Muhammad in 1647.
4. The invasion and occupation of Harar by Egypt in 1875, which lasted for almost a decade.
5. The incorporation of Harar into Ethiopia as part of Menelik II’s conquests in the late 19th century.

Notable People:

1. Sheikh Abadir Umar Ar-Rida, a prominent Muslim scholar who is credited with spreading Islam to the region.
2. Nur ibn Mujahid, a warrior and poet who fought against Gragn’s forces during his invasion.
3. Aw Barkhadle, an influential queen who ruled over parts of eastern Ethiopia including Harar during the late 19th century.
4. Arthur Rimbaud, a French poet who lived in Harar for several years during his self-imposed exile from Europe in the late 1800s.
5. Ras Tafari Makonnen (later Emperor Haile Selassie), who served as governor-general of Hararghe province from 1916 to 1928 before ascending to Ethiopia’s throne.

Overall, these events and individuals have contributed to making Harar an important cultural center and historical site within Ethiopia and beyond its borders.

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1. Harar Jugol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture, narrow alleyways, and traditional houses.
2. Rimbaud House was once the residence of the famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud when he lived in Harar in the late 19th century.
3. Visitors can watch from a safe distance as locals feed hyenas just outside the city walls of Harar at the Hyena feeding site.
4. Adere Amelga Cultural Center hosts exhibitions on traditional Ethiopian art and culture, including music, dance, and crafts.
5. The Harari National Museum showcases artifacts from the history and culture of the Harari people such as traditional clothing, jewelry, weapons, and household items.
6. Feres Magala Mosque is one of Ethiopia’s oldest mosques with a distinctive red-and-white striped exterior.
7. Ras Makonnen’s Palace was built by Emperor Haile Selassie’s father-in-law Ras Makonnen in 1906; it now serves as a museum showcasing his life and legacy.
8. Muslims consider Sheikh Abadir’s tomb a holy site; he was an influential Islamic scholar who founded several schools in Ethiopia during his lifetime.
9. Jegol Wall Museum showcases artifacts related to the construction of Harar’s ancient city walls dating back to 16th century AD.
10. Tewodros Square Monument is dedicated to Emperor Tewodros II who ruled Ethiopia from 1855 until his death in 1868.

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1. Hyena Man Feeding: Every evening in Harar, a man feeds hyenas with his mouth as part of a traditional event.
2. Eid al-Fitr: Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan, including in Harar.
3. Harari New Year: An important cultural event in Harar, this festival celebrates the start of the new year according to the Islamic calendar.
4. Maulid al-Nabi: Celebrated by Muslims all over Ethiopia, including in Harar, this festival honors Prophet Muhammad’s birth.
5. Fichee-Chambalaalla: Unique to the Harari people, this festival celebrates their New Year according to their own calendar.
6. Ashura: Shia Muslims in Ethiopia observe Ashura to commemorate Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, one of Prophet Muhammad’s grandsons.
7. Meskel: On September 27th each year, Ethiopians celebrate Meskel (or Finding of True Cross) which marks St Helena’s discovery of Christ’s cross during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem in AD 326 – one of Ethiopia’s most important religious celebrations.
8. Genna (Ethiopian Christmas): Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Genna or Ethiopian Christmas on January 7th each year as it is believed to be Christ’s birth date according to their beliefs.

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1. Foul, a dish made from fava beans and served with bread.
2. Injera, a sourdough flatbread that is used as a utensil to scoop up stews and other dishes.
3. Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew served with injera.
4. Kitfo, raw minced beef mixed with spices and served with injera.
5. Shiro, a stew made from ground chickpeas or lentils often served with injera.

If you want to try these dishes in Harar, some popular restaurants include:

1. Fresh Touch Restaurant
2. Belayneh Restaurant
3. Yemane Berhan Restaurant
4. Almaz Cafe & Restaurant
5. Saba Cafe & Restaurant

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1. Harar Jugol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts many tourists. The walled old town of Harar has numerous historic buildings, mosques, and markets.
2. Ras Mekonnen Park is located in the heart of Harar and boasts stunning gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
3. Babile Elephant Sanctuary is home to several elephants and other wildlife such as baboons, hyenas, and leopards. It’s situated about 50 km from Harar.
4. Adare Hot Springs are believed to have healing properties by locals who frequent this popular destination located around 20 km from Harar.
5. Sofi Coffee Plantation offers tours where visitors can learn about coffee production in Ethiopia and sample some of the local coffee.
6. Cycling Tours are available through several companies for visitors who want to explore the countryside around Harar or visit local villages.
7. Cultural Performances such as traditional dance shows or music performances by local musicians are popular attractions in Harar.
8. Camel Rides offer visitors a unique way to explore the city or nearby attractions like Babile Elephant Sanctuary or Sofi Coffee Plantation.
9. Trekking Tours take visitors through the surrounding hillsides where they can see stunning views of the countryside around Harar with several options available for different levels of difficulty.
10. Bird Watching Tour takes you on a journey to Awash National park with its diverse bird species including endemic birds like white-winged cliff chat, Abyssinian catbird, thick-billed raven etc.

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