Harar

Harar is a historic walled city located in eastern Ethiopia. It serves as the capital of the Harari Region. The city sits upon a hilltop in the eastern part of the country. It is situated at an elevation of 1,483 meters. Harar is located a significant distance from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. For many centuries, Harar acted as a major commercial center. It linked trade routes between Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. These routes also connected the city to the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. Through various ports, Harar reached the wider world.

The old walled part of the city is called Harar Jugol. In 2006, UNESCO listed Harar Jugol as a World Heritage Site. This designation recognizes its immense cultural heritage. Because of its history with Arabian Peninsula trade, the city is strictly protected. The Ethiopian government made it a criminal offense to demolish historical sites. This protection includes stone homes, museums, and items from past wars.

Visitors can still see traditional Harari houses with carved doors.

The interiors often feature unique wall niches.

Harar is a deeply significant religious center for Islam. It is considered the fourth holiest city in the Islamic faith. The city contains 82 mosques and 102 shrines. Three of these mosques date back to the 10th century.

Historical texts like the Fatḥ Madīnat Harar describe the city's religious origins. This unpublished 13th-century history mentions the legendary saint Abadir Umar ar-Rida. He and several other religious leaders settled on the Harar plateau around 1216 CE. This settlement helped establish the region as a center for Islamic faith and learning.

The exact origins of Harar remain a subject of debate. Some suggest Qurayshi settlers founded the city in the late 7th century. Others believe it was a local creation in the 10th century. Archaeologist Timothy Insoll suggests the name might come from the Harla. The Harla were an ancient group living there before the Oromo people arrived. The explorer Richard Francis Burton suggested different origins. He thought the name might refer to a nearby plain or a specific tree.

Harar has experienced many different political eras. In 1520, Sultan Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad made it the capital of the Adal Sultanate. This period saw significant conflict and change. After the defeat of Imam Ahmad in 1543, the region faced instability. During the era of the Oromo, the city faced many challenges. The ruler Nur ibn Mujahid built a large wall to protect the city.

This wall acted as a bulwark against the Oromo. The city also suffered from severe famines and plagues during this time. These hardships caused the price of food and livestock to rise greatly. For example, a cow cost over 300 ashrafis during a famine.

The Emirate of Harar began when `Ali ibn Da'ud took the throne. His dynasty ruled the city for two centuries. The Emirate saw the city develop into a major economic force. The Oromo people eventually adopted agriculture and traded with Harar residents.

Harar even began to mint its own currency. The earliest coins were issued definitely by 1789 CE.

This economic strength allowed Harar to influence regions from Shewa to Zeila. The city became a vital hub for religious proselytization to surrounding tribes.

Today, Harar remains a place where history and culture intersect. The city's identity is tied to its role as an urban center. In Arabic, the term "hadhariy" refers to urban inhabitants and their settlements. This term was often used by outsiders to describe Harar's residents. The city's architecture and layout reflect its long history of trade and religion. From its hilltop location to its protected stone houses, Harar stands as a testament to Ethiopian history.