| City
of Harar
Description
Harar
is a walled city which stands on the eastern wall of the Great Rift
Valley and is the provincial capital of Ethiopia's largest
administrative region, Hararge. The city's location gives wonderful
views of the surrounding country - the vast Danakil desert to the
north, the fertile Harar mountains to the west, and the cattle rich
Ogaden plains to the south.
Harar was a fiercely religious city and was a forbidden city (closed
to visitors), until 1887 when Menelik restored central rule. With
its 999 mosques, including the 16th century Grand Mosque with is
beautiful twin towers and slender minaret, it is considered to be
the fourth most holy city in Islam after Mecca, Medina and the Dome
of the Rock in Jerusalem.
Attractions
Medhane Alem church, built at the end of the 19th century, is in the
town centre and contains excellent examples of traditional regional
art.
The Community Museum, also in the town centre, has displays relating
to the way of life in earlier times.
The 16th century Grand Mosque, with is beautiful twin towers and
slender minaret lies on the road to the Erer Gate Women are not
permitted inside the mosque.
The vibrant market place is regarded as one of the most colourful in
all Ethiopia.
Off the road from the Sauga Gate to the main market lies Ras
Mekonin's house where Haile Selasssie spent most of his childhood.
The Ahmar Mountains around Harar produce some of the best coffee in
Ethiopia.
The Hyena Men of Harar collect offal and bones to feed to the wild
hyenas usually about 100 metres outside the Fallana Gate of the old
city walls of the town. Hyenas appear just after sunset to take food
from their hands. There is a charge for watching The display starts
about 1900 finishing at about 2000.
Shopping
Harar
is famed for its silversmiths, and there are beautiful necklaces,
bracelets and chains to be found in the market. The basketry is also
impressive. There are two colourful markets in Harar, the Christian
and the Muslim, which are separated from one another.
Accommodation
Ras,
outside the Old Town, is part of the government owned chai. It is a
15 minute walk from the Old City.
Academy, main square near church is basic
Belayneh Hotel is a new hotel next to the bus station near the Old
City.
Transport
Taxi
within Harar, and minibuses are available from Dire Dawa and Harar.
Also Dire Dawa can be reached by train road or air.
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