Harar, The Walled City of Eastern Ethiopia

Harar, with its 16th century walled "old city" of Jugal, is quite distinct from Ethiopia's other historical sites with their strong connections to Orthodox Christianity. While Christianity was introduced and accepted by the nation of Ethiopia very early, Islam also arrived at the outskirts of the Ethiopian Empire not long after Mohammed began spreading his faith on the nearby Arabian Peninsula. At one time, non-Muslims were forbidden from the old city, but today, all visitors are most welcome to walk its alleyways with their unique homes, colorful markets, and numerous mosques.

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Feeding the Hyenas

Every night just beyond the old city's walls, hyenas gather to be fed by a brave Harari. While some tourists enjoy the show, the tradition actually has roots in an old belief that taking care of the hyenas would result in peace and prosperity for the city.

A Tradition of Tolerance

While it is from here that the Muslim leader, Ahmed Gragn, launched his devastating raids on the Ethiopian highlands in the 16th century and where the Christian King Menelik attacked in 1885 , Harar today is an example of religious tolerance for the rest of the world. For more than a hundred years, Muslims and Christians, both Orthodox and Catholic have peacefully and freely worshiped in Harar. The "Jugal's" central mosque, Orthodox Church and Catholic Church all stand within a hundred meters of each other. Harar has been awarded the "City of Peace" prize by UNESCO.

The carved doors of Harar's Catholic Church.

With over 100 mosques and 102 shrines, Harar is often referred to as the fourth-holiest city in Islam and known in Arabic as Madeenat-ul-Awliya (the City of Saints).