Harar Jugol, Ethiopia

Harar, Ethiopia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harar_balconies.jpg
Author: Ahron de Leeuw


Harar Jugol is an ancient fortified town in Ethiopia. The town is located on the eastern part of Ethiopia, surrounded by deserts and the savannah.

Harar Jugol is regarded as the fourth holiest city of Islam. It has 82 mosques, of which three dates back to the 10th century. There are also 102 Muslim shrines, but the most spectacular feature of Harar Jugol are its townhouses. The fusion of African and Islamic influences in the architecture of Harar results in a unique style. The town was a major trading post during ancient times, being on the crossroad of trading routes from the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Today Harar Jugol is a well preserved Ethiopian city with a distinct cityscape.

Harar Jugol was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 30th session of the World Heritage Committee which took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 9 - 16 July, 2006.

Gate of harar, Ethiopia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:At_the_Gates_of_Harar_(2144297311).jpg
Author: A. Davey

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 9 18 32 E 42 8 16
Inscription Year: 2006
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: II, III, IV, V

Visiting Harar Jugol

You can reach Harar from Addis Ababa by bus. You can also fly to Dire Dawa airport and get there by bus or minibus. Within the town itself, you can explore on foot, or take the minibuses.

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