Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town
Unesco World Heritage

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Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town

Harar Jugol, located in the Harari Region of Ethiopia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This fortified historic town is a living testimony to the rich heritage of the Harari people and their unique architectural and urban planning traditions.

History

Harar Jugol has a history that dates back over a thousand years. It was founded in the 7th century and quickly became an important center of trade and Islamic culture in the region. The town flourished under the Sultanate of Harar, which ruled over the region from the 13th to the 16th century.

During this period, Harar Jugol became a hub for scholars, poets, and traders from across the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and India. The town's strategic location on the trade routes between the Red Sea and the interior of Africa contributed to its prosperity and cultural diversity.

The fortified walls surrounding Harar Jugol were constructed in the 16th century to protect the town from external threats. These walls, which stretch for about 3.5 kilometers, are made of stone and have five main gates. They not only served as a defensive structure but also helped regulate access to the town.

Current State

Today, Harar Jugol stands as a well-preserved example of an Islamic city-state in the Horn of Africa. The town's unique architectural style, blending African, Arab, and Indian influences, is a testament to the cultural exchange that took place over centuries.

One of the most remarkable features of Harar Jugol is its narrow alleyways, known as "jugal." These alleys are lined with traditional Harari houses, characterized by their distinctive façades adorned with intricate geometric patterns. The houses are built using traditional techniques, with a combination of stone, mud, and wood.

The town is also home to numerous mosques, including the Grand Mosque of Harar, which dates back to the 16th century. This mosque, with its imposing minarets and beautiful interior decorations, is a significant religious and architectural landmark.

Harar Jugol is not only a physical testament to the past but also a vibrant cultural center. The town is known for its unique cultural practices, such as the nightly feeding of wild hyenas by the Harari people. This tradition, which has been passed down through generations, is a fascinating spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world.

Efforts have been made to preserve and protect Harar Jugol's unique heritage. The town has been designated as a national monument since 1948, and in 2006, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The local community, along with national and international organizations, has been actively involved in the conservation and restoration of the town's historic buildings and cultural traditions.

Harar Jugol, with its rich history, architectural beauty, and vibrant cultural traditions, continues to captivate visitors and serves as a reminder of the diverse and interconnected history of the region.

Videos from the area

Feeding hyenas in Ethiopia - Lonely Planet travel video

Published: December 13, 2010
Length: 16:09 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet travel writer Katharina Kane visits the desert outside the ancient city of Harar to see a man who has become famous for feeding hyenas by hand. Visit http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ethio...

Hyena and Dogs in Harar.wmv

Published: March 30, 2010
Length: 35:03 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: hararhyenas

Here's a hyena at Police Meda in Harar, Ethiopia.

Hyena's man

Published: March 02, 2008
Length: 33:39 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: ovuigner

Hyena's man in Harar, Ethiopia.

Mr. Mola Melese elevator pitch

Published: June 22, 2012
Length: 48:02 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Claudio Acevedo Castillo

Mr. Mola Melese talks about his Ground Nut Trade Company in Harar and his expansion plans.

The hand that feeds

Published: November 13, 2013
Length: 56:19 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: UNL Photojournalism

By Kaylee Everly.

Wild Beasts Encounter - Feeding Hyenas in Ethiopia

Published: February 01, 2015
Length: 41:46 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: João Leitão

Read more at: http://www.joaoleitao.com/wildlife/feeding-hyenas-ethiopia/ Clank! That was the sound of Africa's second strongest bite in close contact with my ear. For a quick moment, it actually...

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