Harar Jugol (Old Walled City)

Harar, Harari Region, Ethiopia

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Harar Jugol, also known as the Old Walled City of Harar, is a historic city located in Ethiopia's Harari Region and is regarded as one of the most important centers of Islamic culture in Africa.

Founded between the 7th and 11th centuries, the city is surrounded by ancient defensive walls and contains a dense network of narrow alleyways, traditional houses, mosques, and marketplaces. It has long served as a center of trade, learning, and religious scholarship, connecting Africa, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa. The city is home to numerous historic mosques and shrines, reflecting its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Visitors are drawn to its unique architecture, vibrant traditions, colorful markets, and the famous practice of feeding wild hyenas outside the city walls. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Harar Jugol is celebrated for its outstanding historical significance and remains a living symbol of Ethiopia's diverse cultural and religious heritage.