Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jamia Mosque
Offline map Google map
Harar's great mosque is the only one inside the wall big enough to host both men and wo-
men. The mosque was built in the 16th century, though according to local tradition, a
mosque has stood on the site since the 12th century. While not architecturally distinct, its
white-tile minarets can be seen from all over the city. It's off-limits to non-Muslims.
MOSQUE
SHRINES & TOMBS
Some of the shrines devoted to local religious leaders are peaceful, interesting and well-
kept places. But they're unsigned and so hard to find. Most are under large trees. The
caretaker will expect a Birr10 tip for unlocking the door.
Emir Nur's Tomb Offline map Google map resembles a spiky green beehive. It's devoted
to the ruler who built the city's walls, and his wife is buried inside too. You enter the tomb
normally, but when leaving, you should back out.
Another tomb that can easily be visited is the Tomb of Said Ali Hamdogn Offline map
Google map , an important 12th-century religious leader. The tomb looks a little like a mini-
ature mosque without the minaret.
The most important is the Tomb of Sheikh Abadir Offline map Google map , Harar's le-
gendary founder and second emir. His tomb still attracts worshippers seeking solutions to
daily struggles, and if their prayers are answered devotees return to make gifts of rugs, in-
cense or expensive sandalwood. Non-Muslims are usually refused entry, but might be al-
lowed in during the Thursday night gatherings (around midnight) when devotees come to
play drums, read the Quran and pay respect.
New Town
Everything outside the walls counts as New Town; most of it sits alongside the boulevard
heading west from Harar Gate.
Hyena Feeding Sites
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As night falls (beginning around 7pm), two sets of 'hyena men' set themselves up just
outside the city walls: one at the shrine of Sheikh Aw Anser along the eastern wall and the
other north of Fallana Gate by the Christian slaughterhouse.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER
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