“Experience the vibrant history and culture of Ethiopia at Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

Harar

Ethiopia is a country that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Ethiopia is Harar Jugol, a walled city that has been inhabited for over a thousand years. Harar Jugol is located in the eastern part of Ethiopia and is considered to be one of the most important cultural and religious centers in the country.

Harar Jugol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of African, Islamic, and European styles. The city is surrounded by a wall that is over 3 meters high and has five gates that lead into the city. The city is also home to over 100 mosques and shrines, which reflects the strong Islamic influence in the area.

One of the most unique aspects of Harar Jugol is the fact that it is home to the Hyena Men. The Hyena Men are a group of men who have been feeding wild hyenas for generations. The tradition started as a way to protect the city from the hyenas, which were considered to be a threat to the inhabitants. The Hyena Men feed the hyenas every night, and visitors to the city can watch this fascinating spectacle.

Another must-visit attraction in Harar Jugol is the Harari Museum. The museum is located in a traditional Harari house and showcases the history and culture of the Harari people. The Harari people are the indigenous people of Harar Jugol and have a rich history that dates back to the 10th century. The museum features a collection of artifacts, including traditional clothing, jewelry, and household items.

Harar Jugol is also known for its coffee culture. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and Harar Jugol is home to some of the best coffee in the world. The city has a number of coffee shops and cafes where visitors can enjoy a cup of traditional Ethiopian coffee.

The city of Harar Jugol is also famous for its colorful markets. The markets are located in the old town and are a great place to buy traditional Ethiopian souvenirs, such as jewelry, clothing, and handicrafts. The markets are also a great place to experience the local culture and to interact with the friendly and welcoming people of Harar Jugol.

Harar Jugol is a unique and fascinating destination that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. The city’s blend of African, Islamic, and European styles makes it a truly unique place to visit. From the Hyena Men to the Harari Museum, there is something for everyone in Harar Jugol. So, if you are planning a trip to Ethiopia, make sure to add Harar Jugol to your itinerary.

Harar Jugol

Ethiopia is a land of ancient history and culture, and one of the most fascinating places to visit is Harar Jugol, the ancient walled city of Harar. Located in the eastern part of Ethiopia, Harar Jugol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique living museum that offers visitors a glimpse into a rich and vibrant culture that has been preserved for centuries.

Harar Jugol is a city that is steeped in history and tradition. It was founded in the 7th century and has been an important center of Islamic learning and culture for over a millennium. The city is enclosed by a 3.5-meter-high wall that is over 5 kilometers long and has five gates. The walls were built in the 16th century to protect the city from invaders and have remained largely intact to this day.

The city is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of African, Islamic, and European styles. The narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings that have intricately carved wooden doors and balconies. The houses are built close together, and many have flat roofs that serve as outdoor living spaces. The city has over 82 mosques, which is why it is often referred to as the “City of Saints.”

One of the most fascinating aspects of Harar Jugol is the way of life of its people. The people of Harar are known for their hospitality and their love of coffee. Coffee is an important part of the culture, and the traditional coffee ceremony is a must-see for visitors. The ceremony is a ritual that involves roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee in front of guests. It is a symbol of friendship and respect and is a way for people to come together and share stories.

Harar Jugol is also home to the Hyena Man, a local celebrity who feeds wild hyenas by hand every night. The Hyena Man is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years and is a way for the people of Harar to coexist with these wild animals. Visitors can watch the Hyena Man feed the hyenas and even try feeding them themselves.

Another must-see attraction in Harar Jugol is the Harari Museum, which is located in a traditional Harari house. The museum displays artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the Harari people. Visitors can learn about the traditional crafts, music, and dance of the Harari people and get a glimpse into their way of life.

Harar Jugol is a city that is full of surprises and is sure to leave visitors with lasting memories. From the ancient walls to the colorful buildings, from the coffee ceremony to the Hyena Man, there is something for everyone in this unique and fascinating city. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just want to experience something new, Harar Jugol is a destination that should not be missed.

Arthur Rimbaud House

Ethiopia is home to many ancient cities and towns, but none quite like Harar Jugol. This walled city, located in the eastern part of the country, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the fourth holiest city in Islam. It is also a city that holds a special place in the world of literature, as it was once home to the famous French poet, Arthur Rimbaud.

Harar Jugol is a unique city that has managed to retain its ancient character and charm. The city is surrounded by a wall that is over five meters high and has five gates that lead into the city. Once inside, visitors are transported back in time to a world where donkeys and horses roam the streets and traditional houses made of mud and straw line the narrow alleys.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Harar Jugol is the fact that it has over 82 mosques and shrines, which is why it is considered to be such a holy city. The most famous of these is the Grand Mosque, which was built in the 16th century and is the largest mosque in the city. Visitors are allowed to enter the mosque, but they must be dressed appropriately and remove their shoes before entering.

Another must-see attraction in Harar Jugol is the Rimbaud House. This is the house where the French poet, Arthur Rimbaud, lived during his time in Harar. Rimbaud arrived in Harar in 1880 and stayed for a total of four years. During this time, he worked as a coffee trader and also wrote some of his most famous works, including “Illuminations” and “A Season in Hell”.

The Rimbaud House has been preserved as a museum and is open to visitors. Inside, visitors can see some of Rimbaud’s personal belongings, including his bed, writing desk, and some of his original manuscripts. There are also displays that provide information about Rimbaud’s life in Harar and his contributions to the world of literature.

Aside from the mosques and the Rimbaud House, there are many other things to see and do in Harar Jugol. One of the most popular activities is to take a guided tour of the city. There are many knowledgeable guides who can take visitors through the narrow alleys and show them some of the hidden gems of the city.

Another popular activity is to visit the hyena feeding site. Every night, a group of hyenas gather outside the city walls to be fed by the local people. Visitors can watch from a safe distance as the hyenas are fed scraps of meat by hand.

Harar Jugol is a city that is steeped in history and culture. It is a city that has managed to retain its ancient character and charm, and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ethiopia. From the mosques and shrines to the Rimbaud House and the hyena feeding site, there is so much to see and do in this fascinating city. So, if you’re planning a trip to Ethiopia, be sure to put Harar Jugol on your itinerary.

Harari National Cultural Centre

Ethiopia is a country rich in history and culture, and one of its most fascinating destinations is the ancient walled city of Harar Jugol. Located in the eastern part of the country, Harar Jugol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the holiest cities in Islam. This ancient city is home to a plethora of historical and cultural landmarks that make it a must-visit destination for travelers.

The Harari National Cultural Centre is a great place to start exploring Harar Jugol. The center is located in the heart of the city and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of the Harari people. Visitors can learn about the history of Harar Jugol, its people, and their way of life through various exhibits and displays.

One of the most interesting things about Harar Jugol is its unique architecture. The city is surrounded by a wall that was built in the 16th century to protect it from invaders. The wall is made of stone and mud and is almost 4 meters high. There are five gates in the wall, each with its own name and history. Visitors can walk along the top of the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Inside the walls of Harar Jugol, visitors will find a maze of narrow alleyways and colorful houses. The Harari people are known for their love of bright colors, and this is evident in the vibrant hues of the buildings in the city. The houses are made of mud and have flat roofs, which are used as terraces. Visitors can climb up to the roofs and enjoy views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

One of the most famous landmarks in Harar Jugol is the House of Rimbaud. This house was once the home of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who lived in Harar Jugol for a period of time in the late 19th century. The house is now a museum dedicated to Rimbaud and his life in Harar Jugol. Visitors can see his bedroom, where he wrote some of his most famous poems, and learn about his life in Ethiopia.

Another must-visit destination in Harar Jugol is the Hyena Man. This man has been feeding hyenas in the city for over 50 years and has become a local legend. Visitors can watch as he calls the hyenas and feeds them pieces of meat from his mouth. It is a truly unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Harar Jugol is also home to several mosques, including the Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the city. The mosque was built in the 16th century and is an impressive example of Islamic architecture. Visitors can enter the mosque and see the intricate designs and decorations that adorn its walls.

In addition to its historical and cultural landmarks, Harar Jugol is also known for its coffee. Harar coffee is considered some of the best in the world and is grown in the surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a tour of a coffee plantation and learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans.

Harar Jugol is a destination that should not be missed by anyone visiting Ethiopia. Its unique architecture, colorful houses, and historical landmarks make it a must-visit destination for travelers. The Harari National Cultural Centre is a great place to start exploring the city, and visitors can then wander through the maze of alleyways and discover all that Harar Jugol has to offer. From the House of Rimbaud to the Hyena Man, there is something for everyone in this ancient walled city.

Hyena Feeding Site

Harar Jugol, located in the Eastern part of Ethiopia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most significant walled cities in Africa. The city, which dates back to the 7th century, is home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world. One of the most fascinating attractions in Harar Jugol is the Hyena Feeding Site, where visitors can witness the unique tradition of feeding hyenas by hand.

The Hyena Feeding Site is located just outside the walls of Harar Jugol and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Every evening, just after sunset, a group of hyenas gather in the area to be fed by the local hyena men. The hyena men, who are considered to have a special bond with the animals, use pieces of meat attached to sticks to feed the hyenas by hand.

The tradition of feeding hyenas in Harar Jugol dates back hundreds of years and has become an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. According to local legend, the practice began as a way to protect the city from attacks by the animals. The hyena men would feed the hyenas outside the city walls to keep them from entering the city and attacking people or livestock.

Today, the hyena feeding tradition has become a popular tourist attraction, and visitors from all over the world come to Harar Jugol to witness the spectacle. The experience of feeding hyenas by hand is not for the faint of heart, but it is a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Before the feeding begins, visitors are given a brief safety briefing and instructions on how to feed the hyenas. The hyena men then begin to call out to the animals, using a unique vocalization that sounds like a cross between a howl and a growl. As the hyenas begin to gather, the hyena men begin to feed them, holding the meat out on sticks for the animals to snatch up with their powerful jaws.

Despite their fearsome reputation, the hyenas at the feeding site are surprisingly docile and friendly. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the animals, and many even get the chance to feed them by hand. The hyenas are used to the presence of people and seem to enjoy the attention, often nuzzling up to visitors and even allowing them to pet them.

While the hyena feeding site is undoubtedly a unique and fascinating attraction, it is important to remember that the animals are still wild and should be treated with respect. Visitors should follow the instructions of the hyena men and avoid any sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the animals.

In addition to the hyena feeding site, Harar Jugol is home to a wealth of other cultural and historical attractions. The city’s walled old town is a maze of narrow alleyways and colorful markets, while the Harar Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.

Overall, a visit to the Hyena Feeding Site in Harar Jugol is a must-do for anyone interested in exploring Ethiopia’s ancient and fascinating culture. The experience of feeding hyenas by hand is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is sure to leave a lasting impression, and the city’s other cultural and historical attractions are equally impressive. Whether you’re a history buff, an animal lover, or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, Harar Jugol is an excellent choice for your next adventure.