Harar Tours, The 16th Century World Heritage City

Our Harar Tours showcase the most unique attractions of Eastern Ethiopia. Considered “the fourth holy city of Islam”, a Harar city tour will showcase the 82 mosques and 102 shrines of city.  In Arabic the city is known as Madeenat-ul-Awliya (the City of Saints).  World famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud lived among the locals in a small house in the city while working as a coffee trader and gun-runner between 1875 and 1884.  For centuries Harar was a crossroads for trade between Africa, Europe, and India. It is known as the city of peace because of the Christian and Muslim population living in peace and harmony. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

Located on a hilltop in the eastern region of the Ethiopian Highlands, Harar Jugol’s Golden age occurred during the 16th century. Locally the culture flourished, and many poets lived and wrote there. It also became known for coffee, weaving, basketry, and bookbinding.  Emir Nur ibn Mujahid, built a protective wall around the city. The height of the wall averaged 12 feet (3 meters), and its thickness is about 60 cm. The structure is called Jugol.  Access into old town was controlled at the five gates of Harar. The Jugal wall had 24 guard towers in its full form. One still remains, near the Bedro gate, it survived destruction that occurred during different periods.

The wall is still intact and is a symbol of the local towns people.  Locals repaint the walls of the old town in vibrant colors in the weeks preceding the holy month of Ramadan.  Erer Gate (Argo Beri) is also commonly referred to as the Richard Burton gate in Harar. In 1854, a British explorer, disguised as an Arab merchant, became the first non-Muslim to enter the city through the gate.  Sneak through the gates and tour the 4^th Holy City today with Arada Tours!