The walls of the ancient Ethiopian city of Harar, which envelop 368 alleys into one square kilometre, were built between the 13th and 16th centuries but the city itself was founded more than a millennium ago. For many years during the 16th century Harar served as the capital of the Harari Kingdom before it became part of Ethiopia in 1887. Between the 16th and 19th centuries Harar functioned as an important trade centre between Africa, India, and the Middle East and as a major centre for Islamic learning and the spread of Islam into the Horn of Africa.

City of Harar, Shutterstock

Although you will read that Ethiopia (alongside Liberia) is one of the only two countries that was never colonised, the history of the country tells of a period of limited Italian annexation starting in 1936 and lasting until 1941 when true independence was again regained. The effect of colonisation on Harar, therefore, was minimal.

City of Harar, Shutterstock

Today the city of Harar is sometimes referred to as Africa’s Mecca and is well known amongst Muslims as the fourth-holiest city in Islam. It is often called the City of Saints in Arabic and other times it is known as the City of Peace. The city houses 82 mosques – some of them built in the 10th century – and 102 shrines.  Leading up to the month of Ramadan locals can be seen repainting the walls of the ancient city in bright colours. In 2006 Harar was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been described by the organisation as “a rare example of a relatively well preserved historic town that has retained its traditions, urban fabric, and rich Harari Muslim cultural heritage to the present time.”