World Heritage Identification Number: 1189
World Heritage since: 2006
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Africa
Map
Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town: A Unique Blend of African and Islamic Architecture
Harar Jugol, officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006, is a remarkable example of a fortified historic town that showcases the harmonious fusion of African and Islamic architectural styles. Situated in the eastern part of Ethiopia, this sacred Muslim city stands on a plateau surrounded by deep gorges, deserts, and savannah.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The fortified historic town of Harar is located in the eastern part of the country on a plateau with deep gorges surrounded by deserts and savannah. The walls surrounding this sacred Muslim city were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Harar Jugol, said to be the fourth holiest city of Islam, numbers 82 mosques, three of which date from the 10th century, and 102 shrines, but the townhouses with their exceptional interior design constitute the most spectacular part of Harar's cultural heritage. The impact of African and Islamic traditions on the development of the town's building types and urban layout make for its particular character and uniqueness.
Encyclopedia Record: Harar
Harar, known historically by the indigenous as Harar-Gey or simply Gey, is a walled city in eastern Ethiopia. It is also known in Arabic as the City of Saints.Additional Site Details
Area: 48 hectares
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(v) — Outstanding example of traditional human settlement
Coordinates: 9.3088888888 , 42.1377777777
