Harar: Islamic Holy City Turns to Tourism

Travel Blog  •  Joanna Kakissis  •  09.24.07 | 12:36 PM ET

imageThe ancient city of Harar in Ethiopia may suffer chronic water shortages and a lack of modern amenities, but regional politicians are hoping to transform this hilltop city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, into a popular getaway for tourists, writes Anita Powell of the AP. With its walled maze of ancient mosques and alleyways, Harar has enough mystique to stir the imagination of adventurous travelers. The fourth-holiest city in Islam, it’s a center of the faith in the Horn of Africa. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud lived there in the late 1800s, and his home is now an art gallery. Harar is also known as the birthplace of coffee; its scent lingers in the Ethiopian highlands. And it’s also got “an old man who hand-feeds some 50 hyenas every night, treating them like obedient kittens,” Powell writes.

But “moving Harar into the future is an ambitious plan,” she says. The city, population 122,000, has only enough hotels to accommodate the 4,500 or so tourists who visit annually, and the nearest airport sits more than an hour’s drive away. The government is undeterred. Restaurants and hotels are going up, the city is investing in a water project, and an oil baron is considering plans to build Harar’s first luxury hotel.

Related on World Hum:
* ‘Girls of Riyadh’: Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sex and the City’?
* In Defense of Travel Writing About Islam
* Tourism Suffers in Bethlehem, But Hamas Might Help

Photo of Harar by Ahron de Leeuw, via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Tags: Africa, Ethiopia

Joanna Kakissis's writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe and The Washington Post, among other publications. A contributor to the World Hum blog, she's currently a Ted Scripps fellow in environmental journalism at the University of Colorado in Boulder.


5 Comments for Harar: Islamic Holy City Turns to Tourism

L. Germann 09.24.07 | 5:14 PM ET

Joanna Kikissis.  I would appreciate hearing from you.  I am a voice from the past, Williston, ND
thanks
Laura

Jim Larsen 03.14.08 | 1:10 PM ET

I appreciated your article on Harar, Joanna.  I have now completed two evaluaiton/vacation visits in Ethiopia: one in the northern historic route for 2 weeks, 2 weeks in the southern Rift Valley area, 1 week in Addis Ababa; and, the second one was 4 weeks in Addis Ababa, day trips, Langano, Sodore, and 4 days to Harrar and the feast celebration of St. Gabriel in a small mountain town of Calipia nearby.  I’m interested in hearing about any other visits or experiences you’ve had in Ethiopia and to discuss writing further with you.  James

Amjad Jawaid Khan 03.15.08 | 4:48 PM ET

Dear brother Assalam-o-Aliekum,

I have one great suggestion to add the Holiest picture of those weapons, swords, clothings,instruements which were used by the Holy Prophet (MPBUM)
his family, his nearest followers & all related such objects. These picture are sold at very High prices by the professional photographers, all Muslims would like to see these picture & have them in their homes. But ubfortunately can’t buy. due to very high price. I hope you will guide me to such websites which may not be in my knowledge.
Thanks for help & guidance.
Best regards
Amjad Jawaid Khan

Amjad Jawaid Khan 03.15.08 | 4:56 PM ET

It’s great to come accross such wonderful websites & learn about things that are new to him.

Dave lindzy 11.18.08 | 10:58 AM ET

I watched your show on Ethiopia last night and was interested in the seed they were using in place of popcorn. I cannot eat it anymore because of the hulls. Any information would be appreciated.
              Dave

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