Harar, Historic walled city in eastern Ethiopia
Harar is a walled settlement on a high plateau in eastern Ethiopia's Harari Region. The interior of the town consists of narrow lanes, two-story stone houses with wooden balconies, and inner courtyards hidden between tall walls.
The settlement was founded in the 13th century and grew into an important trading center on caravan routes between the African highlands and coastal areas. In the 16th century, an emir built the town wall to protect the population from attacks.
The settlement bears the title "City of Saints," as Muslims from around the world visit its mosques and shrines. Many locals speak Harari, their own language that is heard in cafés and streets throughout the walled quarter.
The five gates in the town wall open at different times of day, with the main western entrance being the most frequently used. Those walking through the lanes should note that some courtyards are private, and only certain spaces remain accessible to visitors.
Each evening, a few families feed wild hyenas just outside the town walls, a practice passed down through generations. The animals arrive promptly at sunset and wait patiently until they receive pieces of meat from the feeders' hands.
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