Asmadin Bari, Historical Gate in Harar Jugol
Asmadin Bari is one of five gates of the old city of Harar in Ethiopia and part of the historic walls that surround the ancient city center. The gate is built from tightly fitted stones in simple, functional construction and forms a central passage for people and animals into the lively streets of the city.
The gate was named after Asmadin, a general from the sixteenth century, and is a witness to Harar's military history. In 1662, the area around the gate was attacked by Oromo people, and this assault marked a turning point in the city's story.
The gate takes its name from a sixteenth-century general called Asmadin, reflecting its historical importance to the city. Today it is a place where residents and visitors meet daily, and where different cultures come together in the lively streets around it.
The gate is easily reached on foot and forms a natural entry point to Harar's old city center with its narrow streets and bustling markets. The area is accessible year-round, with early morning and late afternoon hours offering the least crowded experience.
The area around the gate was believed to be a shelter for Harar's founder, Abadir, and his companions in ancient times. This local tradition directly connects the gate to the city's founding story and makes it a place of great symbolic meaning for residents.
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