states: [ethiopia]
category: cultural
year: 2006
location: Harari Region
region: Africa
latitude/longitude: 9.3088888888, 42.1377777777
unesco id: 1189
world heritage site: 1189
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Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ethiopia, is a fortified historic town renowned for its rich Islamic heritage and unique cultural blend. Enclosed by walls built between the 13th and 16th centuries, it features 82 mosques, including three from the 10th century, and over 100 shrines, earning it the title of Islam’s “fourth holiest city.” The town’s traditional Harari houses, with their distinctive interior designs, reflect a fusion of African and Islamic architectural influences, while its maze-like alleyways and vibrant markets highlight its history as a key trade and learning center from the 16th to 19th centuries. Today, it remains a well-preserved testament to the Harari people’s enduring traditions and craftsmanship.