Harar: The City of Saints and its Hyena Men

Harar, a walled city in eastern Ethiopia, is a place of fascinating contrasts. Known as the City of Saints, it's considered the fourth holiest city in Islam, with 82 mosques and 102 shrines packed into its narrow alleyways. Yet it's also famous for a rather unusual tradition: the nightly feeding of wild hyenas.

The old town of Harar, known as Jugol, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its walls, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, enclose a fascinating mix of Islamic and African traditions. The city's unique Harari houses, with their colorful facades and intricate interior designs, are a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage.

Harar is also renowned for its coffee. The city has been a center of Islamic learning and culture for centuries, and it's said that coffee was first exported to the rest of the world from here. Today, visitors can participate in traditional coffee ceremonies and sample some of the finest coffee in the world.

But perhaps the most unique attraction in Harar is the nightly hyena feeding. This tradition dates back to the 1960s, when hyena men began feeding these animals to prevent them from hunting livestock. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to watch (and even participate in) the feeding of these powerful predators.

The hyena men use sticks with meat attached to feed the hyenas, often putting the stick in their own mouths to demonstrate their close relationship with these animals. While it may seem dangerous, the hyenas are surprisingly gentle and there have been no reported incidents.

Exploring Harar is like stepping back in time. From its ancient walls and winding alleyways to its vibrant markets and unique traditions, this city offers a glimpse into a side of Ethiopia that's quite different from what you'll find elsewhere in the country. Whether you're interested in Islamic history, unique cultural practices, or simply experiencing a place unlike any other, Harar is a destination that shouldn't be missed.