10 Facts about the Harari people of Ethiopia

Screen Shot 2021-02-15 at 10.00.34 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-02-15 at 9.35.46 PM.png

The Harari People, also called Geyusu ("People of the City"), are an ethnic group indigenous to the Horn of Africa and traditionally inhabit the Harar region. The Harari population in Ethiopia is about 246,000, and Hararis reside in Harar as well as other areas in Ethiopia. In modern-day Ethiopia, Harar is a regional state with the total area of the region being 343.2 sq. km, and located 515 kilometers south-east of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
Harari, also referred to as Gey Ritma or Gey Sinan, which translates to “language of the city,” is the Harari people’s language. Harari is a member of the Ethio-Semitic languages branch. Harari is related to the Eastern Gurage languages such as the Silt’e and Zay. All three of these languages are assumed to have derived from the now-extinct Harla Language.
Oral traditions and archaeological evidence strongly indicate that the Harla were the earliest people to have inhabited the Harar plateau. The oral tradition among Hararis also suggests that Harari are the descendants of ancient Harla. Harari elders trace their origins to seven main Harla tribes: the Gidaya, Awari, Wargar, Adish, Hargaya, and Abogn. Additionally, archeologists have found striking similarities between the structural details of ancient Harla sites and contemporary architecture of Harar, which strongly supports the assertion that Hararis are the closest representatives of the ancient Harla people (Ahmed, 2015).
Harar is the Islamic capital of Ethiopia and is considered “the fourth holy city” of Islam. The Harari are virtually all Muslims. The city of Harar was central for training ‘ulamaa’ religious scholars and other Muslim religious leaders. Harari people played a central role in teaching and propagating Islam, especially in the Horn of Africa. During the medieval period, Harar was the capital of the Adal Sultanate, and Harar continued to maintain its leadership in the Horn through the Dawudi Emirate.
Harar is well known for its surrounding Harar Jugol Wall, a UNESCO world heritage site, built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The walled city has five ancient gates, and it is believed that Amir Nur, the nephew of Imam Ahmed Ibn Ibrahim, also known as ‘Gragn,’ built the Jugol Wall around the city.

6. Like the Axumite empire, Harar was one of the earliest urban centers that minted its own coinage. However, archaeologists have not yet found the specific period in which the mintage of coins began in Harar. The minted coins provided information about the names of the leaders (Amirs) who minted them, dates and places for their mintage, and details of religious symbols. These coins serve as an essential part of understanding the economic and political history of Harar throughout time (Ahmed, 2015).

7. The Harari are well known for their traditional Harari basketry, full of traditional shapes, patterns, and sequences of colors. Harari women play a central role in weaving basketry bowls and lidded vessels, which are important to ceremonial and everyday life for Hararis.

Traditionally, Harari women meet daily, referred to as Moy Gaar, which translated to “Everyday House” to sew Mo’ot (traditional baskets), Gey Gannafi (traditional pants worn by women), Atlas (traditional dresses), and Kalloyta (hats worn by men). During this gathering, women sing cultural and religious songs and share stories of Harari culture and history. Designs have their own names, and each pattern has its own specific sequence of colors. Young girls are taught the different patterns, sequences of colors, and designs, and this knowledge is passed down from one generation to the other.

One can walk into a Harari home and see if the household has children ready for marriage or the birth of a new grandchild by the details in Harari living rooms/homes ("gey gar"), and its placement also has a special meaning. This is the same for the women's clothing-there are specific clothing/hairstyles that are reserved for married and/or elderly women.

8. One tradition common amongst Hararis is that when a family is going through difficult times, a mo’ot (traditional basket) is placed in front of their house. Those who pass the house would drop money into the mo’ot because the mo’ot is an indication that the family is going through difficult times. In the case of a funeral, the mo’ot is left out for three days.

Screen Shot 2021-02-15 at 9.30.13 PM.png

9. Harari society is built around kinship, friendship, and afocha, or community organizations. The afocha provides the Harari with social, ceremonial, and economic support for such occasions as weddings and funerals. Community organizations range in size from 50 to 75 members.

10. Shewal Eid is a unique holiday among the Hararis. It is celebrated on the 8th day of Shewal month that comes after Ramadan in Islamic calendar. It's an all-night celebration and gathering that is especially popular among Harari youth. Many unmarried Hararis view Shewal Eid as an opportunity to meet their future spouses (Ahmed, 2015).

Basic Harari Phrases:

Hello/Welcome: Assalâmu alâykum.

How are you: Amântashi? [F] | Amântakhi? [M] | Amântakhu? [plural/elder]

I'm fine: Amânintagn [M/F] | Amânintana [plural] | Amân afêt [formal]

Thank you: Alla magan.

What's your name: Sumkhash mântash? [F] | Sumkha mânta? [M] | Sumkho mân ilî? [elders]

Goodbye: Allale amâna.