The Mosques of Harar: An Archaeological and Historical Study

Description

The mosques of Harar have been the focus of some architectural and historical study
but not archaeological investigation. This was redressed through excavation of six mosques in
the city, the results of which are presented. These were identified from existing historical
research as significant in the Islamization of Harar. Consensus on either the date or processes
of Islamization does not exist. The partial history of the mosques investigated – Aw Abdal, Aw
Abadir, Aw Meshad, Din Agobera, Fehkredin, Jami – is based on only a few sources. The
results of the excavations provide insights into the Islamization of Harar and supplement the
limited historical sources. The six radiocarbon dates obtained indicate a varied mosque
chronology spanning the late 15th and early 20th centuries AD. Evidence indicative of the use
of mosques for educational purposes, local practices such as animal sacrifice and child burial
near the mihrab, and for extensive mosque rebuilding, alteration and remodelling was found.
Comparable mosques in Djibouti, Somaliland, and elsewhere in Ethiopia are considered. It is
concluded that all the Harari mosques investigated post-date the late 15th century and that the
city also dates from this era and was linked with the establishment of Harar as the capital of
Adal. Prior to this the Hararis, likely in the form of the legendary Harla, were elsewhere,
possibly at Harlaa and other sites in the eastern Harar Plateau and Chercher Mountains.

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Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Equinox Publishing

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Author(s)

Insoll, T; Zekaria, A

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Language

English

Type

Articles, Journal Article

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