Harar becomes member of OWHC

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Harar city has become the first sub-Saharan Africa city to be registered as a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC), Harari region communication bureau stated.

The chief administrator of Harari region, Ordin Bedri, signed the registration of Harar city as the member of OWHC in the city of Quebec, Canada.

It was stated that the registration of Harar city as one of the heritage cities will greatly contribute to the development of cultural and historical heritage in the city and the development of the tourism sector.

It is vital for heritage cities to consult on their common issues and set direction to overcome challenges and expand opportunities, it was indicated.

Harar city is known to be the home of international heritage sites registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), including the Jugal International Heritage Site. Located in eastern Ethiopia, the City is surrounded by a centuries-old defensive wall that has several large gates, including Duke’s Gate. The city is known for its mazelike alleys and traditional houses decorated inside with flat hanging baskets. A replica house features at the Harar Community Centre Museum.

In addition, it is to be remembered that the city has been recognized by UNESCO as a city where citizens live in peace and harmony.

The OWHC said that it is happy and proud to count HARAR JUGOL among its members in good standing. “Harar Jugol has duly fulfilled its obligations and has been registered as a member in good standing of the Organization of World Heritage Cities for 2023,” the official membership certificate reads.

The Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization of 250 cities in which sites of the UNESCO World Heritage list are located. It was founded in 1993 in Fez, Morocco, during the second International Symposium of World Heritage Cities.