Ethiopia (April-May 2012): Harar and around (1/3)
Showa gate, Mekina Girgir, and other market
streets
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Return to main Ethiopia 2012 webpage | Return
to Harar 2012 page
Showa gate:
The Showa gate is the
most iconic of the six gates of the wall surrounding old Harar.
It is the location of the largest, most hectic market of Harar.
This market spreads out on both sides of the gate: on the plaza in front of the
gate (outside the wall) and along the streets behind the gate. The plaza is
also a hub for the unmissable blue 404 Peugeot taxis that serve Harar and its region.
Market on the plaza.
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To see a short video of
the market on the plaza, click on the icon below.
Market scenes on the
other side of the Showa gate (inside the walled city).
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Mekina Girgir:
This street is one of
the busiest and most fascinating in old Harar. Its
name, which means ″Machine Street″, derives from the fact that men
sit at sewing machines in front of tailors‛ workshops on both sides of
the street. But the best sight is that of the many women (Harari, Oromo,
Somali...) dressed in colorful dresses who stroll back and forth along the
street looking for new clothes, fabrics, and basketry. Overall, the street feels
like an amazing fashion show.
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To see short videos
of scenes in Mekina Girgir,
click on the icons below:
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Other market streets:
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Khat vendors. (Fresh khat leaves are chewed to achieve a quick state of
euphoria, but over the long term they lead to depression and reduction of
appetite.)
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Return to main Ethiopia 2012 webpage | Return
to Harar 2012 page