Dark sights in Eastern Ethiopia
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Tomb of Sheikh Abadir
Shrines devoted to local holy men or religious leaders are even more numerous: over 300 inside and outside the walls - no-one has yet managed to count them. Many are very peaceful, beautiful and well-kept places open to both sexes and all religions.
The Tomb ofSheikh Abadir is near the southeastern point of the Old Town. The sheikh was one of the most important preachers of Islam in the region and his tomb still attracts worshippers seeking solutions to daily struggles: financial concerns, illnesses, family crises and infertility. If their prayers are answered, many devotees return to make gifts to the shrine: usually rugs or expensive sandalwood. The tomb has become an…
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Tomb of Said Ali Hamdogn
Shrines devoted to local holy men or religious leaders are even more numerous: over 300 inside and outside the walls - no-one has yet managed to count them. Many are very peaceful, beautiful and well-kept places open to both sexes and all religions.
Southwest of Gidir Magala is the Tomb of Said Ali Hamdogn, a former religious leader of the town. The tomb looks a little like a miniature mosque without the minaret. Local legend has it that below his tomb there lies a well that can sustain the whole city in times of siege. The sheikh who lives here will probably show you some fragile ancient Islamic manuscripts. He expects a tip.
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Tomb of Emir Nur
Shrines devoted to local holy men or religious leaders are even more numerous: over 300 inside and outside the walls - no-one has yet managed to count them. Many are very peaceful, beautiful and well-kept places open to both sexes and all religions.
The Tomb of Emir Nur, north of central square, is devoted to the ruler who built the city's walls. It resembles a spiky beehive.
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Mekina Girgir
Leading southeast from Feres Magala, there is a narrow street called Mekina Girgir. Ambling down this atmosphere-laden lane you'll quickly understand why it was given this name: it's jam-packed with tailors' workshops, hence the name, in reference to the sewing machines. If you were thinking of a wedding suit, this is the place!
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