Ras Makonnen Statue


In the centre of Ras Makonnen Sq stands a rather Italian-looking, equestrian statue of the ras (duke) cast in bronze by the well-known Amhara artist Afewerk Tekle. The ras is said to look towards Somalia and the lands conquered here. Ras Makonnen was Emperor Menelik's cousin and was appointed first ruler of Harar after the emperor's occupation of the city. The ras is also known as the father of the Emperor Haile Selassie.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Selassie Church

0.12 MILES

This church doesn't really deserve a gander, but it's a useful landmark off the main thoroughfare.

2. Smugglers’ Market

0.26 MILES

The Smugglers’ Market is chock-full of counterfeit clothing and electronics (some real stuff, too) from China. Most of it is smuggled in from Somaliland…

3. Recycling Market

0.33 MILES

Near the Shoa Gate Market is the Recycling Market where men repair metal materials and beat scrap into useful utensils. The whole area is undergoing a…

4. Shoa Gate Market

0.44 MILES

Elbow your way through the Shoa Gate Market (also known as the Christian Market) to find etan (incense) from the Jijiga area; it’s used in the famous…

5. Old Town

0.69 MILES

Harar’s old walled town (known as Jugal) is a fascinating place that begs exploration. The thick, 5m-high walls running 3.5km around town were erected in…

6. Harar Brewery

0.69 MILES

Built by the Czechs in 1984 and purchased by Heineken in 2011, this is a very modern brewery. Tours are sometimes available in the morning – contact local…

7. Feres Magala

0.71 MILES

The main square is a bustling place with several minor points of interest. Most conspicuous is the monument to those who died fighting against Menelik’s…

8. Medhane Alem Cathedral

0.73 MILES

On the east side of Feres Megala is this rather unimpressive cathedral, built by Ras Makonnen in 1890 on the site of an Egyptian mosque.