Harar is renowned as one of Islam's holy cities, featuring 82 historic mosques within its ancient walls, including the Grand Mosque and numerous smaller prayer houses that showcase centuries-old Islamic architecture. The city served as a major center of Islamic learning and trade, earning recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional Islamic heritage. Harar's Muslim community has preserved unique traditions for over 1,000 years, maintaining Islamic scholarship, Sufi practices, and distinctive cultural customs that make it one of Africa's most important Islamic centers.