Feeding the Demons: Harar’s Unique Tradition of Hyena Worship and Tourism Promotion

Harar, an ancient city located in eastern Ethiopia, has a unique tradition where people feed hyenas in exchange for their assistance in keeping the streets clean and warding off demons. As night falls, the hyenas gather in the city, eagerly awaiting their feeding session. Abbas Yusuf, a local resident, is one of the individuals who participates in this ritual, attracting tourists from all over who come to witness and take part in this fascinating custom. Despite their negative reputation in other parts of Ethiopia and Africa, hyenas are highly respected and encouraged in Harar.

In contrast to other regions where conflicts between humans and hyenas are commonplace, the hyenas play an essential role as Harar’s garbage disposal system. They emerge through gates in the city walls each night to feed on food scraps left on the streets. Abbas learned this tradition from his father and has developed a close bond with the animals, naming them and caring for them when they are injured. Many locals believe that hyenas have supernatural powers that can protect them from evil spirits.

The Ethiopian government aims to capitalize on the relationship between Abbas and the hyenas to promote tourism by constructing a $2.5 million eco-park near the feeding site. The park will feature shops, cafes, and a museum to provide visitors with an immersive experience. However, there is concern that this project could disrupt the delicate balance between humans and hyenas if new structures interfere with their feeding patterns. The coexistence of humans and hyenas in Harar is fragile and must be closely monitored as the city seeks to attract more tourists.

In conclusion, Harar’s unique tradition of feeding hyenas has been an integral part of its culture for centuries. While conflicts between humans and hyenas are common elsewhere, Hyenas play a vital role as Harar’s garbage disposal system while also being highly respected among locals due to their supernatural powers that can protect them from evil spirits. The Ethiopian government aims to promote tourism by constructing an eco-park near the feeding site but must be cautious not to disrupt their delicate balance with humans if new structures interfere with their feeding patterns as they seek more visitors to explore this fascinating cultural heritage site in Eastern Ethiopia