Ethiopian Bookbinder Links Community to Its Overlooked History
Harar, Ethiopia: A Journey into Cultural Preservation and Identity
In the eastern highlands of Ethiopia, the city of Harar stands as a vibrant testament to a rich Islamic heritage that has flourished over centuries. Abdallah Ali Sherif, a 75-year-old resident of Harar, reflects on his upbringing amidst a history often hidden away. “My parents told me we didn’t have one,” he recalls, seated comfortably on a mattress in his modest home, surrounded by shelves filled with dusty cassettes and newspapers. Growing up, Sherif and many like him were raised in an environment where cultural expression was stifled, primarily due to fears instilled by past governmental repression.
For a significant period, Harar was more than just a city; it was a center of Islamic scholarship. Known for its colorful clay houses and intricate manuscripts, it was a place where the Qur’an and other religious texts were produced in both Arabic and Ajami, a modified Arabic script. At its height during the 16th century, Harar was the capital of the Adal Sultanate, an influential Islamic polity that controlled territories across the Horn of Africa, including what is now modern-day Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea.
However, the dynamics shifted in 1887 when military forces from Ethiopia’s Menelik II annexed Harar, leading to a systematic transformation of the city’s cultural landscape. The imposition of a Christian-dominant regime marked the beginning of an era characterized by severe restrictions on Islamic practices. Arabic street signage was replaced with Amharic, and revered mosques were repurposed. This historical backdrop profoundly shaped Sherif’s childhood.
As freedoms expanded with the rise of ethnic federalism in 1991, Sherif embarked on a mission to rediscover and preserve his city’s unique cultural identity. He began collecting artifacts to establish Ethiopia’s first private museum, the Abdallah Sherif Museum, which opened its doors 14 years ago. His efforts have revitalized the once-neglected practice of manuscript bookbinding, reflecting a dedication to reconnecting Harar’s residents with their historical legacy.
The cultural significance of manuscript production in Harar cannot be understated. Nuraddin Aman, an assistant professor of philology at Addis Ababa University, emphasizes its role in safeguarding religious knowledge since the 13th century. Influences from across regions, including Arabian and Indian styles, contributed to the uniqueness of Harari scripts. These manuscripts were not just documents; they were cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations, and their restoration remains a labor of love for Sherif.
With a collection of approximately 1,400 manuscripts, the museum has evolved into a cornerstone for preserving the city’s Islamic narratives. Featuring hundreds of years-old Qurans and other historical artifacts, it now serves as an educational and cultural hub. Beyond preserving manuscripts, Sherif’s museum plays a crucial role in reviving traditional bookbinding methods that risked extinction.
By training young individuals in these ancient techniques, Sherif ensures that invaluable skills are passed on, fostering a new generation committed to cultural preservation. Elias Bule, a former security guard at the museum, now works alongside Sherif, embodying the shared vision of protecting their rich heritage.
The unfolding narrative of Harar encapsulates a broader renaissance of Islamic culture and identity in Ethiopia. As the world looks toward the future, the preservation of such rich histories becomes increasingly important in fostering understanding and unity. In Harar, cultural revival transcends mere coexistence; it is an act of resilience and pride.
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