ADDIS ABABA – Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient, forgotten city in Ethiopia that unveils the origin of Islam in the country and its trade relations with India between the 10th and early 15th centuries.
The discovery of Harlaa — a city 120 km from the Red Sea coast and 300 km from Addis Adaba — revealed a 12th-century mosque, evidence of Islamic burials and headstones, glass vessel fragments, rock crystal,glass beads, imported cowry shells and pottery from Madagascar, Maldives, Yemen and China.
The architecture of the mosque is similar to those found in southern Tanzania and Somaliland, showing connections between different Islamic communities in Africa.
©Alleastafrica and agencies
