The Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH) says that a research team has discovered archaeological findings that depict the civilization of ‘Harla,’ the key center for international trade and beginning of Islam in Eastern Ethiopia during the medieval period.
Deputy Head of Public relations of the Authority, Fanta Belay told WMC that one archeological research team reveals findings that the old city of ‘Harla’.
The research is conducted for about two years by archeologists drawn from British Exeter University, Belgian Leuven University and Addis Ababa University.
The archeological findings that depict the old civilization were collected in the city of ‘Harla’ digging 2.5 meters down underground.
Lead researcher of the archeologists team , Professor Timothy Insoll, said on his part that the 12th century mosque , evidence of Islamic burials and headstones as well as glass vessel fragments, rock crystals, carnelian, and glass beads were found in the site of Harla.
Particularly, glass vessels, silver and bronze coins, gemstones and utensils from Yemen and China reassured that the oldest cosmopolitan was the center for Jewelry making and international trade, the professor underscored.
The archeological research conducted on the civilization of the oldest town of ‘Harla,’ which dates back to 6thcentury, is expected to continue in full energy.
The oldest city of ‘ Harla ’ is 500 kilometers far away from Addis Ababa and found in the outskirts of the city of Dire Dawa, Walta learnt.