Popular global content creator Dylan Page is visiting Ethiopia, with plans to explore the historic city of Harar in eastern Ethiopia — one of Africa’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. His visit comes at a time when African nations are increasingly seeking to reclaim and promote their own historical narratives, cultural identity, and tourism potential to global audiences.

Known as the “City of Saints” and often regarded as the fourth holiest city in Islam, Harar holds centuries of history within its ancient walls. At the heart of the city lies the legendary Harar Jugol — also known as the Jegol Wall — a fortified historic settlement recognized by UNESCO for its unique cultural and architectural significance. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, the wall surrounds a maze-like old city filled with narrow alleyways, traditional Harari homes, colorful markets, mosques, shrines, and centuries-old cultural traditions that continue to thrive today.

Harar once stood as a major center of trade connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia through caravan routes crossing the Horn of Africa. Its strategic location made it a hub for commerce, scholarship, and cultural exchange. The city is also famous for its distinctive Harari architecture, Islamic heritage, and the long-standing tradition of the “Hyena Men,” who feed wild hyenas by hand in a ritual that has become internationally recognized.

Across the African continent, ancient cities like Harar, Timbuktu, Great Zimbabwe, Lalibela, and Carthage represent more than tourist attractions. They are living testimonies to Africa’s role in global civilization, trade, religion, architecture, and intellectual history. Yet many of these historic sites remain underrepresented in global tourism narratives compared to heritage destinations in Europe and Asia.

The rise of digital creators and global social media influencers presents a new opportunity for Africa to showcase its authentic identity directly to international audiences. Visits by creators like Dylan Page can help bring global attention to Africa’s cultural wealth, challenge outdated stereotypes, and inspire travelers to explore the continent beyond conventional narratives centered on conflict and poverty.

Tourism rooted in authentic heritage can also create economic opportunities for local communities, support preservation efforts, and strengthen people-to-people ties between Africa and the rest of the world. In an increasingly digital era, storytelling through global platforms has become a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy and for redefining how Africa is seen internationally.

As more global visitors discover cities like Harar, Africa’s ancient heritage is gaining renewed visibility — not as relics of the past, but as living centers of identity, resilience, and cultural pride.