Bale, Bale, Oromia, Ethiopia
Shrine / Blessed Town · Islamic · 13th Century
Dirre Sheikh Hussein is a blessed town in the Bale Zone of the Oromia Region. It is named after Sheikh Hussein, a 13th-century Muslim saint who introduced Islam to the Sidamo people. The town is a major site of visitation, attracting tens of thousands of visitors twice a year. It is known for its beautiful white shrines and domes.
Construction: 13th Century – Ongoing
Founder: Sheikh Hussein
Key figures: Sheikh Hussein
Significance: A major site of visitation for Muslims in the Horn of Africa.
- 13th Century: Founded by Sheikh Hussein
Architectural styles: Islamic, Oromo
Materials: White Stone, Plaster
- White Domes: Distinctive white conical domes of the shrines.
- Zubeyda's Tomb: Tomb of the Sheikh's mother.
- Blessed Enclosure: Walled compound containing mosques and tombs.
Opening hours: 24 Hours (summer) · 24 Hours (winter) – Site of visitation.
- Donation: €0.00
Accessibility: Remote location.
Official site: http://tourismethiopia.org
Address: Dirre Sheikh Hussein, Bale Zone, Ethiopia
Coordinates: 7.75, 40.7