Established in 896 A.D as the first Muslim sultanate, Harar emerged as one of the most important cities in the horn of Africa, becoming a crossroads of commerce and culture. Great dynasties from India and the Middle East flourished in this small Eastern stronghold and the city gained a reputation for being a center of Islamic scholarship. Harar has been ranked by many as the fourth holiest city for Muslims, following Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.  After fourteen years of holy wars, the Great Jugal Wall was constructed around the city for defensive purposes. This great wall has not only served as physical protection, but has also helped the Harari to retain their own ethnic identity, culture and language. In 1995, Harar was granted legal independence as a separate city-state within the Federal Republic of Ethiopia.