Hirna

Hirna (also transliterated Irna) is a town in eastern Ethiopia. Located in the Mirab (West) Hararghe Zone, it has a latitude and longitude of 9°13′N 41°06′E / 9.217°N 41.100°E / 9.217; 41.100Coordinates: 9°13′N 41°06′E / 9.217°N 41.100°E / 9.217; 41.100 and an altitude of 1763 meters above sea level. It is the larger of the two towns in Tulo woreda.

Overview

Hirna is located on the main highway between Asebe Teferi and Alemaya in the Chercher Mountains. This follows an old caravan route between Shewa and Harar, which was in use during Arthur Rimbaud's residence at Harar. Telephone service came to this town between 1954 and 1968.

In response to king Menelik's orders to occupy the Cherchers, in November 1887 Dejazmach Wolde Gabriel marched forth with a mixed force of Amhara riflemen and Oromos, and set up camp at Hirna. According to Harold Marcus, his army "was in poor shape, reduced to a relatively small number by sickness and desertions." A night attack by Emir 'Abd Allah's army routed the Dejazmach's force, sending them fleeing westward towards the Awash River.