Chelenqo is a town in eastern Ethiopia located in the Oromia region a few km west of Harar.[1][2] It was historically located in the Chercher region of Harar.[3]
The town is linked to the Middle Ages during the reign of the Makhzumi dynasty as engravings in the area date back to the 13th century.[4] Chelenqo is also part of an ancient bartering route in the region which consists of livestock vendors.[5]
In 1887 the Battle of Chelenqo took place between the Emirate of Harar and the Abyssinian state of Shewa following the latter's invasion.[6] Skeletal remains belonging to the fallen soldiers of Harar Amir Abdullahi II were visible in Chelenqo until recently.[7] In the neighboring Harari Regional State"the Chelenqo Martyrs" day is observed based on this conflict.[8]
French writer Hugues Le Roux upon visiting Chelenqo in the early 1900s, described it as possessing spectacular cornfields encircled by mountains.[9]
