Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow Sheikh Bashir Sheikh Yusuf: The Leader of the Final Jihad in Somaliland targeting the cities of Burao and Erigavo. This revolt was a crucial part of the broader anti-colonial struggle and reflected the ongoing influence of Islamic scholars in leading resistance against colonialism. It was built on the legacy of Sayid Mohamed...
April 16, 2025
Category: History
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Politics, Intervention, and Proxy Wars in the Horn of Africa Region (HoA)
By Faisal A. Roble Introduction This essay is based on two unpublished manuscripts on the Political Economy of Intervention and Historical Injustices against Somalis. I will argue that intervention in the Horn of Africa Region is a colonial function and has roots both in African enslavement and subsequent colonization. Beginning with the 1884 Berlin Conference,...
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Historical Trajectory of Somalia: An Overview of Key Narratives and Challenges
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow This article provides an overview of ten key narratives in Somalia’s trajectory of historical development. These narratives include Somalia’s rich ancient history, its early maritime trade networks, and the significant influence of Islam on Somali society. It also examines the disruption caused by colonial powers, the role of Somali nationalism in shaping...
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The Prominent Sheikhs of the Qadiriyya Order in Banadir
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow This article is dedicated to the esteemed scholars of Islam who belong to the Qaderiya order in the historical Bandir region. It continues our series of short biographies that highlight the lives and contributions of prominent Somalis. Through this series, we aim to shed light on the significant roles these scholars have...
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Haji Farah Oomar Ileeye (1879-1949): The Staunch Nationalist and the First Somali Lawyer
By Abdulrahman Baadiyow Haji Farah Oomar Ileeye (1879–1949) was a dedicated Somali nationalist and a pioneer in the realm of Somali civil society. He was born in Hagal in the Saahil region of Somaliland, within a wealthy pastoral family connected to the Qaderiyah Sufi order. From a young age, Haji Farah’s education began at a...
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History of Zayla: A Somali Port Under Theoretical Offence Part I
By Said M-Shidad Hussein Abstract: Zaylac or Zayla‘ is apparently objective of what is recently called “a deal” between the Hargeysa-based ‘ Somaliland’ administration of northwestern Somalia and the government of Ethiopia. This is not only because in the Ethiopian government’s rhetorical approach for the issue, a myth of historical maritime right over the regional...
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The Advent of Humanity’s Sunshine (PBUH)
BY: MANSOOR ALAM Prophet Ismail (PBUH) had 12 sons. His second son Qaydaar (قیدار) settled in Hijaz and became the custodian of Kaaba built by Ibrahim (PBUH) and Ismail (PBUH). Prophet Ismail’s descendants, over time, became a large community. They expanded into large number of different tribes. But, the clan of Quraysh (قریش) occupied superior and...
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Axmed Faarax Cali (Idaajaa): A Literary Icon
By Abdi Mohamed Axmed Farax Cali, also known as Idaajaa, is a household name in Somalia. Idaajaa is a literary scholar who researches, collects and broadcasts Somali poetry on radio. During his long career, he has dealt with gabay, guurow, buraanbur, and many other genres in the realm of verse. He started collecting Somali poetry...
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The Khanates: Excerpts- The Tatar Invasions of Muslim Lands: From Islamic and secular perspectives
By Adan Makina This is an excerpt from Author Adan Makina’s upcoming book: “The Tatar Invasions of Muslim Lands: from Islamic and secular perspectives.” With the history of the Mongols or Tatars lopsided, twisted and written according to every historian’s whim, one could see a lot of misconceptions and deficiencies in the era incidents happened...
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Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale
JASMINE BAGER JEDDAH: The darkened hall at gallery 5 at the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Hajj terminal in Jeddah offers visitors plenty of ambiance to see the artifacts from a dozen respected institutions. One highlight is by the Republic of Uzbekistan, a country in Central Asia, roughly a six-hour flight away. Visitors will have...