Somalia

7 Pages 1866 Words

Introduction


This paper will discuss the Somali social and political organizational structure which is based on kinship groups. There are six main clan- families, the Dir, the Darod, the Isaq, the Hawiye, the Digil and the Rahanweyn. These clans-families are further subdivided into smaller clans. These clans, in turn, are subdivided into sub clans, or primary lineage groups. It is also claimed that all Somalis trace their origin t two brothers, Samaal and Saab (Sab). These brothers are said to have been members of the Prophet Muhammad’s tribe, the Qurash of Arabia. Although his can not be proven, most Somalis know this to be true. (Fox, pg 31)
History
Somalia is the easternmost country on the African continent. Its capital and largest city is Mogadishu. Somalia is often referred to as the Horn of Africa. Almost all of the Somali people are Sunni Muslims and speak the Somali language. However, some Somalis do speak Italian, Arabic, and English.
The official name for Somalia is the Somali Democratic Republic. It became an independent nation in 1960. Before that Somalia’s northern section was ruled by the British and the Southern section was ruled by Italy.
Most of Somalia came under colonial rule during the 1800’s. During the mid 1880’s the British occupied much of northern Somalia and they named it British Somaliland. In the late 1880’s, the Italians gained control over the southern part of Somalia and established the colony of the Italian Somaliland. By the 1900’s Somali nationalist began to fight the British Italians and the Ethiopians to regain control of their land.
During this crucial time in Somalia history, Sayyid Muhammad Adbille Hassan was the leader of the nationalist and was destined to become a great leader. He was born on April 7, 1864 and was a member of the Ogaden Clan.
“At the early age of seven, Muhammad began to learn the Quran under a local teacher, and by the age of ten, when his grand...