Somali Phrases for Travellers: Greetings, Numbers and Food Words
A few Somali phrases for travellers go a long way in Somaliland. Say hello, thank your host and order tea in Somali, and you will see faces light up.
Traditional Somali Clothing: What People Wear in Somaliland
Traditional Somali clothing is light, colourful and made for the heat. Here is what men and women wear in Somaliland, from the macawiis sarong to the dirac, and how the styles keep changing.
Education in Somaliland: Schools, Universities and the Road Ahead
Education in Somaliland was rebuilt almost from nothing after the civil war. Here is how the school system works, what the numbers show, the main universities, and the challenges still ahead.
Khat in Somaliland: Culture, Economy, Health and the Law
Khat in Somaliland is part of everyday life: a green leaf, trucked in from Ethiopia and chewed in long afternoon sessions. Here is what it is, why it matters to the economy, what health researchers say, and what visitors need to know.
Ramadan in Somaliland: Iftar, Eid and Everyday Customs
Ramadan in Somaliland slows the day and fills the evening. Here is how the fasting month is kept, what goes on the table at sunset, how families celebrate the two Eids, and how visitors can join in respectfully.
Camels in Somaliland: Milk, Poetry and the Wealth of the Herd
Camels in Somaliland are far more than livestock. They feed families, fill poems and once set the price of peace. Here is how the camel shapes daily life and culture, from the milk jug to the market.
Hargeisa International Book Fair: Somaliland’s Week of Books
The Hargeisa International Book Fair began in 2008 with about 200 visitors and a few dozen borrowed books. Today it fills a week each summer with writers, poets and readers. Here is its story, and how to plan a visit around it.
Somaliland Etiquette: A Friendly Guide to Local Customs
A warm greeting, a cup of spiced tea and a little modesty go a long way. Here is how to feel at home in Somaliland, and how to make your hosts feel the same.
Somaliland Food: What to Eat and Drink in Hargeisa
Spiced tea at sunrise, pancakes dripping with ghee, rice served with a banana on the side. A first taste of the Somaliland table.
When Words Were Mightier Than Weapons
In Somaliland, poems have halted clan fighting, defied a dictator and set the terms of national debates. A short history of the region’s most powerful art form.