Dhulbahante In Somaliland
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The Dhulbahante ( so, Dhulbahante, ar, دلبةنتئ) is a
Somali clan The Somalis ( so, Soomaalida 𐒈𐒝𐒑𐒛𐒐𐒘𐒆𐒖, ar, صوماليون) are an ethnic group native to the Horn of Africa who share a common ancestry, culture and history. The Lowland East Cushitic Somali language is the shared mo ...
family, part of the
Harti Harti ( so, Harti, ar, هرتي), meaning "strong man", is a Somali clan family that is part of the Darod clan. The major sub-clans include the Majeerteen, Dhulbahante, Warsangali, Tinle, Maganlabe and Dishiishe, while other minor sub-clans ...
clan which itself belongs to the largest Somali clan-family — the
Darod The Darod ( so, Daarood, ar, دارود) is a Somali clan. The forefather of this clan was Sheikh Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti, more commonly known as ''Darood''. The clan primarily settles the apex of the Horn of Africa and its peripherie ...
. They are the traditional inhabitants of the physiographic
Nugaal Nugaal is an intermittent river that runs along the Nugaal Valley. It begins several miles to the west of Sool, and ends at Eyl where the outlet flows into the Indian Ocean. It evaporates at the onset of the hagaa, the Somali dry season. Due to ...
in its topographic sense, and its pre-independence administrative sense, which included Doollo. The clan's progenitor is buried at Badweyn. The Ali Gheri clan were the first tribe to adopt the Dervish (Daraawiish) identity.*
*
*
Colonial administrator
Douglas Jardine Douglas Robert Jardine ( 1900 – 1958) was an English cricketer who played 22 Test matches for England, captaining the side in 15 of those matches between 1931 and 1934. A right-handed batsman, he is best known for captaining the English ...
, stated the following about Dervish demographics: The supreme
Garad Garad ( Harari: ገራድ, , , Oromo: ''Garaada'') is a term used to refer to a clan leader or regional administrator. It was used primarily by Muslims in the Horn of Africa that were associated with Islamic states, most notably the Adal Sultanat ...
of the Dhulbahante is currently
Garad Jama Garad Ali Garad Jama Garad Ali ( so, Garaad Jaamac Garaad Cali, ar, (جراد جامع جراد علي is the supreme traditional clan chief (Garad) of the Dhulbahante. On May 22, 2006 he was crowned in Las Anod in the presences of a large crowd, including ...
.


Overview

The extended formal name of Dhulbahante, the clan's forefather was ''Said Saleh Abdi Mohamed
Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti, ( ar, عبدالرحمن بن اسماعيل الجبرتي) also known as Daarood, Dawud or Da'ud (), is the semi-legendary common ancestor of the Somali Darod clan. According to local tradition, Abdirahman d ...
'' whose resting place is Badweyn. According to Somali tradition, his mother hailed from the of
Arap The Arap or Arab ( so, Arab, ar, أرب, Full Name: ''Muḥammad ibn ash-Shaykh Isḥāq ibn Aḥmad bin al-Ḥusayn al-Hāshimīy'' ) clan is a major clan of the wider Isaaq clan family and is the twin of Garhajis (Ismail), according to the c ...
clan of the
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
clan-family. This maternal connection has enticed a mutual affinity between the two clans. The primary homeland of the clan straddles the
Haud The Haud (also Hawd) (, ), formerly known as the Hawd Reserve Area is a plateau situated in the Horn of Africa consisting of thorn-bush and grasslands. The region includes the southern part of Somaliland as well as the northern and eastern part ...
region and the Nugaal Valley, hence segments of the clan who settle in either plateau are colloquially referred to as the ''Reer Hawd'' and ''Reer Nugaaled''. Currently, the clan has 13 active
Garad Garad ( Harari: ገራድ, , , Oromo: ''Garaada'') is a term used to refer to a clan leader or regional administrator. It was used primarily by Muslims in the Horn of Africa that were associated with Islamic states, most notably the Adal Sultanat ...
s. The most senior Garaad of these traditional leaders is
Garad Jama Garad Ali Garad Jama Garad Ali ( so, Garaad Jaamac Garaad Cali, ar, (جراد جامع جراد علي is the supreme traditional clan chief (Garad) of the Dhulbahante. On May 22, 2006 he was crowned in Las Anod in the presences of a large crowd, including ...
who succeeded his uncle
Garad Abdiqani Garad Jama Garad Abdiqani Garad Jama ( so, Garaad Cabdiqani Garaad Jaamac) was the twentieth supreme traditional clan chief (Garad) of the Dhulbahante, and the tenth minister of foreign affairs of Somalia. In May 1991, the Garad led the Dhulbahante delegati ...
. The use of the traditional hereditary title of ''
Garad Garad ( Harari: ገራድ, , , Oromo: ''Garaada'') is a term used to refer to a clan leader or regional administrator. It was used primarily by Muslims in the Horn of Africa that were associated with Islamic states, most notably the Adal Sultanat ...
'' (which is most widespread among the Dhulbahante), was first inaugurated by the great ancestor Garad Shirshore who previously served as a '' Ugaas''. The clan boasts a history of anti-colonial resistance. In a bloody war against the
British Empire The British Empire was composed of the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. It began with the overseas possessions and trading posts esta ...
the Dhulbahante along with several other clans propelled the Dervish movement to defeat the empire in a series of military expeditions. The rebellion caused the death of one-third (or 200,000) of the population of the
Somaliland protectorate British Somaliland, officially the Somaliland Protectorate ( so, Dhulka Maxmiyada Soomaalida ee Biritishka), was a British protectorate in present-day Somaliland. During its existence, the territory was bordered by Italian Somalia, French So ...
, most severely effecting the Dhulbahante clan with whom there was no treaty of protection. John Drysdale and Ioan M. Lewis, who had conducted research in
British Somaliland British Somaliland, officially the Somaliland Protectorate ( so, Dhulka Maxmiyada Soomaalida ee Biritishka), was a British Empire, British protectorate in present-day Somaliland. During its existence, the territory was bordered by Italian Soma ...
in the 1950s, noted that there was not that much of an attachment of the clan to Dervish history at that time. Nevertheless, to honor the Dervish freedom fighters, the name ''Daraawiish'' is now given to almost all regional paramilitaries in Somalia.


Distribution

In
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
, the Dhulbahante almost exclusively inhabit the
Sool Sool ( so, Sool, ar, صول) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in south eastern Somaliland/north western Somalia. It borders Togdheer to the west, Sanaag to the north, Ethiopia to the south and Nugal, Bari to the east. Its capital city ...
region. Michael Walls on the Dhulbahante and
Sool Sool ( so, Sool, ar, صول) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in south eastern Somaliland/north western Somalia. It borders Togdheer to the west, Sanaag to the north, Ethiopia to the south and Nugal, Bari to the east. Its capital city ...
says:
"The residents of Sool overwhelmingly hail from a single clan grouping in the form of the Dhulbahante .. Sool boasts a degree of kinship homogeneity that is rare even in the Somali Horn".
The clan inhabits
Taleh Taleh ( so, Taleex, ar, تليح) is a historical town in the eastern Sool region of Somaliland. As of September 2015, both Puntland and Somaliland had nominal influence or control in Taleh and it's vicinity. The town served as the capital ...
, most of Hudun and most of
Las Anod Las Anod ( so, Laascaanood; ar, لاسعانود) is the administrative capital of the Sool, Somaliland, Sool region of Somaliland. Territorial dispute The city is disputed by Puntland and Somaliland. The former bases its claim due to the ki ...
districts, in Sool, Sanaag Toghdeer regions. In a survey conducted in 2011 of Las Anod District 92.5% of the respondents identified as Dhulbahante whilst 2.5%, 1.5% and 1.3% identified as
Hawiye The Hawiye ( so, Hawiye, ar, بنو هوية, it, Hauija) is the largest Somali clan family. Members of this clan traditionally inhabit central and southern Somalia, Somaliland, Ethiopia ( Somali, Harar, Oromia and Afar regions) and the Nor ...
,
Bantu Bantu may refer to: *Bantu languages, constitute the largest sub-branch of the Niger–Congo languages *Bantu peoples, over 400 peoples of Africa speaking a Bantu language * Bantu knots, a type of African hairstyle *Black Association for National ...
and
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
respectively. In the
Sanaag Sanag ( so, Sanaag, ar, سَنَاج) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in north eastern Somaliland.Regions o ...
region the clan is only present in the
Erigavo Erigavo ( so, Ceerigaabo, ), also spelled as Erigabo, is the capital and largest city of the Sanaag region of Somaliland. History The Erigavo settlement is several centuries old. The surrounding area was supposedly built by the Madigan Dir. ...
district along with the Habr Yonis and
Habr Je'lo The Habr Je'lo ( so, Habar Jeclo, ar, هبر جعلو , Full Name: ''Mūsa ibn ash-Shaykh Isḥāq ibn Aḥmad,'' historically known as the Habr Toljaala ( so, Habar Toljeclo) is a major sub-tribe of the wider Isaaq family. Its members form p ...
clans, whilst well represented in the regional capital of
Erigavo Erigavo ( so, Ceerigaabo, ), also spelled as Erigabo, is the capital and largest city of the Sanaag region of Somaliland. History The Erigavo settlement is several centuries old. The surrounding area was supposedly built by the Madigan Dir. ...
. Similarly in
Togdheer Togdheer ( so, Togdheer, ar, تُوْجْدَيْر, Tūjdayr) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in central Somaliland. Togdheer is bordered by Maroodi Jeex to the west, Saaxil to the north, Sanaag to the northeast, Sool to the east a ...
, the clan solely lives in the district of
Buuhoodle Buuhoodle ( so, Buuhoodle, ar, بووهودل), also known as Bohotle, is the second largest city in the Togdheer region of Somaliland and also the capital of the Cayn region under Puntland. It is a prominent border town for movements of goods t ...
. The district of Buuhoodle was made a region by the state of Puntland and its name was changed to Cayn in 2004. Hence, the popular abbreviation SSC which denotes the traditional Dhulbahante territories within Somaliland. In
Somalia Somalia, , Osmanya script: 𐒈𐒝𐒑𐒛𐒐𐒘𐒕𐒖; ar, الصومال, aṣ-Ṣūmāl officially the Federal Republic of SomaliaThe ''Federal Republic of Somalia'' is the country's name per Article 1 of thProvisional Constituti ...
, they inhabit the Jubaland state, where there is a long settled Dhulbahante trading community in the port city of
Kismayo Kismayo ( so, Kismaayo, Maay: ''Kismanyy'', ar, كيسمايو, ; it, Chisimaio) is a port city in the southern Lower Juba (Jubbada Hoose) province of Somalia. It is the commercial capital of the autonomous Jubaland region. The city is situa ...
and its surrounding district, in southern Somalia. In
Ethiopia Ethiopia, , om, Itiyoophiyaa, so, Itoobiya, ti, ኢትዮጵያ, Ítiyop'iya, aa, Itiyoppiya officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the ...
, the Dhulbahante clan settle in the Somali Regional State. They are present in the
Dollo Zone Dollo ( so, Doollo) is one of the nine zones in the Somali Region of Ethiopia. It was previously known as Warder/Werder, so named after its largest city, Warder. Dollo is bordered on the southwest by Korahe, on the northwest by Jarar, on the ...
, specifically in the woredas of Boh, Danot and Werder, in
Ciid Ciid or 'Iid ( so, Arlo Ciideed) is an archaic native geographic name for the land between the region of Mudug and the Nugaal Valley, roughly congruous with the northern Bookh district in Ethiopia. As such, Ciid constitutes the tripoint of the f ...
.in
Ciid Ciid or 'Iid ( so, Arlo Ciideed) is an archaic native geographic name for the land between the region of Mudug and the Nugaal Valley, roughly congruous with the northern Bookh district in Ethiopia. As such, Ciid constitutes the tripoint of the f ...
In Kenya, there is a small but notable Dhulbahante community in the North Eastern Province. During the Darawiish era, the Bah Udgoon, a Qayaad division had a garesa (dervish fortification) at Qollad near modern
Galmudug Galmudug ( ar, جلمدج; it, Galmudugh), officially Galmudug State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Galmudug ee Soomaaliya), is a Federal Member State in central Somalia, with its capital at Dhusamareb. It is bordered to the north by the Pu ...
. During arid soil conditions, contemporary pastoral Dhulbahante nomads likewise divagate halfway towards the Puntland coast. The Dhulbahante exclusively settle in the northern Somali cities of
Las Anod Las Anod ( so, Laascaanood; ar, لاسعانود) is the administrative capital of the Sool, Somaliland, Sool region of Somaliland. Territorial dispute The city is disputed by Puntland and Somaliland. The former bases its claim due to the ki ...
and
Buuhoodle Buuhoodle ( so, Buuhoodle, ar, بووهودل), also known as Bohotle, is the second largest city in the Togdheer region of Somaliland and also the capital of the Cayn region under Puntland. It is a prominent border town for movements of goods t ...
. Moreover, they are well represented in the cities of
Erigavo Erigavo ( so, Ceerigaabo, ), also spelled as Erigabo, is the capital and largest city of the Sanaag region of Somaliland. History The Erigavo settlement is several centuries old. The surrounding area was supposedly built by the Madigan Dir. ...
and
Garowe Garowe ( so, Garoowe, ar, غَاْرَّوْؤَيَ,
. The Baho Nugaaled, particularly the Ugaasyo Dhulbahante, are the most geographically dispersed, with towns such as Yoocada in Las Anod district and Bandar Salam in
Middle Juba Middle Juba ( so, Jubbada Dhexe, Maay: ''Jubithy Dhahy'', ar, جوبا الأوسط, it, Medio Giuba) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in southern Somalia. With its capital at Bu'aale, it is located in the autonomous Jubaland region. ...
. According to Roy Irons, Dhulbahante were the largest subclan of the northern clans during the onset of colonialism. Somali academic
Said Sheikh Samatar Said Sheikh Samatar ( so, Siciid Sheekh Samatar, ar, سعيد الشيخ سمتر‎; 1943–24 February 2015) was a prominent Somali scholar and writer. Biography Early years Said was born in 1943 in the Ogaden in Ethiopia to Faduma and Sh ...
stated that the Nugaal, which is formed of the Nugaal plateau beneath the Cal range, and the Nugaal valley in the Sool province, is a Dhulbahante territory, and the site of the biggest Darawiish confrontations:
The climate of the Nugaal, a region which constitutes the heartlands of the Dulbahante, is highly suited for breeding and rearing ponies... The country of the Dulbahante is the prize of pastoral habitat: well-watered and well-pastured, the Nugaal valley provides a welcome sanc-tuary from the perennial twin scourges of Somali pastoralism, thirst and starvation... Demoralized and disorganized, the Dervishes were forced to disperse all over the Nugaal and the Haud after their resounding defeat by the British expeditionary force. Not only did they sustain heavy casualties (7,000 to 8,000 in dead and injured) but also the loss of 20,000 of their best war-horses
The pre-independence Nogal District partly corresponding with modern Sool, was described as "entirely Dolbahanta" by John Hunt. British Colonial Officer John Anthony Hunt, whose word was regarded by Berbera's colonial office as "The Koran, the Bible" described the Dhulbahante as the owners of the Nugaal, the head of the Nogal valley in Badwein being where the clan progenitor/ancestor is buried.


History


19th century

19th-century explorer C.J Cruttenden on the Dhulbahante and their Suleiman horse breed:
"The Dulbahanta are a nation who fight chiefly on horseback, their arms being two spears and a shield. Their horses are powerful and courageous; the breed descended, according to Somali tradition, from the stud of Suleiman, the son Of David, and consequently is highly valued. The Dulbahanta, as far as I have seen of them, are a fine martial race of men, second to none...either in conduct or appearance".
The clan boundary between the
Habr Je'lo The Habr Je'lo ( so, Habar Jeclo, ar, هبر جعلو , Full Name: ''Mūsa ibn ash-Shaykh Isḥāq ibn Aḥmad,'' historically known as the Habr Toljaala ( so, Habar Toljeclo) is a major sub-tribe of the wider Isaaq family. Its members form p ...
, a clan of the
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
clan-family, and the Dhulbahante clan during the 19th century was traditionally in ''Laba Garday'', situated between
War Idaad War Idaad, also known as Wandad, Waridad, or Waridud is a town in Aynabo District, in the Sool region of Somaliland. In 2008, the surrounding villages were combined and promoted to "War Idaad District", and several more surrounding districts were c ...
and Wadamago. The Dhulbahante traditionally had two adjacent kingdoms: Markus Hoehne described the 19th century existence of a northern Dhulbahante kingdom and a southern Dhulbahante kingdom as follows:


Dervish Period

Dervish forces mostly hailed from the Dhulbahante. The Dhulbahante in Buuhodle were particularly the first and most persistent supporters of the Dervish Movement. Höhne on the Dhulbahante and the Dervish Movement states:
"The majority of them came from the Dhulbahante clan. Members of this clan were camel herders and renown warriors (Cruttenden 1849). The British had not concluded a ‘treaty of protection’ with them, as they had done with the inhabitants of the coast, who belonged to various Isaaq or Dir clans."
Along with the Dhulbahante, the
Ogaden Ogaden (pronounced and often spelled ''Ogadēn''; so, Ogaadeen, am, ውጋዴ/ውጋዴን) is one of the historical names given to the modern Somali Region, the territory comprising the eastern portion of Ethiopia formerly part of the Harargh ...
, and segments of the
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
such as the
Habr Je'lo The Habr Je'lo ( so, Habar Jeclo, ar, هبر جعلو , Full Name: ''Mūsa ibn ash-Shaykh Isḥāq ibn Aḥmad,'' historically known as the Habr Toljaala ( so, Habar Toljeclo) is a major sub-tribe of the wider Isaaq family. Its members form p ...
and eastern sections of the
Habr Yunis The Habar Yoonis ( ar, هبر يونس , Full Name: '' Said ibn Al-Qādhī Ismā'īl ibn ash-Shaykh Isḥāq ibn Aḥmad bin Muḥammad bin al-Ḥusayn al-Hāshimīy'' ) alternatively spelled as Habr Yunis is a major clan part of the sub-clan ...
clan loyal to Sultan Nur were part of the Movement. The Dervish Movement resisted colonial occupation, especially the British who were aided by
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
troops. The Achilles heel of the British empire in the
Somaliland Protectorate British Somaliland, officially the Somaliland Protectorate ( so, Dhulka Maxmiyada Soomaalida ee Biritishka), was a British protectorate in present-day Somaliland. During its existence, the territory was bordered by Italian Somalia, French So ...
was the un-administered east, inhabited by the Dhubahante,
Warsangali The Warsangali ( so, Warsangeli, ar, قبيلة ورسنجلي) is a major Somali sub clan, part of the Harti clan which itself belongs to one of the largest Somali clan-families - the Darod. In the Somali language, the name Warsangali means ...
and a few sections of the
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
. In this light Douglas Jardine explains that British priority was to keep the former two clans neutral, as the British administration and its allied clans would not be able to resist them without outside aid. The British found it exceptionally difficult to administer the hinterland in the east, as Jess reports "in 1901 a joint Anglo-Ethiopian expedition of almost 17,000 men failed to accomplish anything other than to drive the Mullah temporarily across the border into the Mijertein". In later years, the British increased their engagement with the hinterland to suppress the movement, yet the previously "insignificant corner of the Empire" proved to be exasperating and costly both financially and in human life. The British consistently intended the demise and destruction of the Dhulbahante who were avid Dervishes. In this Regard, British Commissioner Eric Swayne was delighted in their slaughter of the Dhulbahante clans. Sessional Papers - Volume 69 - Page 7


Dervish raids on the Dhulbahante

In July 1901, the British made attempts to expel the Dervish Movement out of the Dhulbahante territory, to achieve this they devised a plan to crush "the Dhulbahante who willingly and persistently assisted" the dervishes. A British colonial Officer, Roy Irons believed the Dhulbahante joined the Dervish movement more out of fear rather than ideological devotion and in order to demonstrate British supremacy and power over these clans it was necessary to crush them. Roy Irons'','' the author of Churchill and the Mad Mullah of Somaliland notes: Sections of the Dhulbahante like the Reer Hagar of the
Farah Garad The Farah Garad or the Garad Farah ( so, Faarax Garaad, ar, محمد جراد, Full Name:'' ’Farah Shirshore Habarwa Abdullah Muse Dhulbahante, Said Harti, Saleh Abdi Darod, Mohamed Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti'' ) is a Somali clan which i ...
and other sections inhabiting
Buuhoodle Buuhoodle ( so, Buuhoodle, ar, بووهودل), also known as Bohotle, is the second largest city in the Togdheer region of Somaliland and also the capital of the Cayn region under Puntland. It is a prominent border town for movements of goods t ...
fought alongside the British against the Dervishes after being raided by the Mullah's forces. Dhulbahante friendlies would also sometimes raid the Dervishes, looting their livestock as well as weapons. The book ''A Fine Chest of Medals: The Life of Jack Archer'' reports: In 1904 the Dervishes attacked the Jama Siad sub-division of the
Mohamoud Garad The Mohamoud Garad ( so, Maxamuud Garaad, ar, محمود جراد, Full Name:'' ’Mohamoud Shirshore Habarwa Abdullah Muse Said Saleh Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti'' ) is a Somali clan. Its members form a part of the Dhulba ...
clan. The Dervishes looted 400 camels while killing two men. ''The Parliamentary Debates (official Report).: House of Commons'' in 1913 notes: The British War Office similarly notes that apart from the
Farah Garad The Farah Garad or the Garad Farah ( so, Faarax Garaad, ar, محمد جراد, Full Name:'' ’Farah Shirshore Habarwa Abdullah Muse Dhulbahante, Said Harti, Saleh Abdi Darod, Mohamed Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti'' ) is a Somali clan which i ...
sub-division the rest of the Dhulbahante clan joined out of fear of the Mullah or by personal gain: In 1908 the Dhulbahante once again raided the Dervish and looted their camels. Hassan sent a letter to the British Commissioner Cordeaux, requesting his camels be returned and
blood money Blood money may refer to: * Blood money (restitution), money paid to the family of a murder victim Films * Blood Money (1917 film), ''Blood Money'' (1917 film), a film starring Harry Carey * Blood Money (1921 film), ''Blood Money'' (1921 film ...
be paid. An excerpt from Hassan's letter to Cordeaux reads:
Your people, the Dolbahanta tribe, have killed fifteen of our men and looted eighty-four camels. I do not know if Abdulla Shahari reported this to you: if he did the fault lies with you; if not, I do hereby acquaint you of it. You are requested to restore to us our camels and the blood shed by your people
In 1912 the Dervish army compelled friendly segments of the Dhulbahante clan to retire to the British controlled territory to gain protection. This was after the Mullah had constantly launched raids that took a heavy toll on the clan. ''World War 1 at Sea - Contemporary Accounts'' reports: The Farah Garad subclan was also raided by the Dervishes, specifically the Ali Gheri subclan, who were set upon and attacked by Hassan and his Dervish army, forcing them to evacuate and seek refuge in
Burao Burao, also spelt Bur'o or Bur'ao (; so, Burco, , ar, برعو) is the capital of the Togdheer region and the second largest city in Somaliland. Burao was also the third largest city of Somalia. Burao was the site of the declaration of an in ...
,
Berbera Berbera (; so, Barbara, ar, بربرة) is the capital of the Sahil region of Somaliland and is the main sea port of the country. Berbera is a coastal city and was the former capital of the British Somaliland protectorate before Hargeisa. It ...
and
Haud The Haud (also Hawd) (, ), formerly known as the Hawd Reserve Area is a plateau situated in the Horn of Africa consisting of thorn-bush and grasslands. The region includes the southern part of Somaliland as well as the northern and eastern part ...
among the
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
clans. British colonial governor
Horace Byatt Sir Horace Archer Byatt (22 March 1875 – 8 April 1933) was a British colonial governor. In the early part of his career he served in Nyasaland, British Somaliland, Gibraltar and Malta. Later, he served in British East Africa, becoming the firs ...
reported that 800 Dhulbahante refugees arrived in
Berbera Berbera (; so, Barbara, ar, بربرة) is the capital of the Sahil region of Somaliland and is the main sea port of the country. Berbera is a coastal city and was the former capital of the British Somaliland protectorate before Hargeisa. It ...
, but feared that they could not be protected nor fed properly, stating that only 300 native infantry and 200
King's African Rifles The King's African Rifles (KAR) was a multi-battalion British colonial regiment raised from Britain's various possessions in East Africa from 1902 until independence in the 1960s. It performed both military and internal security functions within ...
were in Berbera and insufficient to hold off a Dervish attack. Byatt also raised concerns for the Dhulbahante refugees en route to British controlled territory and the possibility of them being looted by hostile clans, particularly the
Habr Yunis The Habar Yoonis ( ar, هبر يونس , Full Name: '' Said ibn Al-Qādhī Ismā'īl ibn ash-Shaykh Isḥāq ibn Aḥmad bin Muḥammad bin al-Ḥusayn al-Hāshimīy'' ) alternatively spelled as Habr Yunis is a major clan part of the sub-clan ...
. Baron Ismay in his intelligence report on the Dervish raids on the Ali Gheri and the Dolbahanta clan's of Bohotle notes:
No important move was made till November 1911, when he successfully attacked the Ali Gheri at Bohotleh. He followed this up in February 1912 with an attack on the Dolbahanta at Eildab, In this engagement our people lost all their stock and were reduced to starvation. They flocked to Berbera demanding to be supported. Yet another attack on Bohotleh in March resulted in the remaining Dolbahanta in that vicinity being looted and driven out. Bohotleh remained in Dervish hands.
In June 1913 the Farah Garad subclan suffered yet another Dervish raid on their towns at Udaweina. General
Richard Corfield Richard Conyngham Corfield (27 April 1882 – 9 August 1913) was a British colonial police officer who saw service in South Africa, Nigeria, India, Kenya and Somalia in the early 20th century. His death at the hands of Darawiish Ibraahin X ...
had in response moved out to the area with his troops to support the shaken Farah Garad, who retreated westwards towards the lands of the
Habr Yunis The Habar Yoonis ( ar, هبر يونس , Full Name: '' Said ibn Al-Qādhī Ismā'īl ibn ash-Shaykh Isḥāq ibn Aḥmad bin Muḥammad bin al-Ḥusayn al-Hāshimīy'' ) alternatively spelled as Habr Yunis is a major clan part of the sub-clan ...
: However, the Dhulbahante were not trusted by some British generals. For instance, the British general Eric Swayne at times regarded the clan as too untrustworthy to be enlisted as a levy: British colonial administrator Sir Douglas Jardine describing the plight of the Dhulbahante noted:
The most pitiful lot of all fell to certain sections of the Dolbahanta. Ousted from their ancestral grazing grounds by the Mullah's advance and bereft of all their stock, the remnants wandered like veritable Ishmaelites in the Ishaak country, deprived of Asylum and almost all access to the coast.'
In 1913 at the battle of
Dul Madoba Dul Madoba () is a hill ridge southeast of Burao in Somaliland. Dul Madoba is located at an elevation of 922 metres above sea level. It was also the location of a famous battle in which the Dervishes won a victory against the British, and wherein ...
the Dervishes defeated the British. The Dervish forces under the leadership of Dhulbahante military commander
Ismail Mire Ismail Mire Elmi ( so, Ismaaciil Mire Cilmi), was a renowned Somali poet and one of the most senior Darawiish generals. He served within the movement's governing council (Khusuusi), often responsible for intelligence operations.Dictionary of Afri ...
were attacked by British expeditionary forces made up of 107 rank and file and 9 extras, thus a total of 116, under the command of
Richard Corfield Richard Conyngham Corfield (27 April 1882 – 9 August 1913) was a British colonial police officer who saw service in South Africa, Nigeria, India, Kenya and Somalia in the early 20th century. His death at the hands of Darawiish Ibraahin X ...
, with 300 accompanying Dhulbahante leaving the battlefield before the first shot was fired. The Darawiish had previously looted the region between Burao and Idoweyne. The British sustained heavy casualties and Corfield was killed in battle, reportedly at the hands of Darawiish
Ibraahin Xoorane Dul Madoba () is a hill ridge southeast of Burao in Somaliland. Dul Madoba is located at an elevation of 922 metres above sea level. It was also the location of a famous battle in which the Dervishes won a victory against the British, and wherei ...
and Axmed Aarey, and the spoils of war were distributed in
Buuhoodle Buuhoodle ( so, Buuhoodle, ar, بووهودل), also known as Bohotle, is the second largest city in the Togdheer region of Somaliland and also the capital of the Cayn region under Puntland. It is a prominent border town for movements of goods t ...
and Taleh. After the 1920
bombing campaign A bomb is an explosive weapon that uses the exothermic reaction of an explosive material to provide an extremely sudden and violent release of energy. Detonations inflict damage principally through ground- and atmosphere-transmitted mechanic ...
of the fortress at
Taleh Taleh ( so, Taleex, ar, تليح) is a historical town in the eastern Sool region of Somaliland. As of September 2015, both Puntland and Somaliland had nominal influence or control in Taleh and it's vicinity. The town served as the capital ...
, and the Dervish retreat into Ethiopia, the tribal chief Haji Mohammad Bullaleh, who commanded a 3,000 strong army that was loyal to the
British Empire The British Empire was composed of the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. It began with the overseas possessions and trading posts esta ...
and consisted of
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
and Dhulbahante horsemen pursued the Dervish army. They attacked Muhammad Abdallah Hassan and the Dervish army in the
Ogaden region Ogaden (pronounced and often spelled ''Ogadēn''; so, Ogaadeen, am, ውጋዴ/ውጋዴን) is one of the historical names given to the modern Somali Region, the territory comprising the eastern portion of Ethiopia formerly part of the Harargh ...
and defeated them, causing Hassan to retreat to the town of
Imi IMI may refer to: Companies and organizations * IMI plc, a British engineering company * IMI Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturer * Indian Music Industry, a trust that represents the recording industry distributors in India * Indonesian Motor ...
. Haji and his army looted 60,000 livestock and 700 rifles from the dervishes.


Politics


Assassination of Garad Ali

During the colonial period, the Chief of the Dhulbahante clan, Garad Ali Garad Mohamoud, did not want to be under British occupation nor under Dervish authority, instead he wanted to retain his autonomy as clan chief. The Garad and Sayyid Mohamed Abdullah Hassan had a heated altercation which concluded with Garad Ali supposedly saying:
"I am the Ruler of
Nugaal Nugaal is an intermittent river that runs along the Nugaal Valley. It begins several miles to the west of Sool, and ends at Eyl where the outlet flows into the Indian Ocean. It evaporates at the onset of the hagaa, the Somali dry season. Due to ...
and its people, their management is mine and I expect everybody to respect it".
Subsequently, Hassan ordered the assassination of the
Garad Garad ( Harari: ገራድ, , , Oromo: ''Garaada'') is a term used to refer to a clan leader or regional administrator. It was used primarily by Muslims in the Horn of Africa that were associated with Islamic states, most notably the Adal Sultanat ...
. As Douglas Jardine reports, Hassan took this action after the Garad reassured the British that their relations remained unchanged, although owing to the influence of Hassan his clan no longer obeyed his orders. Issa-Salwe says news of the assassination stunned the
Somali clans The demographics of Somalis encompass the demographic features of Somalia's inhabitants, including ethnicity, language, population density, education level, health, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population. Som ...
, consequently Dervishes were only left with the ''Bah Ali Geri'' of the Dhulbahante. According to John William Carnegie Kirk, most Dhulbahante clans sided with the Dervishes, expect the three sub-clans of Rer Hagar, Rer Wais Adan and Ba Idris among others who were considered friendly by the British. In 1959, Garad Ali of Dhulbahante led the foundation of the
United Somali Party Over the course of the Somali Civil War, there have been many revolutionary movements and militia groups run by competing rebel leaders which have held ''de facto'' control over vast areas within Somalia. Prior to the fall of Siad Barre (through ...
which forged a political coalition of the non-
Isaaq The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak, Isaac) ( so, Reer Sheekh Isxaaq, ar, بني إسحاق, Banī Isḥāq) is a Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large and densely populated traditional territory. Per ...
clans of the
British Somaliland British Somaliland, officially the Somaliland Protectorate ( so, Dhulka Maxmiyada Soomaalida ee Biritishka), was a British Empire, British protectorate in present-day Somaliland. During its existence, the territory was bordered by Italian Soma ...
protectorate. The party won 12 of 33 seats in the House of Representatives in the 1960 general elections. After the unification of the
Somali Republic The Somali Republic ( so, Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliyeed; it, Repubblica Somala; ar, الجمهورية الصومالية, Jumhūriyyat aṣ-Ṣūmālīyyah) was a sovereign state composed of Somalia and Somaliland, following the unification o ...
the party united with the Somali Youth League. Later in the aftermath of the
Somali Civil War The Somali Civil War ( so, Dagaalkii Sokeeye ee Soomaaliya; ar, الحرب الأهلية الصومالية ) is an ongoing civil war that is taking place in Somalia. It grew out of resistance to the Military dictatorship, military junta wh ...
in the 1990s the party re-emerged under the leadership of Mohamed Abdi Hashi this time with a mission to unify the
Harti Harti ( so, Harti, ar, هرتي), meaning "strong man", is a Somali clan family that is part of the Darod clan. The major sub-clans include the Majeerteen, Dhulbahante, Warsangali, Tinle, Maganlabe and Dishiishe, while other minor sub-clans ...
clans under
Puntland Puntland ( so, Puntland, ar, أرض البنط, it, Terra di Punt or ''Paese di Punt''), officially the Puntland State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Puntland ee Soomaaliya, ar, ولاية أرض البنط الصومالية), is a F ...
. During
Mohamed Siad Barre Mohamed Siad Barre ( so, Maxamed Siyaad Barre, Osmanya script: ; ar, محمد سياد بري; c. 1910 – 2 January 1995) was a Somali head of state and general who served as the 3rd president of the Somali Democratic Republic from 1969 to 199 ...
's regime, the clan was part of an alliance of
Darod The Darod ( so, Daarood, ar, دارود) is a Somali clan. The forefather of this clan was Sheikh Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti, more commonly known as ''Darood''. The clan primarily settles the apex of the Horn of Africa and its peripherie ...
clans that was presumed to dominate state authority in Somalia. The acronym
MOD Mod, MOD or mods may refer to: Places * Modesto City–County Airport, Stanislaus County, California, US Arts, entertainment, and media Music * Mods (band), a Norwegian rock band * M.O.D. (Method of Destruction), a band from New York City, US ...
was used to refer to the alliance which was composed of the Marehan,
Ogaden Ogaden (pronounced and often spelled ''Ogadēn''; so, Ogaadeen, am, ውጋዴ/ውጋዴን) is one of the historical names given to the modern Somali Region, the territory comprising the eastern portion of Ethiopia formerly part of the Harargh ...
and Dhulbahante. In early 1993, the Dhulbahante held a conference in
Boocame Bo'ame () is an ancient town in the eastern Sool region. Somaliland has effective control there since 2022, but Puntland also has a territorial claim. It is the capital of Bo'ame district which includes the small towns of Karin-gorfood, Fardhidin, ...
while
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
's second national conference was underway in Borama. The result of the conference was the establishment of a 33-member council ''(Khusuusi)'' which would administer the
Sool Sool ( so, Sool, ar, صول) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in south eastern Somaliland/north western Somalia. It borders Togdheer to the west, Sanaag to the north, Ethiopia to the south and Nugal, Bari to the east. Its capital city ...
,
Sanaag Sanag ( so, Sanaag, ar, سَنَاج) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in north eastern Somaliland.Regions o ...
, and
Cayn Cayn or Ayn is an administrative region that Puntland declared to be founded in the 2000s. However, the administrative division of Somaliland defines it as Buhoodle District in Togdheer, and Somaliland effectively controls it with the exception o ...
regions in the absence of a central government in
Somalia Somalia, , Osmanya script: 𐒈𐒝𐒑𐒛𐒐𐒘𐒕𐒖; ar, الصومال, aṣ-Ṣūmāl officially the Federal Republic of SomaliaThe ''Federal Republic of Somalia'' is the country's name per Article 1 of thProvisional Constituti ...
.


State formations

In 1998, the Dhulbahante established the State of
Puntland Puntland ( so, Puntland, ar, أرض البنط, it, Terra di Punt or ''Paese di Punt''), officially the Puntland State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Puntland ee Soomaaliya, ar, ولاية أرض البنط الصومالية), is a F ...
with other
Harti Harti ( so, Harti, ar, هرتي), meaning "strong man", is a Somali clan family that is part of the Darod clan. The major sub-clans include the Majeerteen, Dhulbahante, Warsangali, Tinle, Maganlabe and Dishiishe, while other minor sub-clans ...
clans due to common kinship. Hence, based on this ethnic composition and clan ties to Puntland, voters in
Sanaag Sanag ( so, Sanaag, ar, سَنَاج) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in north eastern Somaliland.Regions o ...
and especially
Sool Sool ( so, Sool, ar, صول) is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in south eastern Somaliland/north western Somalia. It borders Togdheer to the west, Sanaag to the north, Ethiopia to the south and Nugal, Bari to the east. Its capital city ...
were decidedly less supportive of
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
's 2001 referendum on the constitution and independence. Although the Dhulbahante community was split over the 2007 conflict, with some aligning with
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
and its troops in the area of
Las Anod Las Anod ( so, Laascaanood; ar, لاسعانود) is the administrative capital of the Sool, Somaliland, Sool region of Somaliland. Territorial dispute The city is disputed by Puntland and Somaliland. The former bases its claim due to the ki ...
, in the Bo'ame Declaration of 2007 all Dhulbahante clan chiefs rejected
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
's secessionist agenda and demanded the withdrawal of its militia from the clans traditional territory. In aftermath of Somaliland taking control of
Las Anod Las Anod ( so, Laascaanood; ar, لاسعانود) is the administrative capital of the Sool, Somaliland, Sool region of Somaliland. Territorial dispute The city is disputed by Puntland and Somaliland. The former bases its claim due to the ki ...
in 2007, the clan became disillusioned with
Puntland Puntland ( so, Puntland, ar, أرض البنط, it, Terra di Punt or ''Paese di Punt''), officially the Puntland State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Puntland ee Soomaaliya, ar, ولاية أرض البنط الصومالية), is a F ...
, consequently the
SSC Movement SSC or HMB-SSC ( so, Haggaanka Mideynta iyo Badbaadinta Gobolada SSC ee Soomalia, Unity and Salvation Authority of the SSC regions of Somalia) or HBM-SSC ( so, Hoggaanka Badbaadada iyo Mideynta SSC) was the name of the self-proclaimed autonomous g ...
which aimed to remove Somaliland from Dhulbahante territories emerged. The movement was called the Unity and Salvation Authority of the SSC Regions of Somalia ''( so, Hogaanka Badbaadada iyo midaynta SSC (HBM-SSC))'', and it was spearheaded by Saleban Essa Ahmed and founded in 2009. The most important traditional leaders who lent their support to the SSC Movement were Garad Jama Garad Ali, Garad Jama Garad Ismail, and Garad Ali Burale Hassan. In the Kalshale Conflict,
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
forces and SSC militia clashed in the Ayn region in 2011, whilst more clashes were reported to have occurred in 2012. In 2012, the SSC movement was replaced by
Khatumo State Khatumo State ( so, Khaatumo; ar, ولاية خاتمة, translit=wilāyat khātimah), officially the Khatumo State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Khaatumo ee Soomaaliya), was a successor to the SSC Movement. Centred on the Sool, Sanaag reg ...
after the Khaatumo II conference held at
Taleh Taleh ( so, Taleex, ar, تليح) is a historical town in the eastern Sool region of Somaliland. As of September 2015, both Puntland and Somaliland had nominal influence or control in Taleh and it's vicinity. The town served as the capital ...
. The conference was a development with up to 5,000 people from the Dhulbahante community gathering in the town. Under the leadership of
Ali Khalif Galaydh Ali Khalif Galaydh ( so, Cali Khalif Galaydh, ar, علي خليف غلير) (15 October 1941 – 8 October 2020) was a Somali politician. He was the Prime Minister of the transitional Somalia administration from 8 October 2000 to 28 October 2001. ...
,
Khatumo State Khatumo State ( so, Khaatumo; ar, ولاية خاتمة, translit=wilāyat khātimah), officially the Khatumo State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Khaatumo ee Soomaaliya), was a successor to the SSC Movement. Centred on the Sool, Sanaag reg ...
commenced peace talks with
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
and subsequently the two entities reached an agreement at the town of Aynabo in October 2017 with Khatumo joining Somaliland, ceasing to exist. Nonetheless, the Dhulbahante still seek a united
Somalia Somalia, , Osmanya script: 𐒈𐒝𐒑𐒛𐒐𐒘𐒕𐒖; ar, الصومال, aṣ-Ṣūmāl officially the Federal Republic of SomaliaThe ''Federal Republic of Somalia'' is the country's name per Article 1 of thProvisional Constituti ...
and overwhelming oppose Somaliland's independence aspirations.


Boocame declaration

An historic summit was convened in
Boocame Bo'ame () is an ancient town in the eastern Sool region. Somaliland has effective control there since 2022, but Puntland also has a territorial claim. It is the capital of Bo'ame district which includes the small towns of Karin-gorfood, Fardhidin, ...
from November 15 – November 23 of 2007, by the traditional leaders of the Dulbahante (Dhulbahante) sub-clan of the clan. The Dulbahante traditional chiefs issued an official communiqué on October 15, 2007, regarding the secessionist Somaliland region's militias’ aggression and occupation of Laascaanood (LasAnod), the regional capital of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions of Somaliland. All 14 major traditional chiefs of the Dulbahante clan attended this summit. In addition to the traditional chiefs, there were many intellectuals (women & men), students and civic organizations from outside and inside of the country attending the summit. All chiefs unanimously signed declaration communiqué on November 22, 2007. The communiqué states that the Dulbahante clan is not part of (and was never part of) and does not recognize the administration that calls itself "Somaliland" and that there are no agreements between Dulbahante clan and "Somaliland", in the past or the present. The communiqué also calls for an immediate end of hostility, return of customary peaceful co-existences among clans and an unconditional removal of the Somaliland militia from their territory. Finally, chiefs declared that the Dulbahante clan stands for the Somali unity. In the anniversary of their historic summit in
Boocame Bo'ame () is an ancient town in the eastern Sool region. Somaliland has effective control there since 2022, but Puntland also has a territorial claim. It is the capital of Bo'ame district which includes the small towns of Karin-gorfood, Fardhidin, ...
in November 2007, the Dulbahante Traditional Chiefs (SSC Traditional Leaders Council) reiterated their previous declaration (above) that they are not part of the Somaliland separatist movement. The council sent its pronouncement to the European Union, United Nations Agencies and all NGOs that operate within Somalia.


Architecture


Dhulbahante garesa

In the official Dervish-written letter's description of the 1920 air, sea and land campaign and the fall of Taleh in February 1920, in an April 1920 letter transcribed from the original Arabic script into Italian by the incumbent ''Governatori della Somalia'', the airstriked fortresses were described as twenty-seven ''Dhulbahante garesas'' the British captured from the Dhulbahante clan:Ferro e Fuoco in Somalia, da Francesco Saverio Caroselli, Rome, 1931; p. 272. "i Dulbohanta nella maggior parte si sono arresi agli inglesi e han loro consegnato ventisette garese (case) ricolme di fucili, munizioni e danaro." (English: "the Dhulbahante surrendered for the most part to the British and handed twenty-seven ''garesas'' (houses) full of guns, ammunition and money over to them
viewable link
/ref>


Contemporary

Khatumo Khatumo State ( so, Khaatumo; ar, ولاية خاتمة, translit=wilāyat khātimah), officially the Khatumo State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Khaatumo ee Soomaaliya), was a successor to the SSC Movement. Centred on the Sool, Sanaag re ...
was responsible for building two airports in the 2010s, initially at
Taleh Taleh ( so, Taleex, ar, تليح) is a historical town in the eastern Sool region of Somaliland. As of September 2015, both Puntland and Somaliland had nominal influence or control in Taleh and it's vicinity. The town served as the capital ...
, and subsequently at Buuhoodle. Hass Petroleum, owned by a Dhulbahante is co-developing the Pinnacle Towers project in Nairobi along with ''White Lotus Group'', a Dubai-based investment firm.


Sub-clans

The clan is divided into two major sub-clans:
Mohamoud Garad The Mohamoud Garad ( so, Maxamuud Garaad, ar, محمود جراد, Full Name:'' ’Mohamoud Shirshore Habarwa Abdullah Muse Said Saleh Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti'' ) is a Somali clan. Its members form a part of the Dhulba ...
and
Farah Garad The Farah Garad or the Garad Farah ( so, Faarax Garaad, ar, محمد جراد, Full Name:'' ’Farah Shirshore Habarwa Abdullah Muse Dhulbahante, Said Harti, Saleh Abdi Darod, Mohamed Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti'' ) is a Somali clan which i ...
. The other sub-clans amalgamate in a loose political and social clan confederation referred to as Baho Nugaaled. The Dhulbahante has a varying assortment of political subdivisions which in order of size include the highest-level segmentations such as
Mohamoud Garad The Mohamoud Garad ( so, Maxamuud Garaad, ar, محمود جراد, Full Name:'' ’Mohamoud Shirshore Habarwa Abdullah Muse Said Saleh Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti'' ) is a Somali clan. Its members form a part of the Dhulba ...
, disparate Dhulbahante political alliances such as
Shiikhyaale Haroun, also called Fadhiweyn, and natively transliterated as Xarunta in Somali, was a government and headquarters of the Dervishes, headed by Faarax Mahmud Sugulle. According to Claude Edward Marjoribanks Dansey, the political officer in th ...
and
Dharbash Haroun, also called Fadhiweyn, and natively transliterated as Xarunta in Somali, was a government and headquarters of the Dervishes, headed by Faarax Mahmud Sugulle. According to Claude Edward Marjoribanks Dansey, the political officer in the ...
, ''xeer groups'' or ''chief caaqil'' groups such as ''Bah Cali Geri'' (including Farah Adan & Odala Samakab) or
Ararsame The Farah Garad or the Garad Farah ( so, Faarax Garaad, ar, محمد جراد, Full Name:'' ’Farah Shirshore Habarwa Abdullah Muse Said Saleh Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti'' ) is a Somali clan which is part of the Dhulbahant ...
(including Wacays Adan and Reer Hagar), and the smallest, the dia-paying groups, such as Rikhaaye subclan of Naleeye Ahmed, the Farah Hagar subclan of Ararsame, or Ebirar subclan of Baho Nugaaleed. The ''gaashaanbuur xeer group'' or ''chief caaqil group'' is smaller with a lower level agnation than ''garaad guud'' (supreme garaad) group, although larger and a higher level agnation that the typical dia group. Of these three levels of segmentation, only the chief caaqil group is simultaneously tied to a xeer (heer) group. For example, heer laws presented to the Nugal district commissioner in 1947 by various ''gaashaanbuur xeer groups'' or ''chief caaqil'' groups were as disparate as disavowing endogamy, regarding insults at a ''shir'' (council) as liable to a payment of a 150 shilling fine, and ingraining
patriarchal Patriarchy is a social system in which positions of Dominance hierarchy, dominance and Social privilege, privilege are primarily held by men. It is used, both as a technical Anthropology, anthropological term for families or clans controll ...
norms. Pre-independence, the
Farah Garad The Farah Garad or the Garad Farah ( so, Faarax Garaad, ar, محمد جراد, Full Name:'' ’Farah Shirshore Habarwa Abdullah Muse Dhulbahante, Said Harti, Saleh Abdi Darod, Mohamed Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti'' ) is a Somali clan which i ...
had three chief caaqils, including the Baharsame, which likewise represented Yasin Garad, the Ararsame chief caaqil (Reer Hagar), which likewise represented Wacays Adan, and the ''Bah Cali Gheri'' chief Caaqil, which likewise represented a oneling segmentation: The Ararsame chief caaqil represents the Ararsame twin duo (Hagar and Wacays Adan), whilst the Bah Cali Geri chief caaqil is a oneling segmentation.


Segmentation

There is no clear agreement on the clan and sub-clan structures and many lineages are omitted. Within the Dhulbahante clan, according to the anthropologist I.M. Lewis, the Dhulbahante are divided into 50 groups which pay '' diyya'' (or
blood money Blood money may refer to: * Blood money (restitution), money paid to the family of a murder victim Films * Blood Money (1917 film), ''Blood Money'' (1917 film), a film starring Harry Carey * Blood Money (1921 film), ''Blood Money'' (1921 film ...
for their members). These are gathered into four lineages of unequal size: the Muuse Si'iid, who made up the majority of the clan ''circa'' 1960, and in turn is highly segmented into numerous lineages; the Ahmed Si'id also known as ''Hayaag'', which Lewis estimated to number 1,000 male members at the time, and the Mohamed Si'iid, and the Yuunis Si'iid, which he described as "small, insignificant, and incapable of independent political action." The following summarized clan tree presented below is taken from John Hunt's ''A general survey of the Somaliland Protectorate (1944-1950)'': *
Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti, ( ar, عبدالرحمن بن اسماعيل الجبرتي) also known as Daarood, Dawud or Da'ud (), is the semi-legendary common ancestor of the Somali Darod clan. According to local tradition, Abdirahman d ...
(
Darod The Darod ( so, Daarood, ar, دارود) is a Somali clan. The forefather of this clan was Sheikh Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti, more commonly known as ''Darood''. The clan primarily settles the apex of the Horn of Africa and its peripherie ...
) ** Mohamed Abdirahman (Kabalalah) *** Abdi Mohamed (Kombe) ****Salah Abdi (
Harti Harti ( so, Harti, ar, هرتي), meaning "strong man", is a Somali clan family that is part of the Darod clan. The major sub-clans include the Majeerteen, Dhulbahante, Warsangali, Tinle, Maganlabe and Dishiishe, while other minor sub-clans ...
) *****Said Abdi (Dhulbahante)


Notable figures


Dynasties

* ''Soofe dynasty'' of the ''Bah Ali Gheri'' * ''Bulay dynsaty'' of the ''Barkad'' * ''Amey dynasty'' or ''Kooreeye dynasty'' of Ararsame * ''Shirshoore dynasty'' of Baharsame and Dhulbahante in general * ''Ali Xaram dynasty'' of the '' Maxamuud Garaad''


Dynasts

*
Garad Abdiqani Garad Jama Garad Abdiqani Garad Jama ( so, Garaad Cabdiqani Garaad Jaamac) was the twentieth supreme traditional clan chief (Garad) of the Dhulbahante, and the tenth minister of foreign affairs of Somalia. In May 1991, the Garad led the Dhulbahante delegati ...
, Former Garad of the Dhulbahante and the first delegate to table the case for
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
's secession at the Burao Grand Conference of 1991 * Garad Jama Garad Ali,
Garad Garad ( Harari: ገራድ, , , Oromo: ''Garaada'') is a term used to refer to a clan leader or regional administrator. It was used primarily by Muslims in the Horn of Africa that were associated with Islamic states, most notably the Adal Sultanat ...
of the Dhulbahante Clan. * Xasan Deyl, chief caaqil of Bah Cali Gheri during independence * Garaad Abdulahi Garaad Soofe, first chief caaqil of Bah Cali Gheri in the 21st century * Yuusuf Kooreeye, chief caaqil of Ararsame during and prior to independence * Omar Amey, the chief caaqil of Ararsame during colonialism * Maxamed Cali Bulay, chief caaqil of Barkad during colonialism


Prime ministers

*
Ali Khalif Galaydh Ali Khalif Galaydh ( so, Cali Khalif Galaydh, ar, علي خليف غلير) (15 October 1941 – 8 October 2020) was a Somali politician. He was the Prime Minister of the transitional Somalia administration from 8 October 2000 to 28 October 2001. ...
, Ex-Prime minister of Somalia and Khaatumo President. * Xaashi Suni Fooyaan, Dervish peace-time prime minister


Presidents

*
Abdihakim Amey Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar ( so, Cabdihakiin Cabdulaahi Xaaji Cumar, ar, عبد الحكيم عبد الله حاجي عمر), also known as Abdihakin Abdullahi Omar Amey, is a Somali politician. Former Vice President of Puntland. Personal ...
, former Puntland vice-president. *
Abdisamad Ali Shire Abdisamad Ali Shire Abdisamad Ali Shire ( so, Cabdisamad Cali Shiire, ar, عبد الصمد علي شيري) is a former Vice President of Puntland.
, former Puntland vice-president. *
Ahmed Elmi Osman Personal life Osman belongs to the Dhulbahante Harti Darod clan. Career Early career In 2009, Osman served as the Minister of Aviation of the autonomous Puntland state in northeastern Somalia. He later helped form Khatumo State administratio ...
, Former President of
Khaatumo Khatumo State ( so, Khaatumo; ar, ولاية خاتمة, translit=wilāyat khātimah), officially the Khatumo State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Khaatumo ee Soomaaliya), was a successor to the SSC Movement. Centred on the Sool, Sanaag reg ...
and Incumbent Vice President of
Puntland Puntland ( so, Puntland, ar, أرض البنط, it, Terra di Punt or ''Paese di Punt''), officially the Puntland State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Puntland ee Soomaaliya, ar, ولاية أرض البنط الصومالية), is a F ...
. * Mohamed Yusuf Jama, former Khatumo president. * Mohamed Abdi Hashi, President of
Puntland Puntland ( so, Puntland, ar, أرض البنط, it, Terra di Punt or ''Paese di Punt''), officially the Puntland State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Puntland ee Soomaaliya, ar, ولاية أرض البنط الصومالية), is a F ...
.


Dervishes

* Ali Suji, highest ranked Shiikhyaale general in 1903 *
Ismail Mire Ismail Mire Elmi ( so, Ismaaciil Mire Cilmi), was a renowned Somali poet and one of the most senior Darawiish generals. He served within the movement's governing council (Khusuusi), often responsible for intelligence operations.Dictionary of Afri ...
, latter Shiikhyaale supreme commander, poet. *
Ibraahin Xoorane Dul Madoba () is a hill ridge southeast of Burao in Somaliland. Dul Madoba is located at an elevation of 922 metres above sea level. It was also the location of a famous battle in which the Dervishes won a victory against the British, and wherei ...
, assassinator of
Richard Corfield Richard Conyngham Corfield (27 April 1882 – 9 August 1913) was a British colonial police officer who saw service in South Africa, Nigeria, India, Kenya and Somalia in the early 20th century. His death at the hands of Darawiish Ibraahin X ...


Enterprisers

* Abdinasir Ali Hassan, Chairman of Hass petroleum. *
Hodan Nalayeh Hodan Nalayeh ( so, Hodan Naaleeye; ar, هودان نلايا; 1976 – July 12, 2019) was a Somali-Canadian media executive, marketing consultant, social activist and entrepreneur. She was president of the Cultural Integration Agency and vice ...
, Somali-Canadian journalist. * Abdi Holland, Somali artist. * Aw Jama, Somali scholar, historian and collector of oral literature of Somalia. He wrote the first authoritative study of Dervishes. *
Saado Ali Warsame Saado Ali Warsame ( so, Saado Cali Warsame, ar, سادو علي ورسمه; 1950 – 23 July 2014) was a Somali-American singer-songwriter and politician. She served as a lawmaker in the Federal Parliament of Somalia representing Puntland State o ...
, singer-songwriter and former MP in the Federal Parliament of Somalia. * Ali Dhuh, retorting poet. *
Amina Mohamed Amina Chawahir Mohamed Jibril ( so, Aamina Maxamed Jibriil; ar, أمينة محمد جبريل), born 5 October 1961, is a former Kenyan cabinet secretary, lawyer and a diplomat of Somali descent. She is the immediate former Cabinet Secretary ...
, former Chairman of the INM and the
WTO The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade. With effective cooperation in the United Nations System, governments use the organization to establish, revise, and e ...
's General Council, and the current Secretary for Foreign Affairs of
Kenya ) , national_anthem = "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu"() , image_map = , map_caption = , image_map2 = , capital = Nairobi , coordinates = , largest_city = Nairobi , ...
. *
Abdi Bile Abdi Bile ( so, Cabdi Bile Cabdi, ar, عبد بلي عبد ; born 28 December 1962) is a former middle distance runner. He holds the highest number of national records in athletics in Somalia across various disciplines. He is currently Somalia' ...
, Somalia's most decorated athlete with the most Somali national records. * Mohamed Suleiman, first ethnic Somali to win an Olympic medal.


Security

* Mohamed Adam Ahmed, former
Chief of Staff The title chief of staff (or head of staff) identifies the leader of a complex organization such as the armed forces, institution, or body of persons and it also may identify a principal staff officer (PSO), who is the coordinator of the supporti ...
of the
Somali Armed Forces The Somali Armed Forces are the military forces of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Headed by the president as commander-in-chief, they are constitutionally mandated to ensure the nation's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Ch ...
. * Abdi Hassan Mohamed, Incumbent Police Commissioner of the
Somali Police Force ) , mission = , formedyear = , formedmonthday = , preceding1 = Police Corps of Somalia (1910–1960) , employees = , volunteers = , budget = , nongovernment = , country ...
. * Mohamed Isse Lacle, Colonel in the
Somali Navy The Somali Navy ( so, Ciidamada Badda Soomaaliyeed, ar, القوات البحرية الصومالية ''Al-Quwwat al-Bahriyah as-Sumaliyah'') is the naval warfare service branch of the Somali Armed Forces. During the post-independence period, t ...
and Former Deputy Minister of Ministry of Ports in
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
. * Saleban Essa Ahmed, SSC Leader.


Politicians

* Bashe Mohamed Farah, Speaker of Somaliland House of Representative. *
Faisal Hassan Faisal Ahmed Hassan is a Canadian politician, who was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2018 until his defeat in the 2022 Ontario general election. He represented the riding of York South—Weston as a member of the Ontario ...
, Canadian politician. * Ibraahim Guure, natural resources minister of Khatumo *
Ali Jangali Ali Jangali ( so, Cali Axmed Jamaac, ar, علي أحمد جامع) is a Somali politician. Personal life Jama belongs to the Dhulbahante subclan of the Darod. Career Between 2004 and 2012, Jama held various positions in # # Transitional Fe ...
Somalia's minister of foreign affairs. * Ahmed Gacmayare, former Information Minister for
Khaatumo State Khatumo State ( so, Khaatumo; ar, ولاية خاتمة, translit=wilāyat khātimah), officially the Khatumo State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Khaatumo ee Soomaaliya), was a successor to the SSC Movement. Centred on the Sool, Sanaag reg ...
. *
Yasin Haji Mohamoud Yasin Haji Mohamoud Hiir ( so, Yaasiin Xaaji Maxamuud Xiir) also known as Faratoon is a Somali politician, and is a member of Somaliland's Lower House of Parliament (House of Representatives). Prior to his election as a member of Somaliland's Ho ...
, Foreign Minister of Somaliland. * Abdiqani Mohamoud Jidhe,
Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still conside ...
appointed
Governor of Sool The Governor of Sool () is the chief executive of the Sool, leading the region's executive branch. Overview Sool is claimed by both Somaliland and Puntland, with each government appointing a Governor of Sool. As of 2022, most of Sool is effect ...
. * Abdirahman Mohamed Abdi Hashi, Former Somali Minister of Fisheries. * Mohamoud Diriye Abdi Joof, former
Khaatumo Khatumo State ( so, Khaatumo; ar, ولاية خاتمة, translit=wilāyat khātimah), officially the Khatumo State of Somalia ( so, Dowlad Goboleedka Khaatumo ee Soomaaliya), was a successor to the SSC Movement. Centred on the Sool, Sanaag reg ...
Minister.


Notes


References

{{Somali clans Somali clans Somali clans in Ethiopia