Mogadishu

Mogadishu, also known locally as Xamar or Hamar, is the capital and most populous city of Somalia. It is a major port on the Indian Ocean and has been an important trading center for thousands of years. Today, the city is home to about 4 million people.

Located in the coastal Banaadir region, Mogadishu has a rich history. It was once the capital of the Sultanate of Mogadishu, which controlled much of the Indian Ocean trade during the 9th to 13th centuries. The city was also part of the Ajuran Sultanate, a key player in the medieval Silk Road trade. In its heyday during the 14th and 15th centuries, Mogadishu was one of the wealthiest cities on the East African coast.

In the late 1800s, the area came under Italian colonial rule, followed by periods of British and Italian administration. Somalia gained independence in 1960, but the city suffered greatly during the Somali Civil War in the 1990s. Since the late 2010s, Mogadishu has begun a major rebuilding effort, working to restore its historic role as a center of trade and culture.

Etymology

The name Mogadishu may come from Somali words Muuq and Disho, meaning "sight killer" or "blinder," perhaps describing the city’s dazzling beauty. A famous traveler from the 1500s called it a "beautiful, rich place." Another idea is that the name is from Somali words Maqal and Disho, meaning "the place where sheep are slaughtered."

Locals call the city Xamar or Hamar, which might refer to the color red, perhaps because of the red sand around it. The old neighborhood named Hamar Weyne combines words for "red" and "big." Long ago, the area was known as Machidas to nearby peoples, describing a fine city near the sea with a palace and mosques. Arabic writers wrote the name as Maqdīshū, and some think it could be linked to a Hebrew word meaning "holy place."

History

Antiquity

Mogadishu is thought to have started as an old city called Sarapion. It is talked about in a Greek book from the first century AD, called the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, as a busy port town. Back then, Mogadishu was one of many Somali cities that traded with places like Phoenicia, Egypt, Greece, Persia, and the Roman Empire. Somali sailors used special boats called beden to carry goods.

Foundation and origins

For a long time, people have wondered who first started Mogadishu. Some old stories said it was started by families from Arab and Persian countries. But newer studies show that Somali people were already living there and had their own leaders. The Somali people were in charge, and the Arab and Persian families had to ask permission to live there. The Somalis kept their own ways of governing and were the majority.

Mogadishu was built on trade even before many Arab people came. This trade started about four thousand years ago, long before big Arab migrations.

Medieval Period

Mogadishu Sultanate

The Mogadishu Sultanate was a powerful Somali kingdom in old times. It became very important under a leader named Fakhr ad-Din and later joined a bigger kingdom called the Ajuran Empire in the 1300s. Mogadishu had its own money, built many buildings, and traded with places far away, like Harar.

Medieval Mogadishu

Travelers like Ibn Sa'id and Ibn Battuta visited Mogadishu and described it as a very rich and busy city. It was known for making good fabrics that were sold to places like Egypt. The city had a Somali sultan, and many rich merchants lived there. Ibn Battuta said the city was very big with many people.

In the 1400s, a traveler named Vasco da Gama passed by Mogadishu and noted it was a large city with tall buildings and many mosques. Another traveler, Duarte Barbosa, wrote about the plenty of food and goods in the markets.

Early Modern period (1700s–1900s)

Hiraab Imamate

By the 1600s, the Hiraab Imamate was a strong kingdom that ruled much of southern and central Somalia. It took over from the Ajuran Sultanate and had its own government, army, and laws.

Geledi Sultanate

The Geledi Sultanate and the Omani Empire both wanted to control the coast near Mogadishu. A leader named Yusuf Mahamud became very powerful and even ruled Mogadishu for a time. Trade with the Geledi Sultanate was very busy, especially with goods like ivory.

Italian Somaliland (late 1800s–1960)

In 1905, Italy made Mogadishu the capital of Italian Somaliland. Many Italians moved there and started businesses. New buildings and roads were built, including a railway and a big road called the Strada Imperiale.

Somali Republic (1960–1991)

In 1960, British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland joined to form the Somali Republic, with Mogadishu as the capital. A new government was started, and a constitution was made in 1961.

In 1969, the president was killed, and a military leader named Mohamed Siad Barre took over. He changed the country's name to the Somali Democratic Republic and made many changes, like starting big building projects and joining the Arab League in 1974.

Civil war

In the late 1980s, Barre's government became very harsh, and people started fighting back. In 1989, big riots happened in Mogadishu. By 1991, the government fell, and fighting between different groups started. The United Nations tried to help but faced many battles.

In 2006, a group called the Islamic Courts Union took control of much of southern Somalia. Later, a new government with help from Ethiopia took over. Fighting continued with groups like al-Shabaab.

Reconstruction

In 2011, after al-Shabaab left Mogadishu, the city began to rebuild. The mayor and others worked on fixing roads and buildings. They also started projects to give every house a number and create postal codes to help with security and solving disputes about homes. Since 2020, thousands of new buildings have been built in Mogadishu.

Government

Federal

Main article: Federal Government of Somalia

The government of Somalia is based in Mogadishu, its capital city. From 2004 to 2012, the country was led by the Transitional Federal Government. On August 20, 2012, the Federal Government of Somalia was created, marking the first lasting central government since the civil war began. The Federal Parliament of Somalia is the group's law-making body.

Municipal

Mogadishu has its own city government led by a mayor. The city has many projects to improve life for its people, such as cleaning up neighborhoods, building new facilities, and creating jobs. In 2014, the city started a system to number houses and assign postal codes. The city also worked with the EU and UN–Habitat on a project to help create jobs, improve waste collection, and provide better water and training for workers.

Diplomatic missions

Many countries have embassies in Mogadishu, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Uganda, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and Qatar. Some embassies, like those of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and South Korea, plan to reopen soon. In 2015, the United States announced plans to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu, showing support for Somalia's progress. The European Union also opened a new office in the city.

Economy

Mogadishu has long been an important place for business and money. Before clothes from Europe and America became common, the city's fabrics were sent inside the continent, to the Arabian Peninsula, and even to the Persian coast.

Since 2011, Mogadishu's economy has grown quickly. Factories like SomalFruit and the local Coca-Cola factory reopened, and new banks started, such as the First Somali Bank. New businesses appeared, including the city's first Dollar store. Construction boomed with a yard set up by Istanbul and the Turkish Red Crescent, making materials for buildings.

Mogadishu also held its first Technology, Entertainment, Design (TEDx) talk in 2012, showing off new business ideas. Big companies like Hormuud Telecom and Telcom are based there, along with services for electricity and banking. New tall buildings are being built, like Tawakal Plaza, which will have shops, a hotel, and more. Other projects, like Daru-Salam City, plan to add homes and places to play.

Landmarks

Places of worship

Many important places of worship in Mogadishu are Muslim mosques.

The Arba'a Rukun Mosque is one of the oldest Islamic places of worship in the capital. It was built around the year 667 (1268–9 AD) along with the Fakr ad-Din Mosque.

The Mosque of Islamic Solidarity was built in 1987 with help from Saudi supporters. It is the main mosque in the city and an important building. It can hold up to 10,000 worshippers, making it the largest mosque in the Horn region. In 2015, work was done to improve the mosque as part of a plan to upgrade all mosques in Mogadishu.

The Mogadishu Cathedral was built in 1928 by Italian rulers. It was designed in a style based on a famous church in Sicily. The church was badly damaged during the civil war. In 2013, plans were made to repair the building.

Palaces

Villa Somalia is the official home and office of the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. It is located on high ground with views of the city and the ocean, and it is close to the harbor and airport.

The Governor's Palace of Mogadishu was once the office of the ruler of Italian Somaliland and later the administrator of the Trust Territory of Somalia.

Museums, libraries and theatres

The National Museum of Somalia was created after the country gained independence in 1960. It was moved in 1985 and renamed, then closed before reopening later. As of January 2014, it contains many important cultural items, such as old coins, tools, artwork, ancient weapons, and pottery.

The National Library of Somalia was established in 1975 and was open to everyone. It closed in the 1990s but began reopening in 2013 with help from the United States, which sent many books. Plans were made to build a new library complex with books from other Arab countries.

The National Theatre of Somalia opened in 1967 and closed during the civil war but reopened in 2012 after being rebuilt. In 2013, Somalia and China agreed to work together to rebuild the theatre and other important buildings.

Markets

Bakaara Market was created in 1972 and was a busy market for goods like food and clothes. During the civil war, it was used by armed groups. After peace returned in 2011, the market was renovated and shops were repaired. By 2013, the value of property in the market had increased greatly.

In February 2014, work began to renovate the Ansaloti Market, one of the largest markets before it closed in the early 1990s. It reopened in September 2014 and is now open for business.

Institutes

The Regional Somali Language Academy helps manage the Somali language in the Horn of Africa. In January 2015, plans were announced to finish the academy with help from Djibouti and Ethiopia, including building a new headquarters in Mogadishu.

Hotels

Mogadishu has many hotels, most built recently. These hotels are popular with people returning to the city, investors, and workers from other countries. Hotel owners are attending international conferences to attract more guests.

One new hotel is the Jazeera Palace Hotel, opened in 2012. It has 70 rooms and is close to the airport. The hotel plans to expand soon. Other hotels in the city include the Lafweyn Palace Hotel, Amira Castle Hotel, Sahafi Hotel, Hotel Nasa-Hablod, Oriental Hotel, Hotel Guuleed, Hotel Shamo, Peace Hotel, Aran Guest House, Muna Hotel, and many more.

Geography

Mogadishu is found on the coast of the Indian Ocean in the Horn of Africa, in a place called the Banaadir area of southeastern Somalia. This area is the same size as the city itself and is smaller than an older region called Benadir. The city has many parts, such as Abdiaziz, Bondhere, and Daynile, among others. Places you might find interesting in Mogadishu include the old Hamarwein town, the Bakaara Market, and Gezira Beach. The beaches in Mogadishu have colorful coral reefs and are becoming popular spots for new tourist areas.

The Shebelle River starts in central Ethiopia and comes close to the ocean near Mogadishu before turning southwest. Even though it usually doesn't have water in February and March, it is important for growing crops like sugarcane, cotton, and bananas.

Even though Mogadishu is close to the equator, it has a dry climate. The city is very hot and not very rainy, which is typical for this area of Somalia. Summer, from June to August, is the coolest and wettest time of year. The temperature in Mogadishu stays around 27 °C (81 °F) all year, with the hottest days reaching about 30 °C (86 °F) and the coolest dropping to about 24 °C (75 °F). The city gets about 429 millimeters (17 inches) of rain each year and enjoys lots of sunshine, about 8 hours a day on average.

Demographics

Mogadishu is home to many Somali clan-families, with the Abgaal and Murusade clans being the most common. Besides the Somalis, the city has also been home to other groups over time. After Islam arrived, people from Arab and Persian backgrounds began to settle there during the medieval period. Over many years, mixing between different groups created a smaller group known as the Benadiris.

When the city became safer in 2012, many Somalis who had moved away started coming back. They helped rebuild schools, hospitals, and banks, and supported the city's growth. Since 2015, Mogadishu has also seen people arriving from places like Yemen and Syria, where there has been conflict.

Education

Mogadishu has many schools and universities. The government is working to fix and reopen 100 schools across the country. Children between the ages of 7 and 19 can go to primary and middle school for free. Secondary, or high school, is not required but helps students go to university later.

The Somali National University started in the 1950s and grew to have many students and teachers. It closed in the early 1990s but reopened in 2014 after being fixed up. Mogadishu University is another school supported by donors and works with universities in many countries. SIMAD University began in 1999 and offers courses in many subjects like business, technology, and health. Benadir University started in 2002 to train doctors and has since added other fields. Other universities in the city include Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology and Zamzam University of Science and Technology, which began with agricultural training and now has many faculties.

Culture

Mogadishu is the cultural center of Somalia, home to many important places and buildings.

The city has many famous landmarks. The Arba'a Rukun Mosque, built around the year 1268, is one of the oldest Islamic places to worship in the capital. The Mosque of Islamic Solidarity, funded by the Saudi government, is the largest mosque in the Horn of Africa. The Mogadishu Cathedral, built in 1928 by Italian Somaliland authorities, was badly damaged during the civil war but is still an important site.

Important cultural institutions are located in the city. The National Museum of Somalia, first opened in 1933, reopened in 2020 after being rebuilt. The nearby National Library of Somalia is also being renovated to protect the country's books and history records.

The Mogadishu Stadium was built in 1978 with help from Chinese engineers. It was used for sports events like the Somalia Cup and football matches from the Somalia League. It also hosted speeches and rallies. In 2013, Somalia and China agreed to work together to rebuild several important buildings, including the Mogadishu Stadium.

Other sports places in the city include the Banadir Stadium and Konis Stadium. In 2013, new artificial turf for football was added to Konis Stadium thanks to help from FIFA. The Ex-Lujino basketball stadium in the Abdulaziz District was also repaired with money from a local company. The city is also home to many national sports groups, such as the Somali Olympic Committee and the Somali Basketball Federation. The Somali Karate and Taekwondo Federation is also based here, and it looks after the national Taekwondo team.

Transportation

Road

Roads connect Mogadishu to other places in Somalia and nearby countries. The city has many roads arranged in grids. In 2013, work began to improve the road to the airport, finishing later that year with clearer lanes. This project was part of an agreement between Somalia and Turkey to make Mogadishu’s roads modern.

In 2012–2013, solar-powered lights were added to main roads, improving night visibility and the city’s appearance.

Minibuses are the most common way to travel in Mogadishu. Auto rickshaws, called bajaj, are also popular. They cost less than taxis and minibuses, often charging half the price for the same distance. In 2013, new taxi companies began offering rides with yellow cabs at set prices.

In 2014, a project began to name streets, number houses, and create postal codes to improve security and resolve housing issues. In 2015, work started to improve a major road to make it usable in all weather.

Air

After Somalia’s independence, Mogadishu International Airport had flights to many places worldwide. In the 1960s, it was expanded to welcome more planes. However, during the civil war in the 1990s, the airport suffered damage and closed.

By 2010, security improved, and the airport reopened as Aden Adde International Airport. In 2011, a company called SKA-Somalia began managing the airport, upgrading equipment and services. In 2015, a new modern terminal opened, allowing more flights and passengers.

As of 2015, airlines such as Jubba Airways, Daallo Airlines, and African Express Airways use the airport, along with Turkish Airlines. Flights go to cities in Somalia and abroad, like Djibouti, Jeddah, and Istanbul. A new international airport is also being built.

Sea

The Port of Mogadishu is the main seaport for the city and the largest in Somalia. After damage during the civil war, projects began to repair and modernize it. In 2013, a company from Iran agreed to help manage the port’s operations. Later that year, a Turkish company, Al-Bayrak, took over managing and modernizing the port for 20 years.

Railway

In the 1980s, there were plans to restart a railway between Mogadishu and Jowhar that was built by Italians in 1926 but taken apart during World War II. Only a few tracks remain at the harbor.

Media

Main article: Media in Somalia

Mogadishu has been an important place for media for many years. In 1975, the Somali Film Agency was created there. It helped organize a film event that brought filmmakers from many parts of the world together.

The city is also home to several radio stations. Radio Mogadishu, run by the government, began in 1951 and shares news in Somali and other languages. After closing during a difficult time in the 1990s, it started again in the 2000s. Other stations include Mustaqbal Radio and Radio Shabelle.

Somali National Television, owned by the government, began showing programs again in 2011. It broadcasts all day and can be seen in Somalia and other places.

Music is also popular in Mogadishu. After the city became safer in 2011, people could listen to music on the radio again. In 2012, a concert was held and shown live on TV. In 2013, an international music festival happened there for the first time in twenty years. The city is also home to Bilan Media, a newspaper created by women in 2020 with help from the United Nations Development Programme.

Notable people

Mogadishu has been home to many important people from many walks of life. Some of these people include:

• Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia
• Sharif 'Aydarus Sharif Ali Al-Nudari, famous scholar of Islamic and Somali history and pan-Islamic leader
• Shaykh Sufi, 19th-century scholar, poet, reformist, astrologist
• Hawa Abdi, physician, social activist
• Yasmine Allas, actress, writer
• Faisal Jeylani Aweys, taekwondo practitioner
• Ayub Daud, footballer
• Cristina Ali Farah, author, intellectual
• Hassan Abshir Farah, MP, former Prime Minister of Somalia, former Mayor of Mogadishu
• Ali Mohammed Ghedi, former Prime Minister of Somalia
• Iman, model, actress, entrepreneur
• K'naan, musician
• Rageh Omaar, journalist
• Diriye Osman, writer, visual artist
• Fatima Siad, model
• Ladan Osman, poet
• Sa'id of Mogadishu, 14th-century Islamic scholar, traveler
• Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, former Prime Minister, President of Somalia
• Mustafa Mohamed, Swedish long-distance runner
• Mohamed Nur, former Mayor of Mogadishu
• Musse Olol, engineer, social activist
• Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, former Prime Minister of Somalia
• Yasmin Warsame, model
• Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke Former Somali Prime Minister
• Said Abdullahi Deni President of Puntland State of Somalia
• Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf Former President of International Court of Justice
• Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Dutch citizen. Former politician and member of the Dutch parliament, activist
• Saba Anglana, Italian citizen. Singer, actress
• Zahra Bani, Italian citizen. Javelin thrower
• Elisa Kadigia Bove, Italian citizen. Actress, activist
• Mo Farah, English citizen. Distance runner
• Abdi Nageeye, Dutch citizen. Long-distance runner
• Ilhan Omar, American citizen. U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district
• Linda Suleiman, orthopaedic surgeon