Somali people

Somali people
Regions with significant populations
Languages
	Somali, Arabic, English, Italian
Religion
	Predominantly Islam
Related ethnic groups
	Oromo people, Afar people, Beja people

Somali_people_around_the_world

Greater_Somalia_(orthographic_projection)

A_Somali_man

Zeila_ruins

Queen_of_punt2

Ifat

Gondereshe2008

The Somali people (Template:Lang-so) are an ethnic group native to the Horn of Africa, primarily inhabiting Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti. They speak the Somali language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic family. The majority of Somalis are Sunni Muslims.

History[edit | edit source]

The history of the Somali people dates back to antiquity. They are believed to be descendants of the ancient Cushitic peoples who inhabited the region. The Land of Punt, an ancient kingdom mentioned in Egyptian texts, is thought to have been located in present-day Somalia.

During the medieval period, several powerful Somali empires and sultanates, such as the Ajuran Sultanate, the Adal Sultanate, and the Warsangali Sultanate, dominated the region. These states played a significant role in the trade networks of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Somali culture is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on oral tradition. Poetry is a central part of Somali culture, with poets held in high regard. The traditional Somali attire includes the macawis for men and the guntiino for women.

Clan System[edit | edit source]

The Somali people are traditionally organized into clans and sub-clans. The major clans include the Darod, Dir, Hawiye, and Isaaq. Each clan has its own sub-clans and lineages, which play a crucial role in social and political organization.

Cuisine[edit | edit source]

Somali cuisine is a blend of various influences, including Middle Eastern, Indian, and Italian. Common dishes include sambusa, bariis, and canjeero.

Language[edit | edit source]

The Somali language is the mother tongue of the Somali people. It is written in the Latin alphabet and has several dialects, including Northern Somali, Benadir, and Maay. Somali is an official language in Somalia and a recognized minority language in Ethiopia and Kenya.

Religion[edit | edit source]

Islam is the predominant religion among the Somali people. The majority adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam, specifically the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence. Religious practices and beliefs are deeply integrated into daily life and cultural practices.

Diaspora[edit | edit source]

The Somali diaspora is widespread, with significant communities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates. These communities maintain strong ties to their homeland and contribute to the global Somali culture.