A ‘Somalian’ Story: Silently Listening to the Heartbeat of an Embattled African Country

When we think about Somalia, the first thing that comes into our mind is ‘poverty’. Why is that so?

Actually, no answer is needed to that question. Like most African countries, Somalia is also an economically weak country –it still completely depends on the informal sector for their economic needs.

For a change, in this edition, we love to take you to the land, which may witness an immense progress in all fronts including economical, political and social if the highly potential economic sector of tourism blesses it.

Somalia, which is located in the horn of Africa, was once a very prosperous land –it was even regarded as a prime commercial centre of the continent. What happened to them? How they fell into the pit of poverty and miseries?

The history of loss of Somalia is not different from the history of loss of many other countries across the world, which lost their prosperity and freedom to the colonial powers.

It was a huge mistake committed by the medieval rulers of Somalia that gifted a series of misfortunes to the people of this land. That mistake was an agreement with the Italian and British colonial powers. The colonial powers, which had initially established a trade relation, later established two independent territories inside the country.

They had no mood to stop their activities with that. They continued their wicked political and military activities across the country, until almost all of the people of the land surrender their wealth and freedom before them. All those who obstructed their plans were brutally silenced during this process –the former Dervish state’s Mohammed Abdullah Hassan had managed to project a serious threat to the colonial powers until he was completely defeated in the year 1920.

After the fall of the last powerful regional leader or king or emperor, the complete control of the land reached on the hands of the Italian and British colonial powers.

The western powers ruled the land independently nearly forty years. It was in the year 1960 that the country secured complete freedom. The Italian colonials were the first to leave the country in the year 1941. Followed by that, the British colonials left.

Unfortunately, the state of being independent failed to bring peace and happiness into this territory, because then the country was under serious economic crisis –the colonel powers looted as much as wealth they could before they left the land they had been enjoying independently for several years. Undoubtedly, the poverty, unhappiness and dissatisfaction created in the Somalia society due to the land of basic financial security was the prime reason why the nation fell into the clutches of a brutal civil war in 1990s.

It is not a story of loss, but is a story of gain –actually, regain. Now, this nation is in the path of true growth. The stains of the bad war and political uncertainty have almost vanished. Now, the land dreams a new future. It has long way to go. Let’s hope that the highly lucrative sector of tourism which has gifted a powerful impetus to many economies across the world will bless this country too.

This African heaven has everything necessary to be called as an ideal tourist location. It has beautiful hills, attractive beaches, magnificent forests, captivating war ruins, lovely people, tasty cuisine, and perfect climate.     

The city of Mogadishu, the cave art of Laas Geel, the city of Hargeisa, Berbera beaches and Kismayo national park are the five prime attractions of the African country of Somalia, which is one of the less explored countries in the region.

The Somalia city of Mogadishu reflects how prosperous the country was during the medieval period. There are several medieval Islamic structures, such as mosques and tombs, in this city. It is very interesting to note that most of these structures sustained the bloody conflicts the country suffered in the recent past. The city is also popular for its beaches –most of these beaches are ideal for spending a memorable time as they are often less crowded and are filled with almost everything necessary for a traveller to feel happy, relaxed and rejuvenated. No person who visits the city forgets to get a glimpse of precious collections stored in the National Museum of Somalia, which is widely regarded as the soul of this city.

Do you know that there were inhabitants in this part of the world nearly 9000 years before the year that Jesus Christ born in the earth? The cave art of Laas Geel is the perfect proof of this fact. The pictures of animals and human beings drawn in the caves are said to have created there several thousand years before the birth of Jesus Christ. No curious minds miss the chance to see this magical pictures portrayed by the primitive Somalia people.

Those who wish to get a deep insight about the rich culture, art and heritage of primitive Somalia usually visits the mysterious city of Hargeisa. The Hargeisa Provisional Museum, which was founded in the year 1972, is the most popular tourist location in the city. It has a huge collection of primitive pictures, crafts and coins, and many other primitive objects.

The city of Hargeisa also helps to understand how disastrous the civil war was. There is no doubt that no other city in this part of the country suffered the kind of damage this city suffered during the civil war period. For that reason, there are several civil war ruins in the city. Lately, these ruins have helped to draw in many travellers towards the city.

Most travellers love to spend a considerable time in beaches. There is no specific reason for this behavioural pattern. There is no dispute in the fact that beaches have the potential to attract all kinds of travellers –kids and adults alike. In that front also, the African country of Somalia does not fail its guests. It is one of the very few African countries which have the blessing of sea goddess –fortunately, the country has a large coastline. Interestingly, these coastlines are blessed with the abundance of coral reefs. So, the beaches of Somalia are a perfect choice for scuba diving and other similar adventures. The Berbera beaches are the most popular beaches in the country. These beaches are less crowded, highly beautiful and extremely peaceful.

Apart from all these, Somalia is also known for its wildlife. There are several reserve forests and wildlife parks in the country. These attractive locations attract numerous travellers yearly. The Kismayo National Park is one of the most popular national parks among those parks which are open for the public.

Somalia is growing. At this juncture, the gifts that the nature has showered over them are nourishing its growth. Let’s support them by planning a trip to this country.

It is advised that travellers seek the advice of experts before venturing into a trip to this African less explored country as there are several safety precautions they need to take before doing so. 

Photo Courtesy : Google/ images are subject to copyright