Somalia - like other Arab-African countries - is characterized by its dual identity(African & Arab). And despite some shortcomings like Somalis not speaking the Arabic language, there are still other elements that strengthen Somalia's claim to Arabnes.
1. Geographical position: It is one of the most important foundations on which Somalia's claim to Arabism is based. It is located in the prominent part of East Africa known as the Horn of Africa, and the site has great geopolitical importance. On top of religious and socio-economical similarities between the people of Somalia and the Middle East, the Somali peninsulas' terrain, Flora and fauna can also be said to be closer to that of the Middle East compared to other parts of tropical Africa.
2. Shared history: The common history that Somalis and Arabs have shared throughout history, the same hopes and pains created by the geographical location, and the single destiny that brings them together represent a major component of it's Arabism. Somalis and other Arabs have engaged in many struggles together in history. How can we forget the Arabs' contribution to the Conquest of Abyssinia(futh Al Habasha), bringing many troops and firearms which were new to Africa at that time?
3. The cultural factor: The existence of a common culture that brings together Somalis and Arabs is one of the most important reasons why Somalia was accepted to join the Arab League in 1974. Islam, the Arabic language, and customs and traditions represent the most important elements of Arab culture in Somalia. Islam, which all Somalis and Arabs embrace, unites the faith and message carried by both parties. The Arabic language, rooted in Somali culture, helps Somalis interact with their Arab brothers and the shared common customs and traditions like nomadism Create a single feeling and belonging.
The Somali people view Arabism and Islam as two sides of the same coin and consider the Arabic language a sacred language, and their Ethiopian Christian neighbors also consider Islam and Arabism to be one thing. The Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie expressed this when he said, "I have drawn up a thirteen-year plan to eliminate Arab influence,” he meant thus, the presence of Islam in Abyssinia.
With all that being and most Somalis at present and historically considering Arabs their kin it can't be ignored how the massive migration of Somalis to various regions of the world since the civil war has deepened the problems of identity - including
the Arabism of Somalia - because of the new cultures that Somali immigrants have acquired in the West and neighboring African countries.
1. Geographical position: It is one of the most important foundations on which Somalia's claim to Arabism is based. It is located in the prominent part of East Africa known as the Horn of Africa, and the site has great geopolitical importance. On top of religious and socio-economical similarities between the people of Somalia and the Middle East, the Somali peninsulas' terrain, Flora and fauna can also be said to be closer to that of the Middle East compared to other parts of tropical Africa.
2. Shared history: The common history that Somalis and Arabs have shared throughout history, the same hopes and pains created by the geographical location, and the single destiny that brings them together represent a major component of it's Arabism. Somalis and other Arabs have engaged in many struggles together in history. How can we forget the Arabs' contribution to the Conquest of Abyssinia(futh Al Habasha), bringing many troops and firearms which were new to Africa at that time?
3. The cultural factor: The existence of a common culture that brings together Somalis and Arabs is one of the most important reasons why Somalia was accepted to join the Arab League in 1974. Islam, the Arabic language, and customs and traditions represent the most important elements of Arab culture in Somalia. Islam, which all Somalis and Arabs embrace, unites the faith and message carried by both parties. The Arabic language, rooted in Somali culture, helps Somalis interact with their Arab brothers and the shared common customs and traditions like nomadism Create a single feeling and belonging.
The Somali people view Arabism and Islam as two sides of the same coin and consider the Arabic language a sacred language, and their Ethiopian Christian neighbors also consider Islam and Arabism to be one thing. The Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie expressed this when he said, "I have drawn up a thirteen-year plan to eliminate Arab influence,” he meant thus, the presence of Islam in Abyssinia.
With all that being and most Somalis at present and historically considering Arabs their kin it can't be ignored how the massive migration of Somalis to various regions of the world since the civil war has deepened the problems of identity - including
the Arabism of Somalia - because of the new cultures that Somali immigrants have acquired in the West and neighboring African countries.
