#somalia #somali #somalihistory #SomaliLanguage
This video is about the Somali People of East Africa.
Somalis. The envy of all with their towering height, unshakeable pride, devout religious convictions, and a genetic lottery win in the looks department that leaves the rest of us feeling like mere evolutionary prototypes. Did you know they used to trade with ancient Pharaoh Kingdoms? Lets talk about their origins. Generally, Cushitic people are believed to have originated in the north-eastern regions of Africa, possibly around the Nile Valley , just south of Egypt.
2. Basic Demographics.
The Somali people, hailing from the Horn of Africa, are a Cushitic-speaking group of around 23 million individuals. They live in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Somalis are considered one of the most ethnically homogenous nations in the world. Over 99 percent are Sunni Muslims and are known as one of the most devoted Muslim communities in the world.
3. Diverse Genetics.
Genetic studies have revealed a diverse ancestry, including East African, Arabian, and even South Asian influences. According to genetic studies, Somalis are approximately 70% East African indigenous Cushitic and 30% West Eurasian. In this Eurasian component, 15 percent is Middle Eastern Semitic, and 15 percent is North African. According to Cruciani et al. (2007), the presence of these subhaplogroups in the Horn region may represent the traces of an ancient migration from southern Egypt.
4. Beautiful Phenotype.
This genetic diversity is mirrored in the Somali people's phenotype, with a wide range of physical features and skin tones. Somalis are generally tall with lean physiques, thin noses, soft hair, and dark brown skin. Both men and women are incredibly good-looking. Somali women, in my opinion, are some of the world's most beautiful women. Their hourglass curvy figures, smooth melanin-rich skin, beautiful radiant smiles, and lovely faces are nothing but extraordinarily stunning.
5. Debate about their blackness.
Now, there has been a raging debate about the blackness of Somalis. Though some people argue that they are not black, that it erases their subjective identity as Somalis, and that the notion of blackness is a western social construct designed to oppress black people, the question of their racial identity is straightforward when considering their geographic and historical context. Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is part of the African continent, and its people share many physical and genetic characteristics with other African populations. Skin colour, while a superficial marker of race, is just one aspect of a person's identity.
6. Interesting Personality.
Here are some universal Somali behavioural traits: Picture this: a bunch of folks so proud they probably high-five their mirrors every morning. They are incredibly proud of their Somali status, culture, looks, and history. Somalis are known for their remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. They've turned Mogadishu from a war zone a few years ago to the thriving city it is becoming today.
7. Beautiful Harsh-Sounding Language.
The Somali language, known as Af-Soomaali, is a key component of the Somali identity. It belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. While Somali is the official language of Somalia, the Somali people's linguistic influence extends beyond national borders, with many Somalis in neighbouring countries also speaking the language. Somali is spoken at breakneck speed, like a language on a caffeine overdose. Here is a sample of this beautiful language.
8. Great Business Acumen.
Historically, Somalis were nomadic herders, moving with their livestock in search of water and pasture. Somali merchants and explorers played significant roles in ancient trade networks, including the Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade routes. Today, millions of Somalis still carry on livestock keeping, exporting millions of goats and cattle to the Middle East.
9. Rich Culture.
Somali culture is renowned for its poetry, with an ancient oral tradition of storytelling that reflects the beauty of the Somali language. Hospitality is a cornerstone of their social fabric, where guests are treated with the utmost respect and generosity. Sharing meals and engaging in conversation are essential parts of Somali culture. Traditional dances, like the energetic Daanto and graceful Buraanbur, add rhythm and movement to their celebrations.
10. Delicious Cuisine.
Somali food is savory and absolutely delicious. The following are some of the prominent Somali dishes.
Hilib Ari: Grilled goat or lamb marinated with a blend of spices, served with flatbread (injera).
Somali cuisine continues to gain recognition globally, with Somali restaurants and dishes finding their way into international culinary scenes. Did you know Somalis eat most of their meals with a banana?