The Silcis (sometimes spelled "Sil'is" or "Seles" in historical texts) are a Somali subclan. They are part of the Gorgaarte subclan of the Hawiye clan,[1] which is one of the major clans of
Somali people. The Silcis inhabit the traditional coastal region of Benadir in the southern part of Somalia.[2] This region should not be confused with the much smaller present day Banaadir administrative region (gobol) which contains Somalia’s capital Mogadishu. Silcis live, or have historically lived, along the Shabeelle River in towns such as Afgooye and Jowhaar, as well as along the coast, especially in Mogadishu and Warsheekh.
Origin of the Silcis subclan
The Silcis are a subclan of the Gorgaarte, who are in turn a subclan of the Hawiye. According to oral tradition, Gorgaarte, a son of the ancestor Hawiye, had himself seven sons, the third of whom was Silcis. When his seventh son, Maane, was born, each son gave a gift; however Maxamed and Maxamuud suspected Maane of being illegitimate and refused to give a gift. As a result, Gorgaarte said prayers for each of his sons, with the exception of Maxamed and Maxamuud, whom he cursed. According to this tradition, when Gorgaate prayed for his sons, he asked for something different for each of them, and for the descendants of Silcis he asked them to be the guardians and teachers of the Quran, the holy book of Islam:
"Les clans issus de Gorgaarte Hawiyye sont de nos jours, et de loin, les plus nombreux et les plus puissants de toute la confédération hawiyye. Selon une tradition rapportée par Colucci, Gorgaarte eur sept fils: Maxamed, dont se réclament les Reer Shabeelle, Maxamuud, Sil'is, Mareexaan, Wadalaan, Daame et Maane, le benjamin. Lorsque naquit ce dernier, son frère Wadalaan lui fit présent d'un poignard, Sil'is d'un livre d'études coraniques, Mareexaan d'une vache et Daame, le plus généreux, d'un dromadaire chargé de récipients remplis de lait. Quand à Maxamed et Maxamuud, également appelés Kebhedle et Tedaalle, qui soupçonnaient Maane d'être un bâtard, il refusèrent de lui faire un présent. Gorgaarte rendit grâces à Allah et dit: 'Que les descendants de Wadalaan aient désormais la charge des sacrifices rituels, et que ceux de Sil'is conservent et transmettent l'enseignement du Coran. Que les fils de Mareexaan soient riches en troupeaux et que ceux de Daame aient une nombreuse descendance. Mais Maxamuud n'aura point de descenda mâle, et Maxamed n'engendrera que des esclaves.' La plupart des clans Gorgaarte sont en effet issus de l'union de Daame et de Faadumo Karanle..."[3]
(“The clans descended from Gorgaarte Hawiyye are by far the most numerous and powerful in the entire Hawiyye confederation. According to a tradition reported by Colucci, Gorgaarte had seven sons: Maxamed, to whom the Reer Shabeelle claim to belong, Maxamuud, Sil'is, Mareexaan, Wadalaan, Daame and Maane, the youngest. When the latter was born, his brother Wadalaan presented him with a dagger, Sil'is with a book of Qur'anic studies, Mareexaan with a cow and Daame, the most generous, with a camel loaded with containers full of milk. As for Maxamed and Maxamuud, also known as Kebhedle and Tedaalle, who suspected Maane of being a bastard, they refused to give him a present. Gorgaarte gave thanks to Allah and said: 'May the descendants of Wadalaan henceforth be in charge of ritual sacrifices, and may those of Sil'is preserve and transmit the teaching of the Koran. May the sons of Mareexaan be rich in herds, and may those of Daame have numerous descendants. But Maxamuud will have no male descendenda, and Maxamed will beget only slaves.' Most Gorgaarte clans are in fact descended from the union of Daame and Faadumo Karanle...")
Emergence and early history of the Silcis Sultanate
The Silcis rose to prominence in the Shabeelle River region following the disintegration of the Ajuuraan Sultanate, which controlled a large part of southern Somalia, and with which the Silcis are connected.[4] Cassanelli points out that in Geledi oral history accounts, the Silcis are often viewed as "that section of the Ajuran who governed the Afgoy district".[5] He asserts that Geledi accounts "attest to the continuity and similarity of Ajuran and Sil'is rule".
The Silcis centre of power was in Lama Jiidle (present day Afgooye).[6] Lama Jiidle means "two roads" in Somali. Barile erroneously claims that Afgooye's previous name was simply "Seles" (the common Italian spelling of Silcis).[7]
The Silcis imposed taxation on their subject clans, such as the Wacdaan, a fellow subclan of the Gurgate Hawiye, and the Geledi, a Rahanweyn subclan.[8] According to Virginia Luling, "The Sil'is imposed their dominion on the Geledi, who had to pay as tribute a measure (suus) of grain every day from each household; it was collected and loaded on a camel, others say a donkey. A tax was also imposed on those who brought their stock to water at the river”.[9] Barile also describes the taxes levied by the Silcis.[10]
A controversial aspect of traditional Geledi and Wacdaan accounts of Silcis rule is the imposition by the Silcis sultan of ius primae noctis.[11] According to Eno, "it was ‘Xeer’ [customary] for every Geledi bride... to celebrate her honeymoon [first] with a Silcis-Gorgaate male before she could celebrate the occasion with her official marital husband".[12]
Luling, however, points out that ius primae noctis was "A habit regularly attributed to tyrants in this part of Somalia”.[13] It is thus possible that the accounts of the Silcis practice were exaggerated by the clans they ruled. It is not known to what extent the Silcis sultans engaged in this practice. However, the importance of this account to Geledi and Wacdaan history should not be discounted or dismissed.
Overthrow of Silcis
The final ruler of the Silcis in Lama Jiidle (Afgooye) was the sultan 'Umur Abukar Abroone.[14] According to Luling, "His daughter Imbia used to go round collecting the daily tribute of grain, accompanied by her slaves" [15] from her father's Wacdaan and Geledi subjects. Oral accounts hold that one day, "when the Sultan's daughter came round to collect the tribute, she got a beating instead of the grain", as the Geledi refused to pay.[16] When Imbia reported this event to her father, he exclaimed "waa la i afgooye", literally "they have cut off my mouth", meaning that the regime's source of provision had been terminated. Lama Jiidle's name became Afgooye to commemorate this victory over the Silcis.
According to Cassanelli, “the Geledi (Rahanweyn) and Wa'dan (Darandolle Gurgate) allied to drive the Sil'is from Afgoy”.[17]
The Silcis Sultanate in the Afgooye region was replaced by the Geledi Sultanate.[18]
Later history
Some authors claim that the Silcis ceased to be a significant group after their overthrow in Afgooye. Puccioni states that "the Silcis were reduced to a small, sparse grouping along the Shabeelle from Afgooye to Bulo Mererta [“i Seles sono ridotti a piccoli raggruppamenti sparsi lungo lo Scebeli da Afgoi a Bulo Mererta”].[19] Luling claims that the Silcis "became an insignificant, scattered people”.[20]
It is apparent, however, from the historical record beginning in the 19th century that the Silcis became established at Warsheekh and that this became their new centre. The Italian colonial administration signed a "TREATY of Peace, Friendship and Protection" with the "Chiefs of Warsheekh (Seles Gorgate and Abgal)" on August 26, 1894.[21] The Italians also confirmed Haji Mao Mallim Elmi, a Silcis member, as the chief of Warsheekh in 1897.[22]
In 1951, a large number of representatives of the Silcis submitted an appeal to the United Nations Advisory Council for the Trust Territory of Somaliland under Italian Administration, in order to protest the taking of Silcis lands by Italians. The signatories submitted the appeal “on behalf of the Seles Gorgate inhabitants living in Warsheikh, Giohar, Harar, Jigjiga, Mogadishu and Afgoi".[23]
The Majeerteen, alternately known as MohammedHarti, are a Somali sub-clan part of the Harti branch of the Darod clan. Traditionally, they inhabit extensive territories in the Bari, Nugaal, and Mudug regions of Somalia, spanning from Bosaso to Garacad, mainly in Puntland state. Additionally, Majeerteen populations are present in southern towns such as Kismayo.
The Ajuran is a Somali clan, part of the Jambelle clan which itself belongs to the largest Somali clan-family — the Hawiye. Ajuran members largely inhabit Kenya as well as southern east Ethiopia; considerable numbers are also found in southern Somalia. Some Ajuran members are settled in Mogadishu.
Merca is the capital city of the Lower Shebelle province of Somalia, a historic port city in the region. It is located approximately 109 km (68 mi) to the southwest of the nation's capital Mogadishu. Merca is the traditional home territory of the Bimal clan and was the center of the Bimal revolt.
The Leelkase or Lailkase or Lelkase is a major subclan of the Tanade Darod clan. The term "Leelkase" is a nickname, which translates as "farsighted, mindful, smart or intelligent”
The Hawiye are one of the principal and largest of the Somali clans, tracing their lineage back to Sheikh Ahmed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Uthman, also known as Sheikh Hawiye, the eponymous figure of the clan. They are considered the earliest documented clan to have settled in the Somali peninsula, as noted in the 12th century by Al-Idrisi, occupying the regions spanning from Ras Hafun to Merca, which served as their capital. Presently, the Hawiye reside in central and southern Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, the Somali region of Ethiopia, Harar, Oromia, and Afar regions, as well as Kenya. Furthermore, they represent the majority of the population in the capital city of Mogadishu.
The Rahanweyn, also known as the Digil and Mirifle is a major Somali clan. It is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa, with a large territory in the densely populated fertile valleys of the Jubba and Shebelle rivers and the areas inbetween, which are mainly inhabited by settlers from the Digil and Mirifle lineages.
The Murusade, also contemporarily known as Mursal, are a Somali sub-clan, part of the Karanle branch of the larger Hawiye clan. They primarily reside in the central regions of Somalia, particularly in the Galgaduud, Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle and Banaadir regions.
Afgooye is a town in the southeastern Somalia Lower Shebelle region of Somalia. It is the center of the Afgooye District. Afgooye is the third largest city of Southwest State. Afgooye is one of the oldest towns on the lower Shebelle valley, 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu. Afgooye is the site of Lafoole college, the first college of education in Somalia, built on the site of the battle of Lafoole of 1896. Afgooye is also known for the Istunka, the annual "stick fight" carnival commemorating the New Year in the riverine region. It was a trade center for the Silcis Dynasty in the medieval period then fell under Ajuran rule. Around the late 17th century, Afgooye became the capital of Geledi Sultanate.
The Bimaal or Bimal, are a sub-clan of the major Dir clan family. This clan is widely known for leading a resistance against the colonials in southern Somalia for decades which can be compared to the war of the Sayyid in Somaliland. The Biimaal mainly lives in southern Somalia, the Somali region of Ethiopia, which their Gaadsen sub-clan mainly inhabits.
The Hiraab clan, is a prominent Somali clan belonging to the larger Hawiye clan. Renowned for its influential role, the Hiraab clan has produced numerous significant leaders within Somalia, including six presidents, the first president and prime minister of Somalia, and various other prominent figures. The clan's historical contributions include pioneering military leadership roles, and establishing a foundational influence in Somalia.
Ibrahim Adeer was a Somali ruler. He founded the Sultanate of the Geledi. He subsequently established the Geledi sultanate's ruling house, the Gobroon dynasty, after having to successfully rebel and expel the Ajuran Sultanate and ruled large parts of Horn of Africa.
Mahamud Ibrahim Adeer sometimes referred to as Aw Maxamuud was a Somali ruler. He was the second Sultan of the Sultanate of the Geledi. He defeated early challengers to the new Sultanate and incorporated some Rahanweyn and Hawiye subclans under Geledi rule.
Omar hassan farah(Somali: Omar Hassan farah, Arabic: يوسف محمود ابراهيم; died 1848) was a Somali ruler. He was the third and most powerful Sultan of the Geledi sultanate, reigning from 1798 to 1848. Under the reign of Sultan Yusuf, his kingdom entered its apex, he managed to modernize his economy and his kingdom quickly became one of the wealthiest states in East Africa. Yusuf frequently toured the sultanate and built rapport with his many clients and allies. He successfully consolidated Geledi power during conquest of Bardera and expelling extremist ideology from his region. It was under his rule he manage to establish many trading partners and allies such as the Sultanate of Witu. He also exacted tribute from Sultan Said of the Omani Empire starting from 1843.
Ahmed Yusuf Mahamud was a Somali Sultan of the Geledi sultanate, reigning from 1848 to 1878 and succeeded his father Yusuf Mahamud after his demise at the battle of Adaddey Suleyman. Ahmed was crowned as the fourth Sultan, and his rule marked a period of great prosperity in the Sultanate. The Sultan is credited as having brought over 20,000 Somali troops to free the slaves of Zanzibar.
The Sultanate of the Geledi also known as the Gobroon dynasty, was a Somali kingdom that ruled parts of the Horn of Africa during the late-17th century to the early 20th century. The Sultanate was governed by the Gobroon dynasty. It was established by the Geledi soldier Ibrahim Adeer, who had defeated various vassals of the Ajuran Sultanate and elevated the Gobroon to wield significant political power. Following Mahamud Ibrahim's consolidation, the dynasty reached its apex under Yusuf Mahamud Ibrahim, who successfully modernized the Geledi economy and eliminated regional threats with the Conquest of Bardera in 1843, and would go on to receive tribute from Said bin Sultan, the ruler of the Omani Empire. Geledi Sultans had strong regional ties and built alliances with the Pate and Witu Sultanates on the Swahili coast. Trade and Geledi power would continue to remain strong until the death of the well known Sultan Ahmed Yusuf in 1878. The sultanate was eventually incorporated into Italian Somaliland in 1911.
Osman Ahmed was a Somali ruler. He was the fifth and final Sultan of the Geledi Sultanate. Osman Ahmed is considered less illustrious than his predecessors and Gobroon power weakened considerably under his rule. He was the son of Sultan Ahmed Yusuf and succeeded his father after his death. Although, considerably weaker than his forebears he was still the most powerful ruler in the region and was credited for defending the Rahanweyn territory by repulsing an invasion from the Ethiopian Empire and Dervish State.
The Geledi are a Somali clan that live predominantly in the environs of Afgooye city. They are a sub-clan of the Rahanweyn and led the Geledi Sultanate during the late 17th to early 20th century. They are divided into two main lineage groups: the Tolweyne and the Yabadhaale.
The Hiraab Imamate, also known as the Yacquubi Dynasty, was a Somali kingdom that ruled parts of the Horn of Africa during the 16th century till the 19th century until it was incorporated into Italian Somaliland. The Imamate was governed by the Hiraab Yacquub Dynasty. It was founded by Imam Omar who successfully rebelled against and defeated the Ajuran Sultanate, later establishing an independent kingdom.
Salaan Mahamud Hirsi, better known as Salaan Carrabey, was a famous poet from the Adan Madoba sub-division of the Habr Je'lo Isaaq clan.
Wa'daan is a sub-clan of the Hawiye and the even larger Samaale clan. They are part of the Gorgaarte subclan of the Hawiye clan.
References
Bader, Christian. Le sang et le lait: brève histoire des clans somali. Paris: Maisonneuve & Larose, 1999.
Barile, Pietro. Colonizzazione fascista nella Somalia meridionale. Roma: Societa Italiana Arti Grafiche, 1935.
Cassanelli, Lee Vincent. The Benaadir Past: Essays in Southern Somali History. PhD Thesis. University of Wisconsin, 1973.
Cassanelli, Lee Vincent. The Shaping of Somali Society: Reconstructing the History of a Pastoral People, 1600-1900. Philadelphia: Pennsylvania University Press, 1982.
Colucci, Massimo. Principi di Diritto Consuetudinario della Somalia Italiana meridionale. Firenze: Soc. An. Editrice "La Voce", 1924.
Eno, Mohamed A. The Homogeneity of the Somali People: A Study of the Somali Bantu Ethnic Community. PhD Thesis. St. Clement’s University, 2005.
Haji, Abdiwahid Osman. Somalia: A Chronology of Historical Documents 1827-2000. Gloucester, Ont: Abdiwahid Osman Haji, 2001.
Haji, Abdiwahid Osman and Aweis Osman Haji. Clan, sub-clan and regional representation in the Somali government organization, 1960-1990: Statistical data and findings. Washington, D.C.: Abdiwahid Osman Haji, 2012.
Luling, Virginia. The Social Structure of Southern Somali Tribes. PhD Thesis. University of London, 1971.
Luling, Virginia. “The Use of the Past: Variations in Historical Tradition in a South Somali Community”. In Abdi, Mohamed Mohamed, ed. Anthropologie Somalienne: Actes du Ile Colloque des Études Somaliennes. (Besançon - 8/11 octobre 1990). Centre de Recherches d'Histoire Ancienne, Volume 123.
Puccioni, Nello. Le popolazioni indigene della Somalia Italiana. Bologna: Licinio Cappelli, 1937.
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