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Barawa ( ''Barāwe'', , ''Baraawe'', ''Barāwa'',
Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, a Romance ethnic group related to or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance languag ...
: ''Brava''), also known as Barawe and Brava, is the
capital Capital and its variations may refer to: Common uses * Capital city, a municipality of primary status ** Capital region, a metropolitan region containing the capital ** List of national capitals * Capital letter, an upper-case letter Econom ...
of the
South West State The South-West State of Somalia (), (Af-Maay: ''Koofur Orsé''), is a States and regions of Somalia, Federal Member State in southwestern Somalia. It was founded by Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud, leader of the Somalia Rahanweyn Resistance Army, ...
of
Somalia Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is the easternmost country in continental Africa. The country is located in the Horn of Africa and is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, th ...
.Pelizzari, Elisa. "Guerre civile et question de genre en Somalie. Les événements et leurs retombées sur le destin d’une femme: Starlin Abdi Arush (1957-2002)." Cahiers du Genre 1 (2018): 193-213. It functions as a port town in the southwestern Lower Shebelle region of
Somalia Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is the easternmost country in continental Africa. The country is located in the Horn of Africa and is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, th ...
. Facing the
Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering or approximately 20% of the water area of Earth#Surface, Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west and Australia (continent), ...
, Barawa serves as the main port of South West State.


History


Origin

The town of Barawa was founded by ''Aw-Ali'' from the Tunni, a member of
Rahanweyn The Rahanweyn (, Northern Somali, Somali: , ), 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 ...
. Before Aw-Ali founded Barawa, he had observed a large area between Goobwayn and Baraawe. Aw-Ali was looking for a place that best suited his family needs. One fact Aw-Ali could not resist was the freshness of the ocean breeze and immediately asked the collaboration of his people. Oral history relates that before Aw-Ali moved into the city of Baraawe, most of the Tunni population and their livestock resided in an area not far from Baraawe and its vicinity. Most historians have identified that Aw-Ali himself to be from a Tunni clan. After Aw-Ali set the groundwork to his new residence, more Tunni moved in to the area, most of them migrated from inland and ocean shores. Oral history recognizes that this group to be the first inhabitants to live in the city of Brava.


Medieval


Tunni Sultanate

The Tunni, composed of five sub-clans (Da'farad, Dakhtira, Goygali, Hajuwa, and Waridi), were the latest to drive the Jiddu into the interior, where they established their own Sultanate called Tunni Sultanate. The Tunni made a treaty with the Jiddu so that Tunni settled on the west bank of the Shabelle and the Jiddu settled on the east bank. Both also agreed to resist foreign penetration, to allow only Seddah Saamood (the three foot-prints, which are the Tuni, the Jiddu, and the wild beasts). However, they did accept the first Muslim migrants, the Hatimi from
Yemen Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country in West Asia. Located in South Arabia, southern Arabia, it borders Saudi Arabia to Saudi Arabia–Yemen border, the north, Oman to Oman–Yemen border, the northeast, the south-eastern part ...
and the Amawi from
Syria Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in West Asia located in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Levant. It borders the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to Syria–Turkey border, the north, Iraq to Iraq–Syria border, t ...
, around the 10th century, for both religious and commercial reasons. Barawa founded by a Tunni saint called Aw-Al became the new capital for the Tunni Sultanate. The town prospered and became one of the major Islamic centers in the
Horn Horn may refer to: Common uses * Horn (acoustic), a tapered sound guide ** Horn antenna ** Horn loudspeaker ** Vehicle horn ** Train horn *Horn (anatomy), a pointed, bony projection on the head of various animals * Horn (instrument), a family ...
, the Barawaani Ulama, attracting students from all over the region. Muslim scholars of that time, such as Ibn Sa'id, wrote about Barawa as "an Islamic island on the Somali coast." Al-Idrisi also described the construction of the coral houses and noted that Barawa was full of both domestic and foreign commodities. Barawa was renowned for its domestic craftsmen and their weaving of ''alindi''/ ''kioy'' cloth, and the '' kufi baraawa'' . Alongside sandals, weapons and utensils many things are still handmade in the town. Clay horned stones are common in Buur Heybe. With unique carving and for goods such as the ''mihmil'' (Qu'ran rest)) and ''Attir'' or wedding bed. Precious metals were honed into fine jewellery and metal lined bridges which would connect multi-storied houses above. Women and the elderly would not need to go into the crowded streets to get across the town. Coral was collected and then torched to add as a lime component.


Ajuran Sultanate

Barawa and its surrounding area fell under the Ajuran Empire that governed much of southern
Somalia Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is the easternmost country in continental Africa. The country is located in the Horn of Africa and is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, th ...
and eastern
Ethiopia Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Ken ...
. The domain extended from Hafun in the north, to Qelafo in the west, to
Kismayo Kismayo (, , ; ) is a port city in the southern Lower Juba (Jubbada Hoose) province of Somalia. It is the commercial capital of the autonomous Jubaland region. The city is situated southwest of the capital Mogadishu, near the mouth of the Jub ...
in the south.Lee V. Cassanelli, ''The Shaping of Somali Society: Reconstructing the History of a Pastoral People, 1600-1900'', (University of Pennsylvania Press: 1982), p.102. Barawa was at its golden age during Ajuran period. According to Ibn Sa'id in the thirteenth century described Barawa as one of the three most important cities on the East African coast along with
Mogadishu Mogadishu, locally known as Xamar or Hamar, is the capital and List of cities in Somalia by population, most populous city of Somalia. The city has served as an important port connecting traders across the Indian Ocean for millennia and has ...
and
Merca Merca (, ) is the capital city of the Lower Shebelle province of Somalia, a historic port city in the region. It is located approximately to the southwest of the nation's capital Mogadishu. Merca is the traditional home territory of the Bimal c ...
all serving as the commercial and Islamic centers for the
Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering or approximately 20% of the water area of Earth#Surface, Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west and Australia (continent), ...
. In 1430, Barawa was one of only 18 western ports mentioned by name in an imperial decree that was issued by the
Xuande Emperor The Xuande Emperor (16 March 1399 31 January 1435), also known by his temple name as the Emperor Xuanzong of Ming, personal name Zhu Zhanji, was the fifth emperor of the Ming dynasty, reigning from 1425 to 1435. He was the son and successor of ...
, it was named as Pu-la-wa, (不喇哇). From his experiences during the
Ming treasure voyages The Ming treasure voyages were maritime expeditions undertaken by Ming China's treasure fleet between 1405 and 1433. The Yongle Emperor ordered the construction of the fleet in 1403. The grand project resulted in seven far-reaching ocean voy ...
in the early 15th century, the Chinese mariner
Fei Xin Fei Xin (; - after 1436) was a member of the military personnel of the fleet of the Ming dynasty admiral Zheng He, known as the author of a book about the countries visited by Chinese ships. Biography Little is known about Fei Xin's life. ...
characterized the people of Barawa as pure and honest. In 1506, the Battle of Barawa began after the
Portuguese Empire The Portuguese Empire was a colonial empire that existed between 1415 and 1999. In conjunction with the Spanish Empire, it ushered in the European Age of Discovery. It achieved a global scale, controlling vast portions of the Americas, Africa ...
decided to invade and capture the wealthy Somali harbour city. The commander of the Portuguese army was Tristão da Cunha: he set wanted to conquer the Ajuran territory, where the battle of Barawa was fought. After a long period of engagement, the Portuguese soldiers burned the city and looted it. However, fierce resistance by the local population and soldiers resulted in the Portuguese failing to permanently occupy the city. Refugees who had fled to the interior eventually returned and rebuilt Barawa, Tristão da Cunha was wounded in this battle. After the battle, the city of Barawa quickly recovered from the attack.


Early Modern Period

In the early modern period, Barawa was ruled by the
Geledi Sultanate The Sultanate of the Geledi (, ) also known as the Gobroon dynasty,Somali Sultanate: The Geledi City-state Over 150 Years - Virginia Luling (2002) Page 229 was a Somali people, Somali kingdom that ruled parts of the Horn of Africa during the late ...
. It was considered the chief port for the kingdom. The city was roughly 4/5th Somali and 1/5th Bravanese with the majority of Somali inhabitants being Tunni. Geledi Sultan Ahmed Yusuf's brother Abobokur received a regular tax from the townspeople on behalf of the Sultan this was noted in 1876 in a British Parliamentary account
The Somali tribe of Ruhwaina. The Chief of this and other tribes behind Brava, Marka and Mogdisho is Ahmed Yusuf, who resides at Galhed, one day's march or less from the latter town. Two days further inland is Dafert, a large town governed by Aweka Haji, his brother. These are the principal towns of the Ruhwaina. At four, five, and six hours respectively from Marka lie the towns of Golveen (Golweyn), Bulo Mareerta, and Addormo, governed by Abobokur Yusuf, another brother who though nominally under the orders of the first-named chief, levies black-mail on his own account, and negotiates with the governors of Marka and Brava direct. He resides with about 2,000 soldiers principally slaves at Bulo Mareta; the towns of Gulveen which he often vists and Addormo being occupied by somalis growing produce, cattle &c. and doing a large trade with Marka. The brother of Sultan
Ahmed Ahmad () is an Arabic male given name common in most parts of the Muslim world. Other English spellings of the name include Ahmed. It is also used as a surname. Etymology The word derives from the root ( ḥ-m-d), from the Arabic (), from ...
, Abobokur Yusuf managed the lands opposite the Banadir ports of Brava & Marka and also received a tribute from Brava. This Abobokur Yusuf was accustomed to send messengers to Brava for tribute, and he drew thence about 2,000 dollars per annum.
Eventually, in 1908, Barawa came under the
Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, a Romance ethnic group related to or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance languag ...
protectorate A protectorate, in the context of international relations, is a State (polity), state that is under protection by another state for defence against aggression and other violations of law. It is a dependent territory that enjoys autonomy over ...
and was then incorporated into
Italian Somaliland Italian Somaliland (; ; ) was a protectorate and later colony of the Kingdom of Italy in present-day Somalia, which was ruled in the 19th century by the Sultanate of Hobyo and the Majeerteen Sultanate in the north, and by the Hiraab Imamate and ...
in 1910 after the death of the last Sultan Osman Ahmed.But the Italians faced stiff resistance from many parts of the Banadir coast. The inland regions and the trade of the Somali merchants would remain unchallenged in their independence for years to come. Sheikh Uways al-Barawi organized an Ikhwaan and led the Banadir revolt, which was defeated in the 1908. Sheikh Uways migrated to Biyole to re-organize his Ikhwaan, but was killed in 1909 by
Mohammed Abdullah Hassan Muhammad (8 June 632 CE) was an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. According to Islam, he was a prophet who was divinely inspired to preach and confirm the monotheistic teachings of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, ...
due to religious disputes. His successor, Khalif Sheikh faraj, was also killed in 1925. However, the Uwaysiyya order, named after the martyr Sheikh Uways, emerged throughout southern Somalia and East Africa, establishing the Jama'a in the riverine region of southern Somalia and neighboring regions. These served as centres of charity and learning.


Modern

In addition to Sheikh Uways, Baraawe has produced numerous well-respected
Ulama In Islam, the ''ulama'' ( ; also spelled ''ulema''; ; singular ; feminine singular , plural ) are scholars of Islamic doctrine and law. They are considered the guardians, transmitters, and interpreters of religious knowledge in Islam. "Ulama ...
, including Sheikh Uways al-Barawi, Sheikh Nureini Ahmed Sabir, Sheikh Haji Sadiq, Sheikh Qassim al-Baraawi, Sheikh Mu'alim Nuuri, Sharif Qulatayn and a female poet-saint, Dada Masiti. The city was the stronghold of the Hizbiya Digil-Mirifle (HDM) party, which was founded in 1947; it later became the Hizb al-Dastuur Mustaqil al-Somali where the first Election has taken place in Mogadisho, Hisbia (Xisbiya) and has been elected as the leader of (HDMS) Jeilani Sheikh Bin Sheikh (Somali Independent Constitutional Party, HDMS). Barawa sharply declined after upgraded colonial infrastructure was added in
Merca Merca (, ) is the capital city of the Lower Shebelle province of Somalia, a historic port city in the region. It is located approximately to the southwest of the nation's capital Mogadishu. Merca is the traditional home territory of the Bimal c ...
and
Mogadishu Mogadishu, locally known as Xamar or Hamar, is the capital and List of cities in Somalia by population, most populous city of Somalia. The city has served as an important port connecting traders across the Indian Ocean for millennia and has ...
. After independence the town was largely ignored by the Somali government. Following refugee resettlement programmes the town suffered as the new arrivals were unable to quickly adopt the culture of the city. Heritage was lost following the civil war which Siad Barre and Morgan’s militias looting the town. In 1997 it was incorporated into
South West State of Somalia The South-West State of Somalia (), ( Af-Maay: ''Koofur Orsé''), is a Federal Member State in southwestern Somalia. It was founded by Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud, leader of the Somalia RRA on 1 April 2002. It was the third autonomous regio ...
and rebuild would have ensued but the emergence of Al-Shabaab stalled this. In 2009, Al-Shabaab militants seized control of Barawa. In September of that year, a United States military raid in the area killed Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, a suspected
Al-Qaeda , image = Flag of Jihad.svg , caption = Jihadist flag, Flag used by various al-Qaeda factions , founder = Osama bin Laden{{Assassinated, Killing of Osama bin Laden , leaders = {{Plainlist, * Osama bin Lad ...
operative. In October 2013,
United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare, maritime military branch, service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is the world's most powerful navy with the largest Displacement (ship), displacement, at 4.5 millio ...
SEAL Team Six The Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), abbreviated as DEVGRU ("Development Group") and unofficially known as SEAL Team Six, is the United States Navy component of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). The unit is often r ...
launched an unsuccessful raid against a beachside house in Barawa, targeting Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr, the leader of Al-Shabaab. Following the raid, al-Shabaab began a crackdown of the town. Following the launch of Operation Indian Ocean, the Somali Armed Forces assisted by
AMISOM The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was a Multinational force formed by the African Union. The operation deployed to Somalia soon after the Islamic Courts Union was deposed by troops from Ethiopia during War in Somalia (2006–2009), ...
troops re-seized control of Barawa from Al-Shabaab in October 2014. On 11 October, during a trip to Barawa, President Hassan banned the charcoal trade in the city.


Demographics

Barawa has a population of around 260,800 inhabitants. The broader Barawa District has a total population of 350,800 residents. The town's majority inhabitants are the Tunni clan, a sub-group of Digil, with a minority of residents are Garre , Sheekhaal, Bravanese. In addition to the standard Bravanese language (Chimini), which is a dialect of Swahili, the Tunni speak Tunni language (a dialect of Somali) and the remaining people speak the standard Somali language.


Gallery


References


Bibliography

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External links


BravaneseBravaOnLineBarawa
{{Authority control Ajuran Sultanate Populated places in Lower Shebelle Populated coastal places in Somalia