Image: Feisal Omar/Reuters
Culture and Customs of Somalia by
Somalia, the Horn of Africa nation, is finally recovering from recent wars and famine. Written by a native Somali, Culture and Customs of Somalia gives students and interested readers an in-depth look at the land and people, past and present. It is the only accessible, comprehensive, and up-to-date general reference on this country. Somalia was once colonized by Europeans, but Abdullahi's superb survey, with its historical context, evokes a Somaliland from a Somali viewpoint.
This Muslim country has strong pastoral roots and is known as a land of poets with a long oral cultural tradition. Some highlights found herein include discussion of handcrafts and artisanry, distinctive architecture and nomad housing, camel culture, intriguing food and eating customs, rites of passage, leisure and economic pursuits, education, and the Somali musical genres. A chronology, glossary, and numerous photos enhance the text.
Islam, Gender and Migrant Integration by
Gender, immigration and the Somali community of Columbus, Ohio -- Islam, gender and Ijtihad -- Researching immigrant integration -- Gender identity and gender roles in Somali immigrant families -- Gender relationships and Somali immigrant integration -- Ijtihad, gender and transnational integration.
Somalia Society and Culture Complete Report by
Need to know it all? Our all-inclusive culture report for Somalia will get up to speed on all aspects of culture in Somalia, including lifecycle, religion, women, superstitions & folklore, sports, holidays & festivals, and etiquette.
Modern-Day Piracy by
What is the scope of today's maritime piracy? Piracy is flourishing in many key shipping lanes / Attacks by Somali pirates have increased in recent years / Somali pirates are becoming more sophisticated and daring in hteir attacks / Somali pirates raise ransom stakes / Somali piracy is threatening global shipping and manufacturing / Somali's piracy problem affects all nations / Is piracy connected to terrorism? Yes : Piracy is connected to terrorism. The Somali pirates are Islamic jihadists / Somali pirates are financing Islamic terrorists / No : Piracy is not connected to terrorism. The maritime dimension of international security : terrorism, piracy, and challenges for the United States : summary / Somali pirates do not appear to be connected to the Somali Islamist movement / The Somali Islamist group al-Shabaab actually deters Somali piracy / Should ransoms be paid to pirates? Yes : Ransoms should be paid to pirates. Pirates treat hostages well if ransoms are paid / Paying ransoms is the only available response to piracy for ship owners / Penalizing ship owners for paying ransoms is unfair / No : Ransoms should not be paid to pirates. Appeasement of pirates has never worked / Paying ransoms to pirates only exacerbates terrorism / Pirates should be confronted not paid / How should the US and other nations combat pirate attacks? Multiple approaches must be taken to manage the piracy problem / Shipping nations should coordinate efforts to prosecute pirates / The international community must work with Africans to combat piracy / Counterterrorism measures must be applied to piracy / Military action and foreign aid must be used to eliminate pirate sanctuaries / A long-term piracy solution requires addressing Somalia's poverty and politics / Supporting Somalia's transitional government can help combat piracy
City of Thorns by
A researcher for Human Rights Watch describes the refugee camp in Dadaab, home to those fleeing civil war in Somalia, and highlights the life of various residents, including a former child soldier, a schoolgirl and a youth leader.
Desert Flower by
Inspired by the life of Waris Dirie, including how she escaped from an arranged marriage at the age of thirteen and embarked upon a two-hundred-mile journey across the desert of Somalia in an adventure that eventually led her into a modeling career.
