Somalian Culture:
Introduction:
Somalia is a country located in Eastern Africa. It is a country of over 10 million people, with 85% being Somali and 15% being Bantu or another ethnic group. Many of the refugees from Somalia that live in Syracuse, NY have lived in camps in other countries like Kenya for many years.
A Brief History:
In 1960 the British and Italian Somalilands became one Somalia. From 1969-1991 there was an authoritarian rule within the country that led to persecution and jailing of any political opponents. In 1991, the regime collapsed and turmoil ensued. With this many clans began to fight with each other and without adequate supplies and materials, it is estimated that 500,000 people died from famines in 1992 and 2010-2012. In 1992, due to civil war and famine, 350,000 people died and President George H.W. Bush ordered emergency airlifts of supplies for the people of Somalia. The U.S. then assisted the UN in its effort to rid the country of warlords. In 1993, the Somali rebels shot down two US helicopters killing many, which resulted in the withdrawal of U.S. troops/assistance in 1993. In 2000, the Transitional National Government was created, but it failed in providing adequate security within the country. In 2006, many Somalian people fled the country to Kenya, which is home to one of the largest refugee camps in the World and by 2007 the number of refugees hit 1 million people. In summary, although conflict has plagued this country, the Somali are a people of great strength and customs, with a worldly knowledge no one can replace.
Flag, Clothes, & More:
The Somali flag is a 5 pointed star and crescent that are white on a blue backdrop. This represents the new moon and Islamic faith and the star symbolizes each piece of land that is home to the people of Somalia. People from Somalia often eat meat such as sheep and drink milk from their animals daily. Things like honey, dates, and rice are also popular food items. Muufo is a flat bread made from ground corn flour.
For more in depth information, please visit:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14094503
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/12/timeline-somalia-1991-2008/307190/
http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Somalia.html
CIA website linked in resources page
Somalia is a country located in Eastern Africa. It is a country of over 10 million people, with 85% being Somali and 15% being Bantu or another ethnic group. Many of the refugees from Somalia that live in Syracuse, NY have lived in camps in other countries like Kenya for many years.
A Brief History:
In 1960 the British and Italian Somalilands became one Somalia. From 1969-1991 there was an authoritarian rule within the country that led to persecution and jailing of any political opponents. In 1991, the regime collapsed and turmoil ensued. With this many clans began to fight with each other and without adequate supplies and materials, it is estimated that 500,000 people died from famines in 1992 and 2010-2012. In 1992, due to civil war and famine, 350,000 people died and President George H.W. Bush ordered emergency airlifts of supplies for the people of Somalia. The U.S. then assisted the UN in its effort to rid the country of warlords. In 1993, the Somali rebels shot down two US helicopters killing many, which resulted in the withdrawal of U.S. troops/assistance in 1993. In 2000, the Transitional National Government was created, but it failed in providing adequate security within the country. In 2006, many Somalian people fled the country to Kenya, which is home to one of the largest refugee camps in the World and by 2007 the number of refugees hit 1 million people. In summary, although conflict has plagued this country, the Somali are a people of great strength and customs, with a worldly knowledge no one can replace.
Flag, Clothes, & More:
The Somali flag is a 5 pointed star and crescent that are white on a blue backdrop. This represents the new moon and Islamic faith and the star symbolizes each piece of land that is home to the people of Somalia. People from Somalia often eat meat such as sheep and drink milk from their animals daily. Things like honey, dates, and rice are also popular food items. Muufo is a flat bread made from ground corn flour.
For more in depth information, please visit:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14094503
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/12/timeline-somalia-1991-2008/307190/
http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Somalia.html
CIA website linked in resources page