Hargeisa: The Vibrant Heart of Somaliland

• HelloSalaan
  [sah-lahn]
• GoodbyeNabad gelyo
  [nah-bahd gehl-yoh]
• YesHaa
  [hah]
• NoMaya
  [mah-yah]
• Please/You're welcomeFadlan
  [fad-lahn]
• Thank youMahadsanid
  [mah-had-sah-need]
• Excuse me/SorryIga dheh
  [ee-gah dheh]
• How are you?Sidee tahay?
  [see-deh tah-hay]
• Fine. And you?Fiican. Adiga?
  [fee-cahn. ah-dee-gah]
• Do you speak English?Ma ku hadashaa af Ingiriis?
  [mah koo hah-dah-shah ahf een-gee-rees]
• I don't understandAnigu ma fahmin
  [ah-nee-goo mah fah-meen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseWaan jeclahay inaan arko liiska cuntada
  [wahn jeh-clah-hai een-ahn ar-koh lees-kah cun-tah-dah]
• I don't eat meatAniga aan cunto hilib ah
  [ah-nee-gah ahn cun-toh hee-leeb ah]
• Cheers!Burbur!
  [boor-boor]
• I would like to pay, pleaseWaan rabaa inaan bixiyo, fadlan
  [wahn rah-bah ah-nahn beek-see-yoh, fahd-lahn]

• Help!Caawin!
  [cah-ah-ween]
• Go away!Tag la waay!
  [tahg lah wah-ay]
• Call the Police!Wac lacag Police!
  [wahch lah-chahg poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Wac dhakhtar!
  [wahch dahk-tahr]
• I'm lostAniga waxaan riyoonaa
  [ah-nee-gah wah-xahn ree-yoh-nah]
• I'm illAniga waxaan jiraa
  [ah-nee-gah wah-xahn jee-rah]

• I'd like to buy...Waan rabaa inaan iibso...
  [wahn rah-bah ah-nahn ee-bsoh]
• I'm just lookingAniga waxaan arkaa
  [ah-nee-gah wah-xahn ar-kah]
• How much is it?Meeyaha waa iman kartaa?
  [meh-yah-hah wah ee-mahn kahr-tah]
• That's too expensiveWaa qiimaha ka weyn
  [wah kee-mah-hah kah weyn]
• Can you lower the price?Ma ku darayso qiimaha?
  [mah koo dah-rah-yoh kee-mah-hah]

• What time is it?Waa maxey waqtiga?
  [wah mah-xay wahg-tee-gah]
• It's one o'clockWaa boqol
  [wah boh-kohl]
• Half past (10)Dhacdo (10)
  [dhahj-doh (10)]
• MorningSubax
  [soo-bahx]
• AfternoonGalab
  [gah-lahb]
• EveningHabeen
  [hah-been]
• YesterdayShalay
  [shah-lahy]
• TodayMaanta
  [mah-ahn-tah]
• TomorrowBerri
  [beh-ree]
• 1Kow
  [kohw]
• 2Laba
  [lah-bah]
• 3Saddex
  [sahd-deh]
• 4Afar
  [ah-fahr]
• 5Shan
  [shahn]
• 6Lix
  [leex]
• 7Toddobaad
  [tohd-doh-bahd]
• 8Sideed
  [see-dehd]
• 9Sagaal
  [sah-gahl]
• 10Toban
  [toh-bahn]

• Where's a/the...?Haa kuu jirtaa...?
  [hah koo jeer-tah]
• What's the address?Cinwaanka waa maxay?
  [cheen-wahn-kah wah mah-xay]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ma ku aragtid (khariidad)?
  [mah koo ah-rahg-teed kah-ree-dahd]
• When's the next (bus)?Marka ugu dambeeya (baas)?
  [mahr-kah oo-goo dahm-bay-yah baas]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikiti (ila...)
  [tee-kee-tee ee-lah]

Hargeisa's history traces back to ancient times. Archaeological findings indicate that the area was inhabited by early humans during the Neolithic period. Rock paintings in the Laas Geel caves, located just outside the city, showcase some of the oldest known art on the African continent, dating back over 5,000 years. These paintings depict pastoral scenes with cows, dogs, and human figures, giving us a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants.

During the medieval period, Hargeisa became an important hub in the trade networks that spread across the Horn of Africa. The city was part of the Sultanate of Ifat and later the Adal Sultanate, which were influential Islamic states that controlled the region. Hargeisa's strategic location facilitated trade with the Arabian Peninsula, India, and beyond, bringing prosperity and diverse cultural influences to the city.

In the late 19th century, Hargeisa came under British control as part of British Somaliland. The city witnessed significant changes during the colonial era, including the establishment of modern infrastructure and institutions. The British used Hargeisa as an administrative center, and it became a focal point for colonial governance and economic activities in the region.

Hargeisa played a pivotal role in the independence movement of British Somaliland. On June 26, 1960, British Somaliland gained independence and, just days later, unified with the former Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. Hargeisa thus became part of a newly independent nation, experiencing a wave of optimism and national pride as it embarked on a journey of self-governance.

The Somali Civil War, which began in the late 1980s, had a devastating impact on Hargeisa. The city was heavily bombarded during the conflict, leading to widespread destruction and displacement of its residents. However, the resilience of the people of Hargeisa has been remarkable. Following the declaration of Somaliland's independence in 1991, Hargeisa has undergone significant reconstruction and development, emerging as a symbol of peace and progress in the region.

In recent years, Hargeisa has experienced a cultural renaissance. The city is home to vibrant markets, traditional Somali music, and the annual Hargeisa International Book Fair, which attracts authors, poets, and artists from across the globe. This cultural revival has helped to foster a sense of community and pride among the residents, while also attracting visitors interested in exploring Hargeisa's rich heritage and dynamic contemporary culture.

Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, can be accessed via the Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA). The airport receives flights from several regional hubs such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Dubai. Additionally, overland routes from Ethiopia and Djibouti are available, though these may require careful planning due to varying road conditions and border procedures.

Within Hargeisa, taxis are the most common mode of transport. They are relatively affordable, but it's advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Public minibuses (locally known as 'bajaj') are also available, though they can be crowded. Car rental services exist, but driving can be challenging due to local road conditions and traffic rules.

The official currency is the Somaliland Shilling (SLSH), but US Dollars are widely accepted. Credit card usage is limited, so it’s essential to carry cash. ATMs are available in the city, but they often dispense US Dollars. Ensure you have enough local currency for smaller establishments and markets.

Hargeisa is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. Areas such as the markets and bus stations can be bustling and require extra vigilance. It's advisable to stay updated on local news and follow travel advisories.

In case of emergency, dial 888 for police assistance. For medical emergencies, the Hargeisa Group Hospital is the main healthcare facility. Having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, but it's advisable to carry basic medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs. Always remove your shoes before entering mosques and avoid interrupting prayer times. Public Transport: Do be polite and patient. Avoid loud conversations and giving the impression of impatience. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Use your right hand for handshakes and exchanges. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during the holy month of Ramadan.

To experience Hargeisa like a local, visit the vibrant Hargeisa Livestock Market where you can see traditional trading practices. Engage in conversations with locals who are generally welcoming and eager to share their culture. Don’t miss the Laas Geel cave paintings, which are among the oldest known rock art in Africa. For an authentic experience, try local dishes like 'canjeero' and 'sambuusa'.