Mogadishu: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

• HelloSoo dhawoow
  [soh dah-woh]
• 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/SorryKeliya
  [keh-lee-yah]
• How are you?Sidee tahay?
  [see-day tah-hay]
• Fine. And you?Waa fiican. Iyo ad?
  [wah fee-cahn. ee-yoh ahd?]
• Do you speak English?Ma ku hadlaa Ingiriis?
  [mah koo hahd-lah een-gee-rees?]
• I don't understandMa fahmin Karin
  [mah fahm-een kah-reen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseWaan raadin lahaa menuka, fadlan
  [wahn rah-deen lah-hah meh-noo-kah, fahd-lahn]
• I don't eat meatAnna ma cuniin hilib
  [ahn-nah mah choo-neen hee-leeb]
• Cheers!Caddaalad!
  [cah-dah-lahd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseWaan rabaa inaan bixiyo, fadlan
  [wahn rah-bah ah-nahn bi-hee-yoh, fahd-lahn]

• Help!Caawin!
  [chah-wiin]
• Go away!Tag!
  [tahg]
• Call the Police!Wac dawladda!
  [wahch dah-wlah-dah]
• Call a doctor!Wac doktarka!
  [wahch dohk-tahr-kah]
• I'm lostAniga ayaa la waayay
  [ah-nee-gah ah-yah lah wah-yah-yah]
• I'm illAniga waxaa ii jiraa
  [ah-nee-gah wah-hah ee jee-rah]

• I'd like to buy...Waan rabaa inaan iibso...
  [wahn rah-bah ah-nahn ee-boh-soh...]
• I'm just lookingWaan arkayaa kaliya
  [wahn ar-kah-yah kah-lee-yah]
• How much is it?Qaddarka maxaa ka jira?
  [kahd-dahr-kah mah-hah kah jee-rah]
• That's too expensiveWaa qurux badan
  [wah koo-roox bah-dahn]
• Can you lower the price?Ma rabtaa inaad hoos u qaado qiimaha?
  [mah rahb-tah ee-nahd hohs oo kah-doh kee-mah-hah]

• What time is it?Waa waqtiga maxaa yiri?
  [wah wahk-tee-gah mah-hah yeer-ee?]
• It's one o'clockWaa hal saac
  [wah hahl sah-ahc]
• Half past (10)Daboolka (10)
  [dah-bool-kah (teh-n)]
• MorningGalab
  [gah-lahb]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [doo-hoor]
• EveningHabeen
  [hah-been]
• YesterdayShalay
  [shah-lai]
• TodayMaanta
  [mah-ahn-tah]
• TomorrowBerri
  [behr-ree]
• 1Kow
  [kohw]
• 2Labeen
  [lah-been]
• 3Sadex
  [sah-deh]
• 4Afar
  [ah-fahr]
• 5Shan
  [shahn]
• 6Liix
  [leeh]
• 7Todoba
  [toh-doh-bah]
• 8Siddeed
  [seeh-theed]
• 9Sagaal
  [sah-gahl]
• 10Toban
  [toh-bahn]

• Where's a/the...?Hali ma jira...?
  [hah-lee mah jeer-ah...?]
• What's the address?Cinwaanka maxaa yiri?
  [cheen-wahn-kah mah-hah yeer-ee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ma rabtaa inaad i tuso (khariidad)?
  [mah rahb-tah ee-naad ee too-soh (kah-ree-dahd)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Marka xiga (baas)?
  [mahr-kah hee-gah (bahs)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikita (ila ...)
  [tee-kee-tah (ee-lah ...)]

Mogadishu, known locally as Xamar, is one of the oldest cities in Africa, with roots tracing back over a thousand years. It was founded by Arab traders who established it as a key port city along the Indian Ocean trade routes. The city's strategic location attracted settlers from Persia, India, and the Arabian Peninsula, creating a melting pot of cultures.

Between the 10th and 13th centuries, Mogadishu flourished as a powerful and prosperous city-state. It became the center of the Sultanate of Mogadishu, which controlled trade across the Indian Ocean. The city's wealth was built on the trade of gold, ivory, slaves, and other commodities, making it one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in East Africa.

In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorers arrived, marking the beginning of European interest in the region. By the late 17th century, Omani Arabs had taken control of the city, integrating it into the Omani Sultanate. This period saw the introduction of new architectural styles and the strengthening of Islamic culture in Mogadishu.

In the late 19th century, Mogadishu came under Italian control as part of their colonial expansion in East Africa. The city became the capital of Italian Somaliland. During this period, the Italians built new infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, which left a lasting impact on the city's urban landscape.

Mogadishu played a crucial role in Somalia's struggle for independence, which was achieved in 1960. The city became the capital of the newly independent Somali Republic. The following decades were marked by political instability, including the rise and fall of military regimes, leading to periods of civil unrest.

The outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 led to significant destruction and displacement in Mogadishu. For years, the city was a battleground for various factions. In recent years, there have been efforts to rebuild and restore the city. Despite ongoing challenges, Mogadishu has seen a resurgence of cultural activities, investment, and development projects.

Today, Mogadishu is a vibrant city that reflects its rich cultural heritage. Landmarks such as the National Museum of Somalia, the Mogadishu Cathedral, and historic mosques stand as testaments to the city's diverse history. The bustling markets, traditional music, and cuisine offer a glimpse into the daily life and resilience of its people.

Mogadishu is served by Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), which has flights connecting to various cities in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways operate frequent services to Mogadishu. Once at the airport, taxis and hotel shuttles are available for transport to the city center.

Transportation within Mogadishu includes taxis, minibuses (known locally as 'caasi'), and private car hires. Taxis are the most convenient but ensure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Minibuses are a more affordable option but can be crowded and less comfortable. For ease and safety, hiring a private car with a driver is recommended for tourists.

The official currency of Somalia is the Somali Shilling (SOS). US dollars are widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Credit cards are not commonly used, so carrying cash is essential. ATMs are available but may not always be reliable, so it is advisable to bring sufficient cash.

Mogadishu has areas with high crime rates, particularly in neighborhoods like Hamarweyne and Shangani. Tourists should avoid these areas and always stay vigilant. It is best to stay in well-secured hotels and avoid traveling alone, especially after dark. Hiring a local guide or driver is highly recommended for safety.

In case of emergency, the local emergency number is 888 for police assistance and 999 for medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city, but for serious medical conditions, travelers should seek help at a reputable hospital like the Medina Hospital.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering arms and legs, in respect of local customs. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect Islamic traditions. Always dress conservatively and avoid public displays of affection. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using minibuses. Don't use public transport late at night. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake using the right hand. Avoid prolonged eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes but avoid eating in public during Ramadan. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mogadishu like a local, visit the Bakaara Market, one of the largest in Somalia, where you can find everything from spices to handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often hospitable and willing to share stories about their culture. Enjoy a walk along Lido Beach, a popular spot for locals, especially on weekends.