Experiences in Somalia
Daljirka Dahsoon – the Monument for All Somalia Stragglers
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Daljirka Dahsoon, is a monument built in honor of the Somali men and women who died in defense of the Somali Republic. It is important landmark of Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia.
The monument looks particularly stunning on Fridays when hundreds of people crowd the place of Daljirka Dahsoon, for traditional dances and social gatherings. Everywhere you look, you can see people dressed in colorful clothes with smiling faces, greeting each other before the celebrations start.
This occasion is a great opportunity for tourists to learn more about Somali rich culture and turbulent history and to meet local people and get to know them better. So if you happen to visit Mogadishu in the time of the weekend days, don’t miss visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Daljirka Dahsoon on Friday.
Memorandum Monuments of Somalia
Apart from The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or Daljirka Dahsoon, other Memorandum Monuments were built in popular places across the country, and some of them bear the names of heroes like Sayid Mohamed, Ahmed Gurey, Dhagax tur, Hawo Tako, SYL, while other monuments were built to unknown heroes.
A Place of Togetherness and Identity
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, better known as Daljirka Dahsoon is a place of a great importance both for the city of Mogadishu and Somalia as a country. Somali leaders decided to build a monument for all strugglers in this country that suffered a lot through history and decided to call it called Daljirka Dahsoon.
It the brilliant monument and a unique spot in the capital city that gathers people from across the country to come together and celebrate when there is a national day.
The monument was has been recently renovated after 22 years of battle. It is located right across the Old Somali parliament building.
Lush green oasis was plant around the monument and it makes a nice surroundings for siting and enjoying the view of a monument and a city. There is a beautifully crafted stone sitting area and marble flooring that is usually well-kept.
The monument has a very nice appearance and it is located in the heart of the city. Daljirka Dahsoon is surrounded by famous buildings in the capital such as the building of ex-Parliament, Central Bank of Somalia, National Theater, Ministry of Security, as well as numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Traditional Somali Dancers at Daljirka Dahsoon
On Fridays traditional Somali dancers come as a team to the Daljirka Dahsoon Monument to display the stunning performance of cultural dances that are typical for traditional and authentic Somali Culture.
Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia has been recovering since 2010 from 2 decades of civil war. Somalia is going to stand on its own foot and prove to be a safe, thrilling and fun destination to visit.
Daljirka Dahsoon is a place popular among the Somali politicians and important figures as well. It was 1st July when Somali Prime Minister in front of his cabinet stood in front of the monument to speak to Mogadishu residents about the great National day. Even Mayor of Mogadishu mostly holds his speeches to Mogadishu residents at the Daljirka Dahsoon.
FISHMARKET IN MOGADISHU, VARIOUS SPECIES OF FRESH FISH
Mogadishu fish market: a story of progress
Mogadishu Fish market is one of the main markets for fish suppliers and consumers, different types of fish hung stretch into the distance as far as the eye could see. Namely tuna, blue marlin dolphin fish and sardines.
Normally, fishy smell waft down the entire fish marketplace. More interestedly fish sellers are seen wearing labor coat with blood everywhere of it and holding meat in one hand and big knife in the other. A crowd of about 400 comes to buy the fresh fish from Indian Ocean each day.
The busiest hours are at 8:00-11:00 o’clock in the morning. Sometimes one cannot hear anything because of the noise coming from the buyers and sellers. The visitors are allowed to take picture of local fish sellers on their duties. As visit Mogadishu team try to manage the situation in market to protect the visitor’s security and safety. When people in market see white man/ lady, they demand to picture with him/her from us. If there is no pushing and pulling crowd we agree but usually the choice depend on tourist. What concerned us at this point is security and safety issue.
We are humble to accept their demand as long as not exiting risk. Evidently Mogadishu local fish market is the one of the best places tourist attractions to visit as Fishing is extremely important to this country. It is believed that Somalia’s economy depends on three sectors called Agriculture, fishing & livestock.
LIDO BEACH IS THE BEST BEACH IN SOMALIA
Lido Beach – the Best Beach in Somalia “Mogadishu’s Miami beach”
Lido Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Somalia. A base strip of gorgeous white sand in Somalia’s capital city, it is one of those typical beaches that stand strategically postured to the azure of the Indian Ocean waters. In fact, the beauty of Lido beach is beyond description. So you will have to come and visit to explore more and grasp its beauty in full…
Leisure Time at the Lido Beach
Every weekend, hundreds of families flock to the scenic Lido Beach in Mogadishu to spend the leisure time and feel the sun on their faces. During the lazy sunny days the beach echoes with the laughter and sounds of kids and the youth swimming and snorkeling, playing beach volleyball and football on sandy shores of the beach.
Lido Beach is sandy beach. A strip of warm white sand is ideal for long walks by the sea or simply basking on a sunbed or a beach towel. The waters are crystal clear, calling you to swim or dive in.
Because of the stunning sunset view, people stay out on the Lido Beach way past the sunset, watching the beautiful night skyline, and the deep sapphire ocean.
Lido Beach is a really perfect place to get the fresh perspective of a rediscovered and renewed Somalia.
Somalia’s Coastline
Somalia has the biggest coastline in Africa. With 3300km along the Indian Ocean, Somalia’s coast is the home to the most beautiful beaches, respected as great tourist destinations.
What Does Lido Beach offer to Visitors?
Lido Beach, as well as other beaches in Somalia can make this country the biggest entertaining and tourist destinations in Africa. Lido Beach has a lot to offer to its visitors. Excellent seafood restaurants with fresh seafood and local cuisine, high-end hotels, and beautiful lush-green parks are just for the starters.
Furthermore, Lido Beach offers warm and sunny weather throughout a year, which makes it a perfect beach getaway during any season. In addition, the local Somali people are friendly and hospitable. They will make sure your stay at Mogadishu Lido Beach is safe, fun and unforgettable one.
Somalia’s Luxury Face
Somali’s Diaspora plays important role in recovering Mogadishu, building new luxury downtown and beaches like the village, Ocean restaurant, Beder restaurant, Lido seafood restaurant, city palace and much more that attracts international tourist attraction. Moreover, this encouraged the local Mogadishu residents, mostly business people, to start their businesses around the Lido Beach.
There are many businesses newly established among Lido seafood restaurant, Beach view, Ocean restaurant. Somalis say:”Xamar cadey xeebteeda uxiisayee” which means: “I Miss the Best beach in Mogadishu City”.
Tourists’ Testimonials
Tourists that visited Mogadishu describe the city and its beaches only in superlative. One tourist recently said: “The city itself offers everything one would expect a seaside paradise to look like. Beautiful beaches and luxurious poolside resorts are surrounded by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Definitely a place to visit “.
CAMEL CAMPS, FRESH CAMEL MILK OUTSIDE MOGADISHU
Somalia camel; Home to a third of the world’s camels
Camel pastoralism has been the most highly way of life in Somalia and neither has it lost its value in modern Somalia. Somali pastoralists are a camel community mainly because of the dry and harsh environment they live in. This is also so because the pastoralists primarily derive their living from the management of livestock on rangelands. In no other community in the world is the camel very important in the local economy and culture as in the Somali community. The camel is an important livestock species uniquely adapted to hot and arid environments. It is prestigious to own a camel in Somalia. Somalia is believed to be the original home of the domesticated dromedary camel. The country has the highest camel population in the world.
Camel milk is the staple food of Somali pastoral communities, which rely on its direct consumption throughout the year as well as on its increasing relevance as an income generator. Traditionally camel milk was utilized for internal consumption or exchanged as a gift to establish and keep family ties and social support mechanisms.
MOGADISHU PEACE PARKA, HOLIDAY GARDEN
A couple of years ago the Mogadishu Municipal Council and the Federal Government of Somalia have decided to build a Peace Park or Beerta Nabadda, how is locally called, in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Located on VIA Morocco, Mogadishu, Banadir, Somalia, this park is dedicated to all men and women that fought for their country and serves as a reminder that the peace has no price.
This park is a fantastic place for fun and enjoyment. Hundreds of Mogadishu families and friends come to Mogadishu Peace Park to relax and spend time together on the weekends and during the holiday time. The Peace Garden is very important place for the residents of Mogadishu because for the first time in two decades the residents of the Somalia capital have a Peace Garden to gather and spend fun and quality time outside
Mogadishu Peace Park – a Lush Green Garden
Mogadishu Peace Park or Peace Garden, how is also known among the local residents, is a small oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. Palm trees and a variety of beautiful, colorful flowers simply call the visitors to stop by and admire the park’s serenity.
The park regularly hosts all kinds of events important for the city, such as different kids programs, conferences and social meetings and gatherings. There is a venue Beerta Nabadda Hall located in the park where all those events get organized and held.
What Kind of Amenities does the Park Have?
Mogadishu Peace Park has a spacious parking lot where you can live your car if driving here. This is a great amusement park where you can find all that you need for great fun and relaxed leisure afternoons.
This beautiful lush park in Mogadishu, Somalia is equipped with the two excellent football fields, children’s amusement park with the equipment such as the bouncy castle and swings that will thrill the little ones and keep them occupied for the whole afternoon.
While the children are playing, you can enjoy your coffee in one of the park’s coffee shops. Or you can have a tasty meal in a local fast food restaurant with delicious local food.
There are benches and table sets where you can sit and have an open-air meal with your family and friends. Soon after it was built, Mogadishu Peace Garden became the city’s favorite hangout place. People love coming here to have a meal, a coffee or just to sit and watch the children play. As Mogadishu’s favorite place for gatherings, Peace Garden attracts the foreign visitors as well with is greenery and serenity.
AFGOYE ORANGE FARMS; BEST FARM LAND IN SOMALIA
Afgooye Orange Farms is located 30 kilometers or 18 miles north-west of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. This beautiful green lush oasis lies on a strategic crossroads. Namely, Afgooye Orange Farms is located on the country’s important routes to the north, west, and south of Somalia. The Shabelle River runs through the center of the town. In fact, the whole Afgooye district is popular for its rich agriculture, numerous farms and rivers. This rural area in Somalia has a population of approximately 89,400 people and represents the great contributor to the country’s agriculture and economy in general.
Demographic & History of Afgooye
Afgooye district is occupied by numerous Somali clans, as well as some ethnic minority groups. During the middle Ages, Afgooye as well as the most of its surrounding area in southern Somalia was governed by the Ajuran Empire. In the 1800s the city came under the administration of the Geledi Sultanate.
At the turn of the 20th Century, the Afgooye district was incorporated into Italian Somaliland. The Italians occupied the city of Afgooye in 1908.
Afgooye Tourism
The green, lavish farms of Afgooye town attract many International visitors as well as Somalia diaspora tourists every year. People come here to admire the scenery of Afgooye Orange Farms and its surroundings. In addition, that inspired Mogadishu residents to go to the farms as well. They usually come on Fridays and during the weekend for in the search of relaxation. People enjoy the tours through the Orange Farms.
During the 1980s Afgooye was a popular destination for investors from the Gulf States. The Emir of Kuwait also apparently used to visit Afgooye town during the holy month of Ramadan.
Afgoye is famous for farms and Shabelle river, its grown most popular fruits familiar Somalis, “Somalis Famous Bananas”. The green farms of Afgoe town attracts many International and Somalia diaspora tourist that inspired Mogadishu residents to go the farms on firdays for relaxation and tour.
After the outbreak of the civil war in Somalia in 1991, the parts of the town became a refugee place for many of internally dislocated people from the Southern Somalia.
The city was liberated on May 25, 2012, when the Somali Government Forces re-captured Afgooye from Al-Shabaab that had established a base in the area previously. The liberation of Afgooye is considered a significant victory, as it gave the militants direct access to the capital of Somalia, Mogadishu.
The Festivals and Tourist Attractions in Afgooye
Afgooye is a home to the Istunka martial arts festival. This is the festival of martial arts that is held annually and takes place during the Somali New Year. Afgoye is famous for farms and Shabelle river, its grown most popular fruits familiar Somalis, “Somalis Famous Bananas”.
Afgooye is a place where you can find the most patriotic Somalis, the beautiful, untouched nature and indescribable peace and serenity. There is a Jambaluul village in the area where you can get traditional clothes and materials, drink water and taste local food. While you walk through lush and fruitful orange trees, you will have a feeling that you are in some other world. And the fragrant juicy smell of the trees will make you want to stay there forever.
