Soobax Blog

The Istanbul Axis Continues: This week Turkey held an...

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:05:52 -0400

The Istanbul Axis Continues: This week Turkey held an international conference on Somalia (“Istanbul II”) with the theme: “Preparing Somalia’s Future: Goals for 2015”. The conference provided the international community with a unique opportunity to adopt common positions on the future of Somalia. It aimed to chart immediate concrete actions in the political, security and economic spheres that will enable a smooth end of transition and the establishment of an inclusive and broad-based political dispensation in Somalia after August 2012. The conference also sought to build consensus on a long-term approach to state-building and economic development, including the evolution of an enabling environment for private investment in the post-transition period. Visit the Conference website here and hear Al Jazeera’s reporting here.

A mother returns to Somalia after 17 years in Norway. This is...

Thu, 31 May 2012 11:20:21 -0400

A mother returns to Somalia after 17 years in Norway. This is what longing for home looks like. (via Radio Mogadishu)

In a world proliferated with fashion, how does one stay modest...

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:48:00 -0400

In a world proliferated with fashion, how does one stay modest yet stylish? Enter, Sayyida Living - a lifestyle website connecting Muslim women around the globe. Based out of Canada, Sayyida Living is a collaborative work of stylish Somali ladies Muna and Fatuma. With a degree in accounting and international management, Muna lives a lifestyle she would characterize as comfortably chic à la hijab. She has traveled extensively during her exchange in France which led to a long fascination with different cultures and lifestyles. She also dabbles as a model of Sayyida Living. Fatuma, on the other hand, has an incredible love for technology and the arts, and has had a life long fascination with design and colour. Having studied economics, business and e-Publishing, Fatuma describes her lifestyle as the do-it-all in a pair of jeans and boots. Perhaps Fay’s greatest inspiration stems from travel and self-education. Inspired by travel and a fascination for the interesting stories that connect us all, both ladies combine their experience and energy to bring you Sayyida Living featuring creating Muslim designers, excellent editorial content, including photography and video production! To find out more, visit their website here.

As we get closer to the Olympics, we bring you more Somali...

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:52:00 -0400

As we get closer to the Olympics, we bring you more Somali athletes that showcase Somalia’s athletic prowess. Meet Somali long-distance Mustafa Mohamed who mainly competes in the 3000 meter steeplechase and runs for Sweden. Mustafa moved to Sweden at the age of 11 eventually settling in Lysekil with his family. His accolades are piling up. For example, on July 28, 2007, Mustafa posted a time of 8:05.75, thereby beating the 31 year old Swedish record. Later that season, he finished fourth in the 2007 World Championships. On June 21, 2009, Mustafa competed in and took home gold at the 1st SPAR European Team Championships in Leiria, Portugal. At the 2010 Swedish Athletics Championships he completed a triple long-distance victory by winning the 3000 m steeplechase, 5000 metres, and 10,000 metres. This made him only the second man to complete the feat, after Dan Glans 1976 wins. He made his debut over the marathon distance at the 2012 Hamburg Marathon and reached the top ten with his run of 2:12:28 hours. Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali!

The Norwegian Premier League is burning up with Somali...

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:41:00 -0400

The Norwegian Premier League is burning up with Somali professional football player Amin Askar lighting up the field. A versatile footballer, Amin has played in several positions, including defence and midfield. In 2009, he joined the team Fredrikstad. Due to his magnificent rise with Fredrikstad, he was signed by the Norwegian Premier League club SK Brann in 2012. Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali!

simplyduma: I think it is important to propagate positive images...

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:42:33 -0400

simplyduma: I think it is important to propagate positive images of Somalia to combat the negative ones that strip away people’s dignity and self-worth by not ACKNOWLEDGING their amazing resilience. We don’t realize this, but aside from the damage it has created on an international platform… the implications are also tragic to the subconscious state of the folks in the diaspora. Despite our internal issues we were once a rich country that had the embodiment of a great nation… lets not forget that or lose hope. And above all, lets not let our stories be told by others!

We were saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Abdishakur Ali...

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:39:00 -0400

We were saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Abdishakur Ali Jowhar this week. His death not only shocked Somali people around the world but struck a deep cord with the mental health community in Owen Sound, Canada where he was loved and admired by many of his colleagues and patients. Dr. Jowhar, Chief of Psychiatry at Grey Bruce Health Services, was killed Sunday in a car crash in his native Somaliland. He was a tireless advocate for mental health, particularly given the estimates by the World Health Organization that 1 in 3 Somalis suffers some form of mental illness. Read the Somaliland Sun’s coverage of Dr. Jowhar’s unfortunate tragedy here and take solace in the poetic words of tribute by Idanka here.

Meet Ilwad Ellman, one of the speakers at TEDXMogadishu today. ...

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:33:00 -0400

Meet Ilwad Ellman, one of the speakers at TEDXMogadishu today. Ilwad runs the Elman Peace and Human Rights Center in Mogadishu with her mom, Fartun whom we’ve featured before. Her father was an ardent peace activist in the 1990s, spreading the mantra “Put down the gun, pick up the pen” around Somalia, but was assassinated in 1996. lwad returned to Mogadishu three years ago while the conflict still raged on in the city. She works closely with victims of rape and sexual assault, as well as rehabilitating child soldiers by teaching them vocational skills. Visit TEDxMogadishu here to see a list of other speakers.

Are you a fan of TEDx Conferences? Watched the countless...

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:21:00 -0400

Are you a fan of TEDx Conferences? Watched the countless inspiring, emotional, enduring and educational videos? You’ll be glad to know that TEDx has extended itself to Somalia with TEDxMogadishu whose theme is Rebirth! The Conference is based on the notion that sustained peace is on the horizon with the Somali diaspora returning home and starting businesses and international investors exploring vast opportunities. TEDxMogadishu celebrates the power of ideas to positively change the world by bringing together like-minded people who believe in this mission. If you’re not in Mogadishu today, then visit the TEDxMogadishu website here where you’ll see live Somali speakers sparking deep discussion and connection. This is yet another sign that there is rebirth in Somalia!

This Friday 18 May, celebrations will be conducted in various...

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:16:08 -0400

This Friday 18 May, celebrations will be conducted in various cities around the world to mark the 21^st Independence Day celebration of Somaliland. The day is an annual celebration held on May 18 to mark the polity’s declaration of independence from the rest of Somalia. While we may argue about the merits and politics of independence, the day is mainly a jubilation of Somali people to celebrate how they’ve come and how far they have to go in terms of rebuilding their country. The celebration will kick off at the National Palace in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, with shops closing down for the day. Visit the following Facebook page to keep track of celebration around the world and watch last year’s celebration in pictures from the BBC.

The Somali Athletics Federation will select one female runner...

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:02:00 -0400

The Somali Athletics Federation will select one female runner from a field of 10 to compete in the 400-metres at this year’s London Olympics. The youngest of those currently training in Mogadishu is Najma, 10. Najma and Leila, 15, meet every Saturday to race around the 400m track at Konis Stadium in downtown Mogadishu. The head of the Somali Women’s Federation, Asha Omar, is another determined character. She was responsible for organizing Women’s Day celebrations in Mogadishu this year. Omar returned to Somalia two years ago after 21 years in Sweden. “We are the peace-lords, we’re working hard,” she said. “It’s the men who left their work - they’re just fighting between themselves. Everyone wants to be a president. I tell them, be a president in your own home.” Read more.

Last week, Toronto Star featured the efforts of Safia Nur...

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:45:00 -0400

Last week, Toronto Star featured the efforts of Safia Nur Ahmend, a Somali nurse from Toronto on her first day volunteering at a pediatric hospital in Mogadishu. Safia graduated from Laurentian University and worked with Ontario’s Healthy Families program where she was assisting new and at-risk mothers. Her vow of returning home one day was recently fulfilled as a volunteer with the U.S. non-governmental organization, American Refugee Committee. Read more.

If you’re in Italy on 29 May then stop by Lorenzo...

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:27:00 -0400

If you’re in Italy on 29 May then stop by Lorenzo Masi’s exhibition of “Struggle for a Normal Life - Somali Refugees in Italy”. Lorenzo’s exhibition depicts the arduous journey of Somalis who reach Italy, one of the favourite destinations for people who flee the political turmoil in Somalia. Throughout the exhibition, you’ll see depictions of the journey of young men and women, the uncertainties of their conditions in dealing with imprisonment, the politics of resettlement, housing, and the daily struggles of adapting to a new country. If you’re not in Italy this month, then peruse the exhibition online at Lorenzo’s website here.

To expand our top 5 list of Somali literature, we bring you...

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:50:00 -0400

To expand our top 5 list of Somali literature, we bring you “Nabad iyo Caano” (Peace and Milk), a photo exploration of Somalia by two global peace nomads, Fatima Jibrell, a Somali environmentalist and peace activist, whom we’ve featured and James Lindsay, a retired Australian diplomat, wandered all over the geographic Horn of Africa promoting solar stoves. Fatima and James visited places where no one had ever been with a camera. The title of their book comes from the traditional Somali response to the greeting: “Ma nabad baa? ” (Is there peace?). Peace and Milk reveals the beauty and variety of the Somali landscape, where a centuries-old pastoral way of life is under threat due to climate change, deforestation and the production of charcoal. Photographs of landscapes, people, camels, pastoral life, charcoal and solar alternatives tell a compelling visual story of a disappearing nomadic life style. Informative captions tell the stories behind the photographs and provide an insight into Somali life. Grab your copy in English here or in the Somali editions here. Visit their website here and lend your support at their two book launches on 26 May and 12 June in Nairobi.

Heard the major news this week as the young Somali...

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:28:00 -0400

Heard the major news this week as the young Somali singer/songwriter duo Iman and Siham Hashi formed FAARROW? Iman and Siham, were born in Mogadishu, Somalia and emigrated to Toronto, Canada as refugees. In an effort to master their fears and achieve their dreams, the sister duo moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2006 to create a world of their very own achievements. They began recording there and within six shorts months, caught the attention of our nation’s top record label. Not forgetting where they came from, the sisters also serve as spokespersons with the U.N. Refugee Agency and are actively involved with humanitarian efforts for the United Nations and other organizations alike. In addition, the duo contribute to the empowerment of women through their business venture, WI$H CREATIVELY! Iman, meaning ‘FAITH’ and Siham, meaning “ARROW’ gives light to their name, FAARROW. More fitting as they’ve evolved and outgrown the name, Sweet Rush, their music has evolved into the highly anticipated and beautifully-rooted vibes of heavy beats and flows. Now working with industry heavy weights, Grammy award winning producers, NO I.D, and DJ Khalil, on their first album as FAARROW, the sisters continue to inspire their generation to strengthen their dreams, paint over today, and create their own tomorrows.

Meet Somali visual artist Loul Samater, a painter, sculptor and...

Mon, 07 May 2012 20:50:00 -0400

Meet Somali visual artist Loul Samater, a painter, sculptor and teacher with roots in Saudi-Arabia and currently based in the United States. With an educational background in painting, fine arts and sculpting from Chicago and Florence, Loul has showcased in Los Angeles, New York and other galleries and institutions throughout the world. She recently returned from Somaliland, where she expanded the visual vocabulary that now fuels the work in her studio. Check out some of her installations as part of a recent New York showcase here and read more.

Are you looking to stock up your bookshelf with Somali...

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:11:00 -0400

Are you looking to stock up your bookshelf with Somali literature or wondering where to start? The literary tradition of Somalia is quite diverse. We’ve put together the following top 5 list to get you started. Foremost among Somali literary tradition is Islamic literature, which dates back to the early 14th century with Uthman bin Ali Zayla’i producing Tabayin al-Haqa’iq li Sharh Kanz al-Daqa’iq, one of the most referenced books in the Hanafi school of Islam. Second, poetry signifies the essence of being Somali, with the country being referred to as a “Nation of Poets” and a “Nation of Bards”. Pick up the “Anthology of Somali Poetry” to get a thorough grounding on the diversity in this field and to sample current trends, check out the Somali Shakespear - Hadraawi, the beautiful Warsan Shire or the young talents at “The Poet Nation”. Third, let your imagination run wild with a vibrant reference on the ethnography of the horn of Africa with one of the many books from renowned author Nuruddin Farah. Fourth, read a world view of the Somali people by the legendary anthropologist I.M. Lewis who has covered Somalia in over 10 books for over 30 years. To understand the undercurrents to the present situation in Somalia, you may also wish to pick up “Somali Nationalism: International Politics and the Drive for Unity in the Horn of Africa” by Saadia Touval. Fifth, the Somali literary form wouldn’t be complete without the expression of song and dance. Try a modern take on this form from London based Somali artist Aar Maanta. For more, read a collection of our postings on Somali literature. Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali!

A football tournament to steer Somali youth away from piracy in...

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:36:22 -0400

A football tournament to steer Somali youth away from piracy in the busy commercial city of Bossaso is underway. The tournament consists of 14 teams, from districts in Bari region the biggest region in Puntland. The opening game between Bossaso and Gumbah finished 2-1 with the host city Bossaso winning the opener. Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali! Read more.

For the first time since the age of three, successful London...

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:23:00 -0400

For the first time since the age of three, successful London fashion model, Samira Hashi, has returned to the country where she was born, Somalia! In her recent interview with the BBC, Samira notes that growing up in a city like London she almost never saw extreme poverty. All she knew of Somalia was from the media - the malnutrition, famine, drought, terrorists, pirates and bloodshed. Her trip is meant to connect her with her homeland but also to see firsthand the conditions on the ground and how best she could advocate for them. Read her story here and check out her page on Elite Model Management here.

A film company is being formed by two Somali businessmen in...

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:02:00 -0400

A film company is being formed by two Somali businessmen in Nairobi’s neighborhood of Eastleigh. The Somali film production company formed by Hassan Abdul and Ahmed Sharriff and called Eastleighwood is meant to change people’s impressions of Somali society. It also aims to fill in the gaps by depicting the everyday lives of Somalis, mainly of those living in the diaspora. Their first production, Love is Blind, is a film which tells the story of a blind girl living in Eastleigh who is courted by three different men. It illustrates key themes in the lives of the diaspora, such as the vital financial remittances sent from the U.S. and Europe that support many in Eastleigh. Read more.