Preserving Somali Poetry in the Heart of Mogadishu

Preserving Somali Poetry in the Heart of Mogadishu

Mogadishu – In a city long affected by violence and instability, Hassan Barre has stepped onto the stage of the National Theater in Mogadishu to celebrate a different Somalia: poetry. He emphasized that Somalis have a responsibility to their country and to one another, underscoring the importance of good citizenship and community values.

At 70 years old, Barre delivered his message to a largely empty hall, where elderly poets gather to share their verses and reminisce about better times. Many of these poets have hennaed beards or impaired vision, symbolizing the fading hope for Somalia’s cultural heritage, which has suffered during decades of conflict.

Oral poetry is among the highest forms of art in Somalia, recited even in remote areas and by militants in the bush. Somalis are often described as a “nation of poets,” and their work traditionally honors pastoral life and the social roles of men and women within Islamic society. Legendary poets like Hadraawi, known as the “Shakespeare of Somalia,” have gained international recognition, blending themes from love to the laments of war.

During Siad Barre’s rule, poets were respected and supported, but his removal in 1991 triggered a civil war and eventually the rise of Al-Shabaab. Today, Somalia is better known for bombings than for poetry, and cultural institutions struggle to function amid security challenges and limited funding.

Despite these obstacles, poets continue to preserve Somali culture. They perform at weddings, broadcast poetry on local radio, and foster community ties in a city surrounded by checkpoints. Figures like Hirsi Dhuuh Mohamed and Maki Haji Banaadir work tirelessly to support the next generation of poets, emphasizing peace, good governance, and societal cohesion while staying politically neutral.

Though the National Theater has faced attacks and setbacks, the poets of Mogadishu remain determined. Their work ensures that Somali poetry continues to thrive, serving as a beacon of cultural resilience and hope in a nation that has endured decades of conflict.