http://www.galcad24.com/?p=17295 --- this years annual festival

Interesting. It appears as the Ethiopian version is much more violent.

I will use this forum to propagate a Somali celebration I learned of today, courteously invited by young Haatu. Istunka is an annual festival held in Afgoye during the Somali new years. It consists of a mock stick fight between two sides of the town. The tradition began in the middle ages with daggers and swords. Sticks are now used to mitigate safety risks. The fight is held between the Tolweyne and Yabdhalle side. Each section provides their team. Preparation begins 2-3 months prior to the festival in which captains arrange practices with their sticks and discuss tactics as well as choosing a uniform. Kids learn chants in preparation to the fight, and even practice these chants in Dugsi. The objective of the fight is to drive the other side off the field. The two sides meet at the arena facing each other, with the woman behind them cheer leading Some of the Verses sung: Aay Ulay ma oodno, albaabna ma saarna Ninkii isku aado waa imaan karaa Ruuxa gooye Rabbi waarye. Ka ma roorayo- ha roorin! Walaalkissa ka roorow wadne weynaan Waaga laga waaye waaratiina This is Afgoye's most popular sporting event. It is seen as a training for war. The fight is seen by a small minority to bring good health to the people and fertility of the crops, as well as the fertility of woman Some interesting facts... During a Dervish raiding down the Shabelle, a group invaded Afgoye on the day of the festival. The participants of the mock stick fight turned their festival into an actual fight against the invaders, which they defeated Western education during colonial rule has caused much of the youth educated in schools to perceive the fight as old fashioned and barbarious From Alpha, we have learned that the festival has begun this week and has ended its hiatus brought upon by war.

Alpha Blondy;917510 wrote: so before you doubted my claim of istunka starting today? was that before or after you realised it was chinese new year? I never doubted your claim.. When I said I'm inclined to agree, I was referring to the proposition of the reestablishment of Istunka as an indication of peace

From my understanding the Somali new years is based on a solar calander as well as the Chinese new years, which may explain why it falls around the same time

Alpha Blondy;917467 wrote: my friend from the south was telling us the actual istunka ceremonies started today in Afgoye. it was apparently banned for several years by the Al-Shabab. the fact that its started again may be another signal that further proves Somalia is peaceful, once more. i await further info from you. thanks. Al. Oh wow, I was just wondering if it was still practiced. So does that mean it is Somalia's new years at this moment? I am inclined to agree, not only does is it an indication of peace, it signals some culture restoration

The Istunka, a history: A festival held in Afgoye during the 'Somali' new years A mock stick fight between two sides of the town is the core of the city It began in the middle ages by the gaalomadow, and later passed it to the Silcis and the Geledi. It started with the use of daggers and swords, but now sticks are used for safety reasons The fight: Held between the two sides- Tolweyne, and Yabdhaale Each village/section provides its team Preparation begins 2-3 months prior to the festival in which captains arrange practices with their sticks and discuss tactics as well as choosing a uniform The objective is to drive the other side off the field Teams enter the arena stamping rhythmically chanting verses They practice singing these verses beforehand even in Dugsi! The two sides meet at the arena facing each other, with the woman behind them cheer leading Some of the Verses sung: Aay Ulay ma oodno, albaabna ma saarna Ninkii isku aado waa imaan karaa Ruuxa gooye Rabbi waarye. Ka ma roorayo- ha roorin! Walaalkissa ka roorow wadne weynaan Waaga laga waaye waaratiina Significance: Afgoye's most popular sprting event Seen as a training for war Fight is seen by a small minority to bring good health to the people and fertility of the crops, as well as the fertility of woman Antecodes: During a Dervish raiding down the Shabelle, a group invaded Afgoye on the day of the festival. The participants of the mock stick fight turned their festival into an actual fight against the invaders, which they defeated Western education during colonial rule has caused much of the youth educated in schools to perceive the fight as old fashioned and barbarious

Alpha Blondy;917462 wrote: hey, we were discussing today. its mad! do you know the history of this tradition? Al. Ha, wow what a coincidence. I have right here in front of me a book with a chapter focused on this. I will report back to you.

Does anyone know if this still goes on?

Alpha the picture is of Jazeera, not lido...

Hey regardless of this debate over the British v. Arab culture conquest over our woman, I think we can all agree dem Britisg wear is more pleasant on the eyes

Alpha-indeed I agree. I also appreciate your welcome on your commendable thread Chabuka-nothing ambitious. Enough to build a home when the money comes. Idk yet , it depends o the location if it is merka it will be a future vila, afgoye-a farm... As far as some one looKing after it , it depends on the place im flexible

Waranle_Warrior;916950 wrote: Land? to do what exactly? Real state is not a good idea in Somalia, don't buy a house or plot to build a house, its waste of time. My friend Africa specifically Somalia is where its at. While you build your American dream home on the pillars of interest and mortgage, I will build my villa , my farm, or....

Afgoye, ripe and fertile land. Can you provide me with somr quotes

oba hiloowlow;916814 wrote: Merca cadeey is a good investment i have a good friend who comes from that city can ask him some questions Please do sxb

All eyes in terms of purchasing land in Somalia is on Mogadishu. Well that means the 'rent is too damn high'!! In such case, I am interested in purchasing land in less popular places at the moment. How would I go about doing so. I am looking at places like Merka, Afgoye, Barawe, Kismayo.... If anyone could provide me expertise in purchasing land and the value of plot in their respective region, it will certainty be appreciated.

A travesty!

Apophis;915129 wrote: The only way to be openly communist these days.

Perhaps it has less to do with the man himself and the nature of Somalis. We enjoy discussing the 'war', or the latest bombing, or latest scandal in the government more so than we enjoy conversing about the latest humanitarian developments or the new beach side restaurant opened in Lido. I would say the President, not necessarily due to his own merit, is governing during a time that falls under the latter climate of development and progress rather than the former one of war and instability, which is a much more popular discussion subject

What about the great ol' Minnesota?

Autopsy, bail, 'flight-risk', criminal justice major? Does not sound like Mogadishu at all more like a fairy tale

haha mahoubu fab. i think are lives would be in grave danger if we were to include her in such a list

Maybe you guys can include which diaspora region/community you hail from, so we can make an actual directory. That includes you oba, I want to know where indhacaddes daughter's are lool. So far it looks like we got Virginia Mohamed Ali Samantar (Former Somali PM/Warlord) Abdi Bile's family is in Virginia. I think the man himself is a nomad. Toronto Xasaan Adan Samataar (musician) Texas Asli Hassan Abade (First Somali female Pilot) Buffalo Farmaajo (Former PM) Minnesota I'm sure there is large number out here Ohio Come on, I'm sure their are some celebs that roam Global mall Egypt- Cawaale, perhaps you can help me clean this section up Abdiqasim Salad Hassan (Politician) Buubaa's and Adam Ade's sons. Salaad Darbi's daughter Xudeydi's sweet heart Omar Shooli (Artist. Still alive?) Ina Dalmar (Artist. still alive?) Moamed Omar Dalha (Politician/Academic/Artist) Canada According to Malika and Blackfish its a combination of thugs and professionals. Maybe we can narrow this area down. London Mo Farah Qansax- Where is Iman, I know her mom lives in Northern VA