Editing Somalia (section)

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Somalia}}

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Somali cuisine}}
[[File:Banadir3.jpg|thumb|Assortment of various popular [[Somali cuisine|Somali dishes]]]]
Somali cuisine is an intricate and diverse fusion of a multitude of culinary influences, drawing from the rich tapestry of [[Arab cuisine|Arab]], [[Indian cuisine|Indian]], and [[Italian cuisine|Italian]] flavours. This culinary tapestry is a direct result of Somalia's longstanding heritage of vibrant trade and bustling commerce.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi |author-link=Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi
 |url=http://archive.org/details/culturecustomsof00diri |title=Culture and Customs of Somalia (Culture and Customs of Africa) |date=2001 |publisher=Greenwood Press |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-313-31333-2 |page=109}}</ref>

The essential components that form the foundation of Somali dishes encompass staples like [[rice]] and [[pasta]], along with an extensive selection of [[meat]]s ranging from [[Lamb and mutton|lamb]] to [[beef]] and [[chicken]]. Aromatic [[spice]]s such as [[cumin]], [[cardamom]], and coriander are frequently utilized to infuse dishes with tantalizing flavors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Report on Somali Diet |url=https://ethnomed.org/resource/report-on-somali-diet/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=EthnoMed |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hooyoshousecom |date=2023-06-30 |title=Exploring the Aromatic World of Traditional Somali Spice Blends |url=https://hooyoshouse.medium.com/exploring-the-aromatic-world-of-traditional-somali-spice-blends-3ab93879b74e |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>

The culinary landscape of Somali cuisine also boasts an impressive assortment of hearty [[stew]]s, traditional [[flatbread]]s, and delectable [[Pastry|pastries]], with highlights like the beloved "[[Lahoh|Canjeero/Lahooh]]", a delightful variation of the tangy fermented [[pancake]]-like [[flatbread]] that is savoured not only in Somalia but also in its neighbouring countries like [[Injera|Ethiopia]], [[Eritrea]], and [[Yemen]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-01 |title=Yemenite Lahoh (Lachoch) |url=https://www.deliciousisrael.com/blog/lahoh |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Delicious Israel |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi |author-link=Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi |url=http://archive.org/details/culturecustomsof00diri |title=Culture and Customs of Somalia (Culture and Customs of Africa) |date=2001 |publisher=Greenwood Press |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-313-31333-2 |page=113}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Somali Anjero (Canjeero) Anjero Somali {{!}} Xawaash.com |url=http://xawaash.com/?p=1548 |access-date=2024-04-22 |language=en-US |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004063819/http://xawaash.com/?p=1548 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Additionally, a distinctive feature of Somali culinary tradition is the incorporation of [[camel]] [[meat]] and [[milk]]. They are considered a delicacy and serve as cherished and fundamental elements in the rich tapestry of Somali cuisine.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Guliye |first1=A.Y. |last2=Noor |first2=I.M. |last3=Bebe |first3=B.O. |last4=Kosgey |first4=I.S. |title=Role of Camels ( Camelus Dromedarius ) in the Traditional Lifestyle of Somali Pastoralists in Northern Kenya |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.5367/000000007780223669 |journal=Outlook on Agriculture |language=en |publication-date=March 2007 |volume=36 |issue=1 |pages=29–34 |doi=10.5367/000000007780223669 |bibcode=2007OutAg..36...29G |issn=0030-7270|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

[[Bariis iskukaris|Somali rice]], the usual staple for [[dinner]] or [[lunch]], is typically [[Seasoning|seasoned]] and mixed with various [[ingredient]]s such as [[meat]], [[vegetable]]s, and, in a somewhat unique manner, [[raisin]]s, adding a sweet note to the dish. Also, it is not uncommon for this dish to be presented in a visually appealing manner by incorporating multiple colors, as certain portions may be artificially tinted with shades of yellow or orange using [[saffron]] and other [[spice]]s to enhance its aesthetic appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2013 |title=Somali Rice Pilaf (Bariis Maraq) Riz Pilaf Somali البيلاف الصومالي |url=http://xawaash.com/?p=5892 |website=Xawaash |access-date=22 April 2024 |archive-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923064942/http://xawaash.com/?p=5892 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Djiboutian rice (bariis) and fish (kalluun), Liver (beerka) with vegetable also (Sabaayad) pancakes.jpg|thumb|Somali rice (bariis) and fish (kalluun), Liver (beer) with vegetable also (Sabaayad) pancakes]]

An enduring testament to the influence of [[Italian Somaliland|Italian colonial rule in Somalia]] is the widespread adoption of [[pasta]] and [[Lasagna|lasagne]] in the local culinary landscape, espicially in the south, showcasing how these dishes have integrated into the traditional diet alongside rice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Lasagna Landed in Africa |url=https://www.saveur.com/how-lasagna-landed-africa/#:~:text=Somalia%3A%20Colonized,be%20mixed%20in. |website=saveur| date=26 September 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Nick |title=Spaghetti and Bananas Is Somali Comfort Food |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/spaghetti-and-bananas-is-somali-comfort-food/ |work=Vice}}</ref>

[[Tea]] and [[coffee]], both well-loved [[Drink|beverages]], are also really popular. Among the early adopters of [[coffee]] consumption were the Somalis, who have the historical distinction of being among the first individuals documented to have enjoyed this stimulating drink. Additionally, Somali merchants played a pivotal role in the global coffee trade, being one of the first to export coffee beans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The History of Coffee |url=https://www.cafedirect.co.uk/shop/the-history-of-coffee/#:~:text=Historians%20believe%20that%20coffee%20was%20being%20exported%20from%20Ethiopia%20to%20Yemen%20by%20Somali%20merchants%20at%20the%20beginning%20of%20the%2015th%20Century.%20Mocha%2C%20a%20city%20in%20Yemen%2C%20became%20the%20centre%20of%20the%20coffee%20trade%20around%20this%20time. |website=Cafedirect| date=19 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gavin |first=R. J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cscbDgqCsOMC&q=harar |title=Aden Under British Rule, 1839–1967 |date=1975 |publisher=Hurst |isbn=978-0-903983-14-3 |language=en}}</ref> The unique Somali coffee, known locally as '[[Qahwah|Qahwo]]' and tea 'Shah', stand out due to their preparation method which involves a blend of various [[spice]]s meticulously selected to enhance their rich and complex flavor profile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qahwe |url=https://www.mysomalifood.com/qahwe/ |website=mysomalifood|date=12 June 2011 }}</ref>

'Xalwo', which is closely associated with [[Omani cuisine|Omani]] '[[Halva|Halwa]]', is a smooth jelly-like treat that is made with a blend of [[spice]]s, seeds, [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]], and [[Caramelization|caramelized]] [[sugar]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Halwa, Mahyawa and Multiple Registers of Life in the Gulf |url=https://archive-stories.com/Halwa-Mahyawa-and-Multiple-Registers-of-Life-in-the-Gulf#:~:text=Halwa/Xalwo,or%20sesame%20seeds. |website=archive-stories}}</ref> This delightful [[Confectionery|confection]] is well-loved in Somalia and is commonly served together with Somali '[[Arabic coffee|Qahwo]]'. After meals, homes are traditionally perfumed using [[frankincense]] or [[incense]] ({{lang|so|unsi}}), which is prepared inside an [[Censer|incense burne]]<nowiki/>r referred to as a ''[[dabqaad]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Abdullahi |first=Mohammed |title=Culture and Customs of Somalia (Culture and Customs of Africa) |publisher=Greenwood Press |date=2012 |isbn=9780313313332 |pages=98–99}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Somalia}}
Somalia has a rich musical heritage centred on traditional Somali [[folklore]]. Most Somali songs are [[Pentatonic scale|pentatonic]].  Somali music might be mistaken for the sounds of nearby regions such as Ethiopia, Sudan or the Arabian Peninsula, but it is ultimately recognizable by its unique tunes and styles. Traditional instruments prominently featured in the music of Somalia include the [[oud]] [[lute]]. It is often accompanied by small [[drums]] and a [[Reed (instrument)|reed]] [[flute]] in the background. Somali songs are usually the product of collaboration between [[lyricist]]s ({{lang|so|midho}}), [[songwriter]]s ({{lang|so|laxan}}) and [[Singing|singers]] ({{lang|so|codka}} or "voice").<ref>{{Harvnb|Abdullahi|2001|pp=170–1}}.</ref>

=== Literature ===
{{Main|Literature of Somalia}}
The Somali community has been a source of many significant poets, writers, and Islamic figures over the years, a considerable proportion of whom have played a pivotal role in influencing and moulding the trajectory of Muslim scholarship and traditions, not just in the Horn of Africa but also reaching far into the Arabian Peninsula and other regions around the world. Somalia has also been called by, among others, the [[Canada|Canadian]] novelist and scholar [[Margaret Laurence]], a "Nation of [[Poet]]s" and a "Nation of [[Bards]]". Famed British explorer and writer [[Richard Francis Burton|Richard Burton]] eloquently wrote about Somalia:<blockquote>"The country teems, with 'poets, poetasters, poetitoes, poetaccios': every man has his recognized position in literature as accurately defined as though he had been reviewed in a century of magazines – the fine ear of this people causing them to take the greatest pleasure in harmonious sounds and poetical expressions, whereas a false quantity or a prosaic phrase excite their violent indignation."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Burton |first=Richard |title=First Footsteps in East Africa |date=1986 |publisher=Dover Publications |orig-year=1856 |isbn=9780785519973}}</ref></blockquote>

==== Contemporary ====
[[File:Hadrawi.jpg|thumb|Famed [[poet]], [[Philosophy|philosopher]] and [[orator]] [[Hadrawi|Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame (Hadraawi)]]]]
With the adoption of the [[Somali alphabet|Latin alphabet]] in 1972 as the nation's standard orthography, numerous contemporary Somali authors have also released novels, some of which have received worldwide acclaim. Among these modern authors, [[Nuruddin Farah]] is the most renowned, receiving, among other honors, the 1998 [[Neustadt International Prize for Literature|Neustadt international prize for Literature]].<ref name=":32"/> [[Farah Awl|Faarax M.J. Cawl]] is another notable Somali author who is famous for his novel set in the [[Dervish movement (Somali)|Dervish era]], ''Ignorance is the enemy of love''. Somali poetry also thrived during this era with [[Hadrawi|Hadraawi]] gaining national renown for his prose and poetry.

=== Sports ===
{{Main|Sports in Somalia}}

[[Association football|Football]] is the most popular sport in Somalia. Important domestic competitions are the [[Somalia League]] and [[Somalia Cup]], with the [[Somalia national football team]] playing internationally.

[[Basketball]] is also played in the country. The [[FIBA Africa Championship 1981]] was hosted in Mogadishu from 15 to 23 December 1981, during which the [[Somalia national basketball team|national basketball team]] received the bronze medal.<ref>{{cite web |title=1981 African Championship for Men|url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/event/p/cid/AFMSM/sid/2399/_/1981_African_Championship_for_Men/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907182902/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/event/p/cid/AFMSM/sid/2399/_/1981_African_Championship_for_Men/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 September 2009|publisher=FIBA|access-date=15 December 2013}}</ref>

In 2013, a [[Somalia national bandy team]] was formed in [[Borlänge]]. It participated in the [[Bandy World Championship 2014]].

In the [[martial arts]], [[Faisal Jeylani Aweys]] and Mohamed Deq Abdulle of the [[Somalia national taekwondo team|national taekwondo team]] took home a silver medal and fourth place, respectively, at the 2013 Open World [[Taekwondo]] Challenge Cup in [[Tongeren]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Somalia moves forward at world Taekwondo|url=http://horseedmedia.net/2013/03/06/somalia-moves-forward-at-world-taekwondo-pictures/|access-date=19 October 2013|newspaper=Horseed Media|date=6 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022175949/http://horseedmedia.net/2013/03/06/somalia-moves-forward-at-world-taekwondo-pictures/|archive-date=22 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, Mohamed Jama has won both world and European titles in [[K-1]] and [[Muay Thai|Thai Boxing]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Great Victory for Malta in K1 Kickboxing|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2010-02-10/others/great-victory-for-malta-in-k1-kickboxing-270164/|access-date=18 October 2013|newspaper=Malta Independent|date=10 February 2010}}</ref>

=== Architecture ===
{{Main|Somali architecture}}
[[File:Gondereshe2008.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[Citadel]] of [[Gondershe]]]]Somali architecture is a rich and diverse tradition of engineering and design. Spanning the country's ancient, medieval and early modern periods, it also embraces the fusion of Somalo-Islamic architecture with contemporary Western designs.

In ancient Somalia, [[pyramid]]ical structures known in Somali as ''taalo'' were a popular burial style, with hundreds of these [[dry stone]] monuments scattered around the country today. Houses were built of [[Ashlar|dressed stone]] similar to the ones in [[ancient Egypt]].<ref>John G. Jackson, J. Hampden Jackson (1972) ''Man, God and Civilization'', Citadel Press, p. 216, {{ISBN|0-8065-0858-2}}.</ref> There are also examples of courtyards and large stone walls enclosing settlements, such as the Wargaade Wall.

The adoption of Islam in Somalia's early medieval history brought [[Islamic architecture|Islamic architectural influences]] from [[Arabia]] and [[Persia]]. This stimulated a shift in construction from dry stone and other related materials to [[Coral rag|coral]] stone, [[Mudbrick|sun dried bricks]], and the widespread use of [[limestone]] in Somali architecture. Many of the new architectural designs, such as mosques, were built on the ruins of older structures, a practice that would continue throughout the following centuries.<ref>{{Harvnb|Abdullahi|2001|p=102}}.</ref>