Issa (clan)

The Issa (Somali: Ciise, Arabic: عيسى‎) are a Somali clan, a sub-clan of the Dir. Members primarily reside in Djibouti, Awdal in northwestern Somalia, as well as the Shinile Zone located in the Somali Region of Ethiopia and is one of the largest clans of the Dir. Traditionally, they live as nomadic cattle breeders, but they also engage in trade and have contacts throughout the region. The populations of Six major cities of Djibouti: Djibouti City, Ali Sabieh, Arta, Holhol, Ali Adde and Assamo – are predominantly Issa and in Ethiopia: Dire Dawa, Ayesha, Adigale, Erer and Āfdem and Somalia: Zeila and Xariirad. The tomb of Sheikh Issa, the founding father of the Issa clan, in Harirad.

History

The Somali first appeared in Africa around 1200 A.D., and began expanding westward and southward about 150 years later. They converted to Islam around 1550, under the influence of Arab traders. Today, the Issa branch of the Somali represent the largest ethnic group in Djibouti and make up roughly one half of the country's total population. In 1884, the territory was occupied by France and given the name "French Somaliland." Mahamoud Harbi was an important spokesman for the independence movement. 1977 continued the Issa of Djibouti's independence through, but not the union with Somalia. Under Hassan Gouled Aptidon to Djibouti became the party state of the People's Rally for Progress (RPP). It was not until 1977 that independence was regained. Traditional clan leader is the king of ugaas . He has been crowned Zeilan in the northern Somalia. The king does not have a permanent Celestial Court, but he will travel to the clan in Ethiopia and Djibouti. In the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935/36 Issa fought on the Italian side, and benefited in return of weapons, military training and lucrative marketing opportunities for their cattle. In the second half of the 20th Century gave Somalia more weapons to Issa, who see it as part of the Western Somali Liberation Front arming.

Issa

Issa or ISSA may refer to:

Issa (inhabited locality)

Issa (Russian: Исса) is the name of several inhabited localities in Russia.

Issa (moth)

Issa is a genus of moth in the family Geometridae.

References