Societal
renaissance
LasKhorey and Ceelayo was a growing international hub because
of the significance of the ancient settlements in these
two cities. The Sultan's revolt against the British led
to the decline and significance of these coastal areas after
the British shifted their administration to the west side
of North Somalia. Therefore, the commercial centers of Celanyo
and Laskhorey diminished as an International hub. (Title
1Pre-Independency Socio-Economic of British Somaliland).
The ascendancy of Northern society in Somalia in terms
of trade, civilization, contact with ancient pharaohs continued
for many centuries. For example, the Land of Punt (currently
Warsangeli territory), Makhir, (commercial center of the
North also territory of Warsangeli), were all societies
that excelled in the art of architecture, agricultural and
civil engineering. Irrefutable evidence is the present 15
storey towers in Las Khorreh that were built during the
Makhar dynasty. From 15th century, Somalis were already
engaged in profitable commerce with the rest of world. In
addition, they discovered this gum producing tree that aided
architectures build towers and big boats. "'The gum-producing
trees grow on the sterile hills near the coast in the Sanaag
and Bari regions. In this districts there also grows a tree
known in Somali as " damask," a species of willow
which is valuable for house- and boat-building purposes.
It grows along the banks of the " tugs " or dry
water-courses which in the rainy season drain the interior."(Burale).
In the land of Punt (Sanaag), when Queen Hatasu, a prince
of the fifth dynasty of Egyptian empire visited Somalia,
it was mentioned in the journal of her expedition very remarkable
supply of frankincense, (in Somali it is called Maydi, Adaad,
Beeyo,Malmal Murre,Murkud) myrrh, spices, diamond and gold
that were provided as gift to her kingdom in exchange of
other goods and services. The land of Punt was also known
as the land of Gods. Hathor and Bes, which are two deities
that Egyptians worshipped, had their origin in Eastern Sanaag
presently a city known as Galgala. Moreover, according to
Lieutenant Speke in his journal of "What led to the
Discovery of the Source of the Nile" states the decline
of the empire of Warsangeli thirty one (31) years before
this treaty in1886 of which the English provided military
and logistical support to the clans of Isaaq near Aden Yemen.
"The Warsangeli complained to me sadly of their decline
in power since the English had interfered in their fights
with the (Isaaq), which took place near Aden about seven
years ago, and had deprived them of their vessels for creating
a disturbance, which interfered with the ordinary routine
of Traffic. They said that on that occasion, they had not
only beaten (Isaaq) but had seized of their vessels; and
that prior to this rupture, they had enjoyed paramount superiority
over all the tribes of the Somali; but now they were forbidden
to transport Soldiers or make reprisals on the sea, every
tribe was on an equality with them." (Chapter II theVoyage----SomaliShore,
Gerad Mohamoud ali Shire). The traveler also recounted the
administration of the sultan, which was impeccable for the
security, and the general weal of every foreigner visiting
their country. "Of course no Mortal man was like their
Gerad Mohamoud Ali in leading them to war. He was like the
English French, and in settling disputes, he required no
writing office, but sitting on the woolsack."
