Voices of Awdal
Somali Wisdom and Heritage in Verse
by Safiya Jowhar and Hodan Osman

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“Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful” – Rita Dov What does it mean to preserve a legacy through words? Somali poets answer this question with the fierce beauty and timeless wisdom of their verse. This anthology shines a light on the voices of Awdal, a region known for its rich poetic traditions. In one poem, a leader’s counsel urges vigilance against division (“or else strange plants will grow”). In another, the poet extolls the artist’s sacred role as guardian of clarity and culture. Each poem is a testament to the resilience, unity, and faith of the Somali people, and a celebration of the spirit and wisdom that shape this cultural identity. A special honor is given to the late Abwan Hassan Elmi Diiriye, affectionately known as “the poet of poets” (abwaanka abwaanadda). His legacy, one of eloquence and insight, serves as the bedrock of this collection, inspiring the preservation of Somali heritage through verse. Translated with care these works retain the depth and lyrical beauty of the original Somali poems, each of which is presented here alongside its translation. This collection not only honors the literary heritage of Awdal’s great minds but also provides the young people of Somalia and readers around the world a window into a cultural legacy that continues to inspire and guide today.

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Safiya Sh. Ali Jowhar is a grandmother who was born in the outskirts of Borama— an agricultural area, which was formerly known as Qorgaab and now called "Jarka" or Jaris-iska-xuur. A thriving neighborhood now, this area was named after the son of a prominent Borama family. Safiya decided to work on this book after she realized that there are no records of Awdal Literature. She also translated many of the poems and presented them alongside its’ translations. This is meant to inspire future generations as well as the non-Somali-speaking youth living in the diaspora to understand the rich Somali Literature. This task of compiling, transcribing, translating, and preparing the book for publication was not easy, however, all praise is due to Allah, this voluntary contribution led to the birth of a historic legacy of Awdal’s Literature. Hooyo Safiya is grateful to her children and grandchildren for their ongoing support during the process of compiling these records. *** Hodan Osman Qadi was born in the Sha’ab neighborhood in the city of Hargeisa. Hodan, who has a passionate interest in Somali Literature, took it upon herself to undertake this challenging task while being a mother of young children. (A special thanks to little Amina and Sanad!) Hodan showed remarkable expertise in directing the writing process of these records, editing poems, and grouping them in their appropriate order. Hodan also took the important role of networking, putting together a task force of Awdal poets to submit their poems and crucial feedback. They also helped us find poems from notable poets who have since passed.

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Contributors

Author

Safiya Jowhar

Author

Hodan Osman