Gaalje'el

The Gaalje'el (Somali: Gaaljecel), (Italian: Galgial), (Arabic: الجعل) or Habar Tigaalle is one of the largest Somali clans. Its origins trace back to Samaale.^[1] The Galje'el clan belongs to the major Saransor clan family, which in turn is a sub-clan of the wider Gardhere Samaale clans.^[2]

Gaalje'el
الجعل Habar Tigaaiue

Languages
Somali
Religion
Islam (Sunni)
Related ethnic groups
Garre, Degoodi, other Somalis

The clan is well known for their dominating and ruling the regions of Hiran, Shabelle, and Jubada. They are well known for their battles against the Italian colonists, who were unable to occupy their land.^[3] The clan is also known for fighting against the Abyssinians who wanted to expand in the area of the Shebelle River.^[4]

Tradition

Wells

Two young camel herders from the Galgial tribe patiently wait by the wells, ready to provide water for their camels.

Within the Gaalje'el tribe, some wells exclusively belong to a single sub-tribe while others serve as communal resources for two or more sub-tribes or even the entire Gaalje'el community. Additionally, specific excavations by minor groups or individuals result in wells owned solely by them.

The utilization of wells follows a system of reciprocity among all Galgial sub-tribes. However, non-owners must respect the owners' right of precedence when accessing these vital water sources. In instances of wells collectively owned, the individual arriving first claims the right of precedence during watering.

A distinctive practice arises when the Barsame people visit wells belonging to other sub-tribes. Due to a recognized right of progeniture and a gesture of special respect, Barsames are consistently granted access to water and are occasionally given precedence. Conversely, when other Gaalje'el groups approach wells owned by Barsanes, they may water their cattle only at night or during the day if Barsanes are absent with their cattle, even if they arrived later.^[5]

For example, the Hatful district in the Barsane tribe boasts around 40 natural wells, averaging 2 meters in depth. Water is manually drawn using leather handbags, each holding 250,000 liters.^[6]

Etymology

The name Gaalje'el consists of two words in the Af May Language, Gaal meaning camel and je'el meaning love: gaalje'el meaning "that which loves the camel". Gaal is the Af May (Reewin dialect) equivalent of Geel in Af Maḥa Tiri (the Maḥa Tiri dialect).^[7]

Another etymology, which has recently gained steam, references the Jaalin tribe of Sudan. By combining "Geel", the dromedory camel for which the tribe is known to rear, with the Arabic Al Je'el (الجعل), proponents of this etymology point to the bedouin nature of the Gaalje'el and surmise that the tribe could have had its origins in the nearby country, since they share the names of several branches.

Distribution

Map of the well-known Gaalje'el wells located Qorahsin

The expanse of Gaalje'el land unfolds from Baladweyne to the proximity of Mogadishu,^[8] representing its length. Additionally, from Baladweyne to Burhakaba forms its width. Beyond this, another segment of Gaalje'el territory starts Dooy land, dominates nearly 70% of the Middle Jubba region. This vast stretch continues to the eastern areas of Lower Jubba, Gaalje'el land converges with the land of the Boni People,^[9] marking the conclusion of the Gaalje'el territory.

The Gaalje'el traditionally settled in the region called Qorahsin of Hiraan, Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle These regions are called Qorahsin because it is located west of the Shabelle River.^[10] The Gaalje'el are often incorrectly associated with the Hawiye clan due to their close political and social alignment. However, the Gaalje'el actually descend from Saransoor, as do the Degoodi, Masarre and the Iise. This means that there is no closer blood relation than beyond those also shared amongst all Somalis.^[11]

History

Mahaday Attack

Main article: Mahaday Attack

On April 1, 1924, around 60 Gaalje'el men from Barsane and Lahubo gathered north of Mahaday. They went to Neghei, a place not far from the river where the Italian-Somali agricultural society held a small lime factory. The men invaded the town. The guard Gogles and the native personnel were disarmed, and two huts were set on fire. They sacked everything.^[12]

The conflict between the Italians and the Gaalje'el was a part of the broader conflict between Italy and the Somali people during the colonial era. The Gaalje'el, like many other Somali clans, fiercely resisted the Italian occupation of their land and fought against the Italian colonial forces in the early 20th century.

The Gaalje'el warriors were known for their bravery, skill in battle, and use of guerrilla tactics. They used their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage and employed hit-and-run tactics against the Italian forces. They also made use of traditional weapons such as spears and swords, as well as firearms obtained from other sources.

The Italians, on the other hand, had a technological advantage over the Gaalje'el. They had access to modern weapons, such as machine guns and artillery, which they used to devastating effect. However, the Italians found it difficult to maintain control over the areas inhabited by the Gaalje'el due to the resilience and determination of the clan.

The conflict between the Italians and the Gaalje'el lasted for several years and resulted in many casualties on both sides. The Gaalje'el suffered losses, but they were able to inflict significant damage on the Italian forces, which forced the Italians to adopt more aggressive tactics. The Italian forces responded by conducting punitive raids against the Gaalje'el villages, burning down homes and confiscating livestock.

Despite the odds, the Gaalje'el were able to maintain their resistance against the Italians. The Gaalje'el's successful resistance against the Italian colonial forces has been seen as a symbol of the resilience and courage of the Somali people in the face of adversity.

Battle of Dafet

The historical resistance of Gaalje'el against Abyssinian expansion in the Shabelle River region is marked by prolonged confrontations. Notably, the Battle of Dafet stands out as a pivotal moment, where Abyssinians sought to capture Dafet by advancing through the Shabelle River. The Gaalje'el valiantly defended their territory, successfully repelling the Abyssinian forces. This decisive victory resulted in the defeat and retreat of the Abyssinians, with a notable toll of 1500 Amhara horsemen losing their lives during the course of the battle.^[13]

Notable figures

• Abdirahman Haji Mumin, Somali politician
• Abdullaahi Faah, former member of parliament
• Mahamuud Garwayne, former minister of commerce
• Amina Mohamed Abdi, Somali politician
• Ali Haji Adan, minister of health
• Sheikh Hassan Barsane, cleric who led a revolt against Italian colonial forces after World War I
• Sheikh Osman Barre, former speaker of parliament
• Abdihakim Luqman, former speaker of parliament.
• Omar Faruk Osman, Somali journalist and trade unionist
• Fawziya Abikar Nur, federal minister of health
• Abdalle Mumin, journalist and human rights activist
• Mohamed Mukhtar Ibrahim, former minister of petroleum and rare materials
• Mohamed Olow Barrow, minister of fisheries