Futuh al-Habasha: Somalis As Bedouins

[Zak12]

This thread needs to be stickied in my opinion, I always come back to it since it so informative.

 

[ICEcold]

This thread needs to be stickied in my opinion, I always come back to it since it so informative.

Genuinely one of the most impressive, and easily most creative, pieces of textual analysis I've ever seen. Really takes a special something to abandon your initial and obvious view on a matter, and explore a fresh, new perspective. Have told a few people about this thread since I'm still blown away by it.

 

[gasara]

Gerri is still in Galbeed. They neighbour Gadabuursi, Jaarso and other Darood.

As for the clans who are not mentioned as 'Somali', I might know why for at least Bartire.

Bartire are recorded as late as Burton's travels as being agro-pastoralists and growing coffee in the vicinity of Harar. The ban around Jigjiga is good for cultivation and it is possible they were agro-pastoralist around the time of the Futuh too and if we are going with the theory that "Somali" = bedouin ethnic Somali only this makes sense.

Another potential cause for the slightly odd names is the Ethiopian practice of holding princes and children of Adal notables hostage.

This is true. They were agro-pastoralists during that time. But they weren't only engaging in agro-pastoralism. If y'all ever go to Jigjiga or wherever they are at you must try their coffee. I'm a coffee hater but they arguably had the best coffee in my opinion.