Geeska Suldaan: Majeerteen Somali PDM Victoria 2 AAR

[fr-rein]

A long time ago in an Africa far, far away...

Country: Majeerteen
Start date: 1836
Patch: Victoria II HoD 3.04 patch
Mod: PDM for 3.04

In the land of the African horn, washed by the salty water of Red sea and Indian ocean, there is an ancient civilization of traders, history of which could be traced up to the trade with an Ancient Egypt. It was the important trade partner of the Roman Empire and the source of cinnamon in there, gaining the name Regio Cinnamonifora. It didn't grow it though, but sold cinnamon from India to the Mediterranean lands. At a certain time this civilization controlled the African Horn and the local trade, making it as far as to fight off Portugal's colonial expansion into the region. It is an important part of the Islam in the Africa and its influence in the Eastern Africa can’t be underestimated. This is the civilization of Somali, which found its own way to shine in history.​

Somali soldiers fighting with foreigners
​

Sadly, the XIX century wasn't happy for them. Their lands weren’t truly populous and many people had a nomadic way of life with a camel trade in the exterior of the region and raising cattle in the arid regions. The maritime trade was basically usurped by other empires, India was a colony. Ottoman Empire was in the decline and Egypt wasn’t as prospering as it used to be, so the trade wasn’t as good. And north to the lands of Somali, Ethiopian lands and lords were way more populous, their Coptic religion rivaling the Sunni Islam in sheer numbers of followers in the East Africa. All while Oman took dominance in the sea trade, controlling many ports from the Sea of Zanj up to the Persian Gulf.

And of course, African Horn was never truly united. It was divided by a few ethnicities and even in case of Somalis it was diveded into the local Somali clans in a traditional way, each bounded with blood and family ties (which was in the Somali traditional legislative codex - xeer), rivalring with neighbors for the limited resources and influence. The most successful clans formed their own states with Suldaans leading their Suldaanads.

Spoiler: about Suldaans and Suldaanads:

Suldaan is a Somali version for the well-known Arabic word Sultan, so in future I will use it to refer to the Somali rulers (unless I will use other titles). Suldanadda is the Somali word for Sultanate accordingly, but here I will let myself do a historical slip - due to the active trade relations with the region (which doesn’t become a mere colony unless something awful happens) in my AAR, foreign merchants will not use this term as a bit odd for them. While accepting Suldaan title and spreading it to the outer world, Sultanate and Suldanadda would become a hybrid term Suldaanad, casually used by travelling merchants, journalists, poets and later diplomats in English and most European languages. Why do I actually introduce it? It has some pleasant steampunkish vibe to it in my opinion and it is better to remember than Suldanadda to me, not to mention that I went with it after quite aew typos which ended up close to Suldaanad in general.
For the other Muslim states outside of Somali and during some general history notes Sultanate may be used.

Illustration of the Dervish State fighters from the contemporary Italian magazine.​

These Suldaanads would be too small to offer a centralized resistance or reforms due to their small size, clan organization and reliance on the old ways of life - even though industrialization already started it’s march, dramatically changing the world, especially so vital trade for the Somali Suldaanads, leaving them reliant on a limited local trade and nomadic ways of life. Because of it, they became colonies of the colonial nations with growing industries and even despite the late resistance in form of the Dervish State in the interior of the African Horn, they were subdued and defeated by colonial powers - and their much more powerful and numerous neighbor, Ethiopian Empire, which took Ogaden and Harer as a result of these events.

The critical lack of progress, unfortunate trade position in the rapidly changing world, no especially valuable resources, no industrialization, disunity among Somali Suldaanads and clans and relatively low population played their role in the fate of Somali, which became a colony. But… what if history went another way?

The goal of this AAR is to make a miracle for the civilization - to raise the region and introduce it to another golden age. But it won’t be a story of Muhammad, Genghis Khan or some XIX century autocrat, who would miraculously gather local nomads into one political entity and make an Empire by taking Sokoto, Korea, cluster of China and be fighting over Trucial States oil and such later. It’ll be a story of a transformation of a region and its people, which would change the country itself. Without people no nation is worth anything, and if the people are poor, disunited and little in numbers, then it is a sad nation.

Suldaan Yusuf Ali Kenadid, first Suldaan of Hobyo, which later became an Italian protectorate.​

So one of my main goals is to make a Somali nation. Many divided clans, which for the continuity of the Somali history made many different states and groups, make people chose clan and religious ties over the national ones for many reasons, and not all of them matter for the timeline where the story will take place. But in order to avoid some of the precursors to the not so happy history which took place in real life, it is important to undergo urbanization, rise literacy, social mobility, infrastructure and transform the civil relationships from clans to the citizen ones. It is not a matter of a flat population of the country, because I could ahistorically annex some China to have millions. But it is a matter for leaving a lasting trace from XIX century into the XX and XXI ones. It’s a matter of making the African horn prospering, populating and settling it with many beautiful towns and cities, making ports, farmlands and monuments with people of the country living there. If Somalis make a large nation, comparable at least to the smaller european nations like Romanians, Greeks and Hungarians, they would be able to leave a lasting trace in the history even in case of direst turns of events and prevent being treated like a colonial toy by Great Powers like not only indigenous African states (or leaderships in case of less developed parts), but even in case of Boers.

Another major goal is to set up the economics of the state. Trade with raw resources and slaves declines and no matter how big a state would get, it won’t be good without a trade with better goods. Industrialization, the revolutionary force coming to change the history, needs to be put into action in the Majeerteen state and make it strong. With a power of many factories roaring, Somali trade will be sure to reach the foreign markets way further than it ever reached before.

There are two smaller subgoals in the AAR. One is to make a big number of Somali people, which wouldn't be a small minority in their own state. A second one would be to set faith to the course which would be geared to development. If the state succeeds to make ideas of progress successful, ideas and agenda of Sufi branch wouldn't gain such a popularity, preventing region from being influenced by extremeties and bringing stability.

And the last, but not the least: the country will remain Majeerteen. It won't form Somali, it'll be monarchy of Majeerteen for many reasons.

Conclusion: this will be AAR about westernizing Majeerteen-Somali and getting into the top positions of the world. No cheesy Korea/Sokoto/etc takeovers shall happen, but with a rise of Majeerteen as a colonial nation it's not excluded. Since the idea is to build up the nation itself rather than conquer Ethiopia and just play an Empire in Eastern Africa (which is possible to do with Ethiopia and would be more effective, I suppose), certain political decision and goals shall be preferred over maximum efficiency. There may be plenty of mistakes about history of the region, please correct me if I make some. Hope that you'll enjoy it.

P.S. probably will edit this post later

 

[Levgar]

This sounds interesting!

 

[fr-rein]

This is a chapter which is likely to have issues and incorrect to some degree data. However, I shall use it to address some majir issues with the game (mod) setup which we have at the 1836 in PDM mod (in vanilla… all these lands are just uncolonized).
In short, just my rambling about inconsistancies.

My judgements about the history will be based on the knowledge available with open sources and on some common sense conclusions in case I’ll lack info. These are not ultimate facts, but rather issues which should be questioned and explored. If anyone will have helpful information and remarks, please share them and sorry for misinterpretations and errors in this chapter.

So, the first thing is that Majeerteen Sultanate didn’t have a flag we see in a game (PDM mod) as it was an alleged flag of the Derwish State and I do not have a precise data about origins and use of Dervish State flag. As far as I’ve looked into it, the only source for it is here which references this contemporary Italian magazine as the available resource for it. My opinion is that it wasn’t a real flag that they used, after all many Sunni rulers and especially tribal clans used their own banners and coat of arms for identification, which was a widespread case. Flags were often associated not with a state, but with a monarch/clan ruling there and their coat of arms. Dervish state wasn’t even a monarchy or even a state but rather an alliance of some clans clans and commanders fighting with British. There is very little information about how Dervish State functioned as a state, so it is too overstretching to call that flag as a representative for Dervish State. But the Dervish State did exist as a subject under treaties and was recognized temporarily, so it is possible that this flag, while not widespread in use, was the flag of the state. In game, however, that flag will be given it’s own legend for Majeerteen since it is used there despite Majeerteen having no direct connection to this flag.

As a further note about flags, Somali sultanates at that time were also using coat of arms instead as a distinctive difference, thus I assume that it would be proper for those to use them instead of improper flags in game (except for Geledi - as I have no idea where did that in-game flag come from). In EU IV this is actually an addressed issue - Hobyo and Majeerteen there do have their coats of arms as flags, which should be a proper case for them in this Victoria 2 mod and, if they ever get added in the main game, there as well. In regard for another forms of government, there are corresponding Somali states in the nowadays Federal Republic of Somali which could be used as a reference.

Another major thing which needs to be remembered is that in most uncivilized parts of the world there was a rule of clans and local aristocrats. States there weren’t modern as we see them now, especially in case of Somali Sultanates. They needed to undergo reforms, quite some transformation and gather power to theoretically make their nation united by people, not by allegiance to local chiefs, to clan or to faith. Majeerteen and Geledi, as they are shown in game (with mod, yes), do not reflect on the clan difference or local sentiments. For the famous examples of such divisions we could see Japan (where local clans played a big role in the politics and it echoed for a while, yakuza being one of the echoes of the old time), Arab countries, where basically it was a norm, various nomadic tribes (even including Mongols at the time of Genghis Khan) and many less famous and relevant ones. Sure, game simplifies the reality, but for the Arab countries we see quite a unity which wasn’t there in the real life. Same for Japan, clan structures don't exist as a social unit at all. Same goes for mafia and so on.

Clan map for the Somali ethnical groups. It's worth noticing that it is more more contemporary and may not represent the precise situation in the XIX century, but it gives an idea for the general Somali clan distribution in African Horn.​

The fact could and should be represented by making some limits on the state organization for uncivs. For example, with Japan in PDM you need to unite Japan into one country first. With Somali sultanates, you would need to civilize first in order to fully overcome the struggles between various clans and remove their claims with unification decision. Before that, local clan members would attempt to snatch back their power in a fashion of how reactionaries tend to try to roll back the country. This would weaken a bit some countries, especially the ones expanding over national territories or those with accepted cultures, like in Middle East, and would be a realistic prevention to form a pan-Arabian state, especially if they would mostly replace reactionaries. Or preventing some uncivilized blobbing, especially if the unciv manages to eat Korea or a chunk of China - since those would become state territories after unification and provide enormous number of people with an inevitable assimilation.

Another paragraph of rambling is dedicated to Ethiopia. In theory, PDM mod represents better the issue of how divided Ethiopia was at that time, showing us era of princes. While pointing out how separated Ethiopia was between a few kingdoms, mod also enables historical expansion into Ogaden.
Now, I am gonna say that Ethiopian Empire is still somewhat ahistorical at the beginning, especially in vanilla. It is a damn grand monster with a huge native and accepted population and in Vanilla it basically doesn’t have contested cores, in PDM - only Tigray, Afar and Somali cores on Ogaden are the territories which are contested, in theory. In practice - nearly always few kingdoms in Ethiopia kill each other quickly as nothing stops them from restore order/conquest wars and generally less than in 6 years (possibly(!) if they somehow end up conquesting things in 2 parts), get the decision to become Ethiopian Empire, expand into Ogaden early and become a damn ahistorical powerhouse. It is worth noting that Ethiopia should be a powerhouse, but the way it can effortlessly become one, especially given the Oriental crysis in PDM and wars with Ottomans in vanilla, is disappointing and not challenging, like playing a united Japan in vanilla. And it’s not just a thing that a player could do, AI does it all the time. These are my thoughts though.
Ethiopia as a whole needs quite some work and certainly cores of national minorities shouldn’t be removed from it. National minorities in there don’t have chances as of now. And well, certainly having a centralized Ethiopia with a lot of population easily makes it sort of a Japan of Asia, making only Egypt a rival - who can be beaten in wars with for Middle East aka Oriental Crisis. Era of Princes could be better made for them and it would probably attract attention to the region in that interesting time. And generally big unciv states are pretty much ahistorical.

But back to the Somali itself.

So, as I see Somali of that time is a land of different Somali clans, biggest of which were organized into Sultanates. But even if I do assume and accept that having just Geledi Sultanate and Majeerteen Sultanate is a lie, there are more incorrect things geopolitically, so I will address them.

Zeila was a port under the Ottoman (Egyptian, to be precise) control. Muhammed Ali, the famous wali of Egypt, sent expeditions there from 20s to 40s, and up to 80s Egypt kept sticking in the matters of the region, subjugating trade and spreading there its influence. It could be said to be a protectorate, or a directly Egyptian territory with a loose control, but it definitely wasn’t a part of Majeerteen Sultanate, nor it wasn’t in any other Sultanate. Moreover, Harar also was under the Ottoman-Egyptian (loose) control and Ethiopian kingdoms and Empire weren’t there until 1880s, when Egyptians retreated from there under the influence of UK which made a deal with Ethiopia and they secured some territories in exchange for the help with subduing the Mahdi uprising in Sudan. These two cities were key trade gates for the region and so effectively those provinces were effectively not under Ethiopia and Majeerteen, but under Egypt Eyalat. Such a change in disposition would better reflect on the Ottoman influence (and later historical loss of it) in the region and limit Ethiopia from becoming unnaturally strong and powerful in such a short time as it does now.

As for Berbera - I am not sure who ruled it. Local Zeila trader, who sort of took the port in rent, managed to put it under his influence in 1840s, but that’s about what I know. Effectively, if we recognize that Zeila was controlled by Egypt (or a local “trade company”), then it is technically correct to include it in Egypt Eyalat (but without cores). Given a fact that in 1870s it received a formal firman from Ottoman Empire recognizing Egyptian rule in the northern Somali (Berbera province) and UK recognized the border at these lines, it would be really hasty to overlook such an influence Egypt had there. It is worth noting, however, that in 1880s Egypt evacuated from Harer and later from Zeila and Berbera, leaving the region split between colonial powers and Ethiopia.

But a thing worth noticing is a presence of another notable Somali Sultanate there, on the north, which wasn’t conquered by Egypt. A long-living Warsangali Sultanate, presence of which would was important and it played quite a big local role as it was founded in 1218 and lasted till 1886, till it was incorporated into the British protectorate as a part of Scramble for Africa. It encompasses a Warsangali subclan of Darod clan of Somali people and it had it’s own role in the history of the region, surviving even after more successful Muslim Sultanates in the African Horn fell. Separating that province from Berbera would make a better distinction between Berbera (effectively under Ottomans/Egypt) and Warsangali and to not overextend the control of the former party. The province name could be Sanaag (as is the biggest administrative region there called, with a capital city of Warsangali Sultanate being Las Khorey.

Regarding nearby Djibouti - it was also under the effective Egyptian control, but with a “but” or two. Northern part of Djibouti, primarily populated by Afar people, was a Tadjoura Sultanate, which French later included to their colonial sphere and used to get the full control of Gulf of Tadjoura and a whole Djibouti as a result. Southern part technically belonged to the Egyptian Eyalat and it is populated by Somalis. Technically Southern part of Djibouti (which could be its own province) should be up to be claimed by the united Somali as a part of a “Greater Somali”, which would be about claiming national population abroad (Kenia, Ogaden, Djibouti, Valley Rift province). In my opinion Djibouti shouldn’t be left uncolonized, it’s wrong (but not as wrong as Somalis not getting access to colonize Ogaden while Ethiopia can get it… it is simply silly as it is now).

This is the approximate way I see the organization of those few provinces. Berbera would be divided into two provinces while Djibouti would be a separate region with 2 provinces, one being dominantly Afar half and another one - Somali half. In PDM mod all green and yellow makes one province, with Djibouti and Berbera not split.​

Another minor note is about Socotra: it is a damn attractive island and there should be a way for countries to claim it alone, without the rest of Yemen. I love to get it as many powers, but I often do not want to deal with other parts of Yemen. Perhaps a way to release countries by selecting which national provinces for them to release would be super great.

Time to get to the country which I’ve picked. Majeerteen historically was about Bosaso province, and it also had influence on Hobyo (one of the few populated provinces in game to have 30 liferating... for some reason). After a certain event, Majeerteen was split between Majeerteen and Hobyo Sultanates. However, Majeerteen didn’t mostly control Hobyo territory at the time so it would be too presumptive to give it to them, nor Hobyo Sultanate appeared at the time of the game start.

As for Geledi - aside from Hobyo, issue with which I described above, it is mostly correct. As the biggest Sultanate and the most able shard of the Ajuran Sultanate, it was powerful and in the middle of XIX century did experience golden age, until was put under influence and late protectorate of Italy. It was able to dominate Oman and Zanzibar, which was important for its relevance and prosperity. The power of Sultanate, however, is underrepresented - in real life it was able to have 20000 of soldiers, up to 50000 in the peace time, which would allow it to resist Ethiopians in one of the wars they had… who, again, have an insane amount of power early on. Perhaps population is not displayed correctly in numbers. While we can’t be certain about the population numbers, they seem to be quite low - especially if we see for some reason way more densely populated Ogaden compared to the coastal regions.

There is a question about Mogadishu. The city was said to be under the joint control of Geledi and Oman Sultanates, so it is hard to say who really controlled it. However, given Geledi domination at that period, it would be an allowed simplification to give it to Geledi in-game. Although, in that case we do lose a sight of Omani trade domination which was lasting from Zanzibar to Muscat and the fact that they owned plenty of ports and harbors on the African Horn. Geledi also used to be dependent on Oman, but the de-facto state in-game shouldn’t be affected that much by it. Overall, Oman needs some better representation in my opinion.

And the last, but not the least part of the pie - Dervish state. The importance of this territory, mostly being in Ogaden and that-state-name-which-I-forgot can’t be underestimated. That interior was an important territory for the local somali nomads, land trade between southern and northern Somali ports, as well as Ethiopia, can’t be underestimated. Many important poems were written about the events in Ogaden even prior to the Dervish State. Technically it was formed by one of the Garharjis Sultanates, but taking a look at the territory there, we can see that it basically encompasses the region. It didn’t come easily to Ethiopia - one of the expeditions there was soundly defeated by Geledis and it wasn’t until British started to settle their feet there till Ethiopia got Ogaden, partially because of cooperation with British Empire. The state formed a bulk of resistance to the colonization, made a literature boom and made a renaissance of Islam in the East Africa possible, which made the movement quite popular. In game it is an uncolonized province in vanilla... and in PDM it is easily given to Ethiopia via a decision while Somaliland, even united, can’t pretend on it until Ethiopia decides to claim it. And mind you, Dervish State was an ally of Central Powers in WWI (or so wiki says).

I bring up these issues to up historical context which I hope will be brought up to the light in future mod releases and possible patches for Victoria 2 and, hopefully, in Victoria 3.

AAR shall address these issues and will describe how the situation in this timeline changed so that the events which will happen were possible, how Majeerteen became what it is in the 1836 in PDM and in general AAR will include these issues in the history of the state. It is not just a matter of wrong or simplified representation, after all it is common for games (and Victoria II does leave a place for itself to be ahistorical, which is understandable) - but a nation without a history is not a real nation. I can’t just take a blank page and make up a nation because it feels like a fake. To make a history of a nation in this AAR, I shall continue it from what it was at the time and will make past relevant to the events which happen in game.

ethnical map as of 1836, according to the in-game data
there are many fun tribes, should I go into details later about those?​

Now, we shall look at the number of Somali people we will have under our disposition.
At the 1836 there are:

• 70k of Somalis in Majeerteen
• roughly 100k of Somalis in Geledi
• roughly 140k number of Somalis outside of Majeerteen and Geledi, mostly living in Ogaden and Harar, with small inclusion in Kenya and Valley Rift

Overall, Somali tribes, all outnumbered by neighbor tribes in Abyssinia, consist of 310k people with a few Suldaans ruling over most of those. The situation is, frankly speaking, dire if we compare them even to Bedouins, not to mention Ethiopian tribes. Heck, it's actually worse than Baltic states get at the beginning!
I hope that this actually shows why I am so concerned about the small number of Somalis - it is really small for a nation to triumph in Africa!
Okay, okay, the boring chapter of banter and irrelevant suggestions comes to an end. Next chapter shall describe prologue to the Majeerteen of 1836, my ruling Majeerteen dynasty and reference points from this paragraph. This is my first AAR and it may be a bit hard to read. Oh well. Also: is it adviseable to upload images on the outside sources just in case?

 

[fr-rein]

This sounds interesting!

Thank you, I hope it'll be entertaining and interesting to read. It is my first AAR though and my English and writing aren't best around here.

Since I am replying anyway, I shall explain why the name is Geeska Suldaan: Majeerteen Somali PDM Victoria 2 AAR.
I've mentioned the reason why I am using word Suldaan under the spoiler from the first post and I think that I mentioned that I decided to with Majeerteen rather than unified Somaliland. The latter isn't really related to the contemporary politics and such, I just found the idea of a single dynasty dominating the African Horn and having a rather unique country being appealing. Besides, country using the Dervish State flag was also interesting, even if wrong, same goes for the name of the state - it feels unique and distinct in a fun way. Like forming a Germany from some minor.
As for Geeska Suldaan - the reason is simple. Geeska means horn in somali language and thus I went with a Horn Suldaan name - as in a Suldaan of African Horn, a title which a ruler of the whole African horn shall have. As a bonus, I actually just now figured that it makes a bad joke - it may be interpreted as a horny sultan. I am not sure if I should reflect upon it later, it wasn't really intentional. Oh well.

 

[Idhrendur]

That was a good amount of background info. Best of luck on the rest of the AAR!

 

[fr-rein]

In 1815 Suldaan Maxamuud IV died. The designated heir, Cismaan, fell ill earlier that year due to the opiate abuse. Poor guy needed to empty the place for the designated ahistorical person. People said that it was one of the relatives from the family that introduced opiates to him, other people claimed that one of his concubines gave it to him. Nonetheless, because of it Cismaan was unable to ascend to the throne and died a few years later. His relative, Guuleed, who was only 14 years old at the time, became the young Suldaan of Majeerteen. Due to the young age, next few years were ruled by a regent council which was loyal to him and when he matured it followed as his administration. Guuleed I was in a position where many of his predecessors were, but unlike many he had a driving sinful ambition to live in glory and riches like the powerful Suldaans of the northern realms. He knew the history of the old Suldaanades and he wanted to make his Suldaanad truly great.

Guuleed I didn’t waste any time once he ascended as a Suldaan. His power was limited to his clan, which was actually a sub-clan of one of the major Somali clans, Darod. In order to rule the country, he needed to get a support from the other clans and a power to overcome them. However, with his resources and position he couldn’t afford an open rivalry. Warsangalis refused the offers of political marriage and Hawiya clan residing in Hobyo didn’t respond to him in any encouraging way. The sea trade at the time also looked dire - while Majeerteen did have some trade, it was nothing compared to the local domination of Oman, which had the best trade to themselves and was taking harbors and ports from Zanzibar to Muscat.

Opportunity presented itself with the Egyptian expansion into Somali in the 1820s. Suldaan Guuleed I welcomed Egyptians by sending them gifts and offering help. In 1824 Suldaan sent a mission to Cairo to secure the friendship and alliance with the new force. Praising the return of the Egyptian presence in Somali, which was old and it’s history reached ancient times, Suldaan's clansmen managed to agree upon the visit of Suldaan to Egypt later that year.

Wali of Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha​

In Cairo, Guuleed I brought generous gifts his court managed to obtain just for this trip. Thus he was treated like an honorable guest and a potential partner and ally in the African Horn. There, Suldaan talked to the Wali of Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha. Both weren’t truly great at the time - ruler of Egypt was still a governor appointed by Ottoman Sultan and Guuleed I was a ruler of a small Majeerteen Suldaanad in the easternmost part of Africa. However, both of them recognized the mutual benefits they could get in Somali and what was more important - Suldaan took interest in the country changes which Sultan of the Egypt was doing. He was fascinated by the army and fleet which he raised while the Wali was glad to have a fellow ruler which understood his ideas. Two men started a friendship which would be fruitful to both.

The visit of Suldaan Guuleed I to the Wali of Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha.​

An agreement with Wali of Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha, was reached in the following year, 1826. Multiple treaties were signed between the two, allowing both rulers to achieve their goals. Guuleed I obliged to pay a hefty tribute to the Wali in exchange for the help with a campaign against Warsangali Suldaanad. In addition to this, a royal marriage was arranged between Muhammad Ali’s daughter Masika and Guuleed I, marking the maturing of his rulership and the prestige which he personally had. Under an oral agreement, Muhammad Ali agreed to give over a control over Zeila and Berbera under the rule of Guuleed I - under a big amount of taxes to extort from there over next 5 years. The port itself would remain under the Egyptian control as a trade hub and Majeerteen would grow in size and influence. It would also allow Egypt to spare troops while leaving an influence there and favourable trade position.

Zeila. Doesn't look too fancy, but is quite important though!​

Marriage was held in the very same year, 1826, in Cairo. Muhammad Ali, while losing some ground, still effectively controlled Zeila trade, had an ally in the region and the influence of his country was growing, matching his vision of his new reformed Muslim empire which would arise after Ottomans fail. The forces were already in Zeila and after a minor reinforcement they marched in Warsangali lands in the late 1826, with the Suldaan Guuleed I arriving with an Egyptian army.

Warsangali clan offered no resistance once it became apparent that they were outnumbered and outpowered by the Majeerteen-Egyptian forces. Once in control, Suldaan Guuleed I imposed his reign on the clan by taking the title of Suldaan of Warsangali to himself and adding a title of Boqor (emperor) to his title, becoming Boqor Guuleed I, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali. However, he left the local clan rule mostly intact and kept the wealth and power of local men. The peace hopefully was set in the new land.

Somali slaves, paid as a part of the tribute to the Muhammad Ali Pasha.
The tax was a reason why it took a while for Majeerteen to take gather forces and resources for the further Suldaan's ambitions. For the Egypt, the immediate benefits and the safe harbor were a preferable thing to a badly maintained colony.​

Guuleed I received lands of Berbera and Zeila in the 20th April 1827, when his first son was born from his wife and Muhammad Ali congratulated him with a letter and an instruction to the garrison to hand over those lands. Suldaan called his son Guuleed, as he called himself, making him the crown prince, Amiirka Taaj Guuleed. Special title were created for the new lands - Ughaz of Berbera (approved by the Berbera mullahs) and Ughaz of Zeila. Ughaz is a native name of the Suldaan-rank title and it was given to those new lands for a few reasons: one is that Guuleed I needed to be distinct from the “main” Suldaan title, marking them as proper parts of his realm… and another one is that it allowed Guuleed I to expand on the name of his title - being Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I. His weakness for riches, prestige and many titles was truly insatiable.

After a having a cute daughter called Uba born on 5th December 1828, his wife gifted him with a second son, Zahi, born on 3rd July 1830. They didn’t have further children as Suldaan was concerned about the possible succession between his kids and was a bit afraid… in particular of because how he came to a Suldaan himself. His eunuсh, Cawil, was appointed to choose concubines which would be infertile, without a risk of carrying an unwanted child.

During the late 1820s administration on the new lands stabilized. Egypt, after helping Guuleed I to train and form his own army, withdrew active presence from Zeila and Berbera on 3rd July 1931. However, their presence was not needed. Suldaan found a way to settle the aristocrats of different clans in the different cities, mixing them all together. For that, he promised to give them more slaves and more lands if they would resettle. Mixed leadership allowed him to lower the risk of an open rebellion, besides traders did appreciate his efforts as it allowed them to conduct business in an easier way. Not everyone was happy with that as the amount of slave trade rose, in particular because of a need to pay tributes to the Wali of Egypt for his priceless help. A few slave riots were effectively crushed, increasing confidence of the clans in the leadership of Guuleed I and the fear of slave rebellion. After all, the land soared with slaves during his reign.

During this time the taxation reform was introduced. To not lose on the tax collection as it was controlled by different clans, Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I made important steps in the administrative regulation, making a better accounting of money on one hand and the ability to keep tracks of collected money on the other, so that elders of the few clans would not fewd over unfair taxation. This reform, as small as one would see it, essentially was the firsts major step into the unification.

The fact that the trade with Egypt activated had a good effect on the Majeerteen trade, revitalizing it and helping to ease the effect from paying a hefty tribute to Egypt. Previously dominating Omani trade wasn’t reaching in this direction, which allowed Somali merchants to seek new opportunities - although, admittedly, it wasn’t enough to get rich or provide the viable alternative to the India trade.

Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I was the new sovereign power on the north of African Horn. Enjoying the support from Warsangali, Majeerteen and Isaaq clans which he now controlled, he knew that his leadership was far from being absolute or unrivaled. Nomads of other Darod clans didn’t acknowledge his leadership and the situation was still quite hard. The elites and elders of the subjugated clans were also ambitious and didn’t want to give up on their powers, their loyalty being limited.

Clan distribution map. Colorized.​

In 1832-33 Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I sent several missions to the Geledi Suldaanad, discussing a possibility of uniting major Somali Suldaanades in the African Horn under one royal family. He was willing to as far as to agree to give Suldaanad to Uba and her husband from Gobroon dynasty upon reaching the adulthood as his Suldaan titles would still be under him and his family and they would only get richer under unification and trade with Egypt. However, clan rivalry soon made the talks fail, distrust between the clans was too high. Geledi feared that Guuleed I would later just use his ties to Egypt and coup the united Suldaanad. Ruled by Rahanwein clan, Geledi Suldaanad was unwilling to allow Darod clan to dominate the united realm, even if Ahmed Yusuf, heir of the Suldaanad, was very interested in the title of Boqor and knew the benefits of being a ruler of a greater realm.

Geledi aside, there was an issue of Digil clan and Hobyo-based Hawiya clan, as well as other Darod sub-clans which weren’t really willing to unite or acknowledge the leadership of Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I.

In 1834, Suldaan welcomed a few foreign poets and traders, which happened to stay a few months at Majeerteen after a shipwreck brought them to the African Horn. Suspicious of strangers, Guuleed I was pleased by the foreign poems made about him, thankfully one of them knew Arabic language which allowed Suldaan to personally enjoy the poems about himself.

The odd visit was somewhat beneficial to the Suldaanad. While poets talked about the Majeerteen a few seasons later in Europe, traders were faster to react. Some ships started to visit Majeerteen while on the way to India, trading with the Suldaanad and somewhat boosting the trade there. It also made possible one of the important deals for Guuleed I - an independent from Egypt supply of firearms.

Moreover, it was this insignificant visit which attracted Suldaan’s attention to the one of the issues: traders with whom he talked said that for a foreign trade in the seas these days ships would need a country flag - not just a coat of arms on them. Interested in that, Suldaan ordered to make a flag for Majeerteen. Looking through the archives and history books, court mullahs and clans elders made up a new flag for the Majeerteen as we know it now. The adoption of the flag happened on 5th December 1835, marking the 7th birthday of his daughter.

Egypt still played a crucial role for Guuleed I even despite the activated foreign trade - as he enjoyed egyptian officers building him army which had a structure similar to Egyptian, an early regular army for him to use. The conflict grew inevitable as the fears and intentions of the opposite sides grew more evident. Suldaan couldn’t wait too long either - he knew that the Egyptian supported was not eternal and that he needed to use the opportunities presented to him. The deciding matter for Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I was… becoming a Boqor of all Suldaanads, being the supreme ruler comparable to the great Suldaanads of last centuries.

A girl dancing with the Majeerteen national during the celebration of the Majeerteen flag adoption. Colorized.​

 

[Shinkuro Yukinari]

Great AAR idea!

A fun proposal, become a Bourgeois Dictatorship at one point for the giggles

 

[fr-rein]

The fate and destiny of the African Horn grew to be tied to this very moment. Tensions between different clans, which sensed the shift of power, ambitions and the gradual war preparations made the future conflict a matter of time for Majeerteen.

Strategic and geopolitical situation in the African Horn. Doesn't tell much in all honesty, but we must be aware of immediate surroundings.​

On the 6th January 1836 Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I made changes in his government, appointing new people in there and reshuffling it with the loyalists who were ready to support him and rule for the clans while the Suldaan would go to war.

The reshuffled government, made of reactionary loyalists to the Majeerteen Suldaan, who countered conservative clan elders.
As for the reforms, there is a formiddable religious education tradition, some degree of centralization in sphere of taxes, we interact with an outer world and have imported weapons.
​

On the 8th January, a loyal Wazir Cawil from Suldaan’s eunuchs was appointed. Loyal to the core to the Suldaan Guuleed I, he proved his service with many years of maintaining Suldaan’s concubines and by making sure that girl won’t have children. He also overlooked Uba’s upbringing personally.

Truth is, while Wazir Cawil was able to hold the government by his experience at the Suldaan's court, he wasn't an experienced administrator. If you take a look at the number of governmental official, you can see that it is basically limited to the Suldaan's court, so the influence of Wazir couldn't do much anyway at this moment.​

The previously established trade relations with europeans were used to import firearms as Majeerteen was preparing for the hard solution of the Southern problem. Suldaan Guuleed I allowed foreign traders to come to Majeerteen, no longer holding isolation from them. As they came, they brought new ideas and knowledge, while also demonstrating of how far behind Majeerteen was. Suldaan understood that - since his friend Muhammad Ali was fighting this issue way before Guuleed I did - and influenced by his friend and a need to increase his power and riches, he was invested into the idea of reforming his country (as far is it benefitted him personally, though).
21st February there was a dinner with a Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I where a european visitors (traders, writers, journalists and a few foreign nobles) were invited, including some foreign writers, journalists and poets. It was aimed at showing Majeerteen Suldaanad to the world, but it was also the time when the new ideas and awareness of the rest of the world came to be as a factor to the Majeerteen’s politics. In history, this fateful event was called The Western Banquet.

Lo and behold, the Western Banquet - the crucial event for Majeerteen. More research, but also more militancy and consciousness. As a note: in PDM it doesn't happen if you aren't reformed to be Interactive and keep yourself isolated. I also wonder what happens on the 31st December 1935. Should I ask Mayans about that?​

But as interesting as it could be, Suldaan Guuleed I and his Wazir Cawil were interested in the firearms supply, which they received for the upcoming war. With a sufficient amount of firearms and supplies, some military instructors from Egypt and adventuring soldiers from France and other european countries, Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I declared war on the 20th March against the southern Suldaans. Prestige, influence and power were on stakes for everyone.

This is a war for prestige of the glorious Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I, who will dismiss the Suldaans which fell in the decandence of their royalty and will later naturally get the claim on the whole Majeerteen. But seriously, Suldaan Guuleed I is really hungry for the glory.​

The war wasn’t called jihad or conquest. Rather than that, Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I declared that he wages a war of subjugation to his authority of a self-proclaimed successor of the old great Suldaanads, defining that his title would be superior to any local clan ones.

Unfortunately, Suldaan fell ill for a few months after declaring the war and army didn’t move out. Gossips said that possibly Suldaan was poisoned, but medics didn’t find any poison - but that he caught a cold. Or shitty medics. The fact that medicine was not developed in Majeerteen was a drawback for the Suldaan, who was also heavily suspicious about being poisoned and thus took many measures to separate himself from the court and rely on the known safe means of recovery.

While Suldaan was sick, Wazir Cawil accepted the foreign guests. As a result of his efforts, he agreed to open a foreign trade post in Zeila, formalizing trade relations with the foreigners. Supplies for the war were delivered, which allowed to be sure about the abundance of supplies. Foreigners, obviously, were quite weird. Some were Christians, some were drunkards, and none of them regarded Somali people as equal - but trade was worth enduring some misunderstandings and conflicts.

The sweet trade with foreigners. Being relevant in trade is important for Somali and the thalassocracy tradition of the previous Somali states.​

Not just that, but Wazir also made one of the most important steps in the history of Majeerteen - creation of the Suldaan’s bureaucracy. He reformed the class of Akil, which was previously formed only out of elders of the clans, and made the title stand for the new bureaucratic apparatus he built. No longer people from Akil were tied to their old clans, but they were tied to the Suldaan's court and the riches of the united realm, seeing it in a light separate clans didn't. The purpose of Akil, aside from snatching power from clan elders and creating a pillar of loyalism to the state, was also to control the execution of Xeer - traditional legal framework of the Somali African Horn. That allowed to maintain a better level of justice and see the boom in the Suldaanad’s apparatus, many people believing that this time Majeerteen would definitely outlive Harti confederation (a confederation of somali clans, primarily the Darod clan, which later decentralized and effectively ceased to exist). Not just that, but it was Akil which maintained the tax and tariff collection, making itself a loyal source of revenue harvester for Suldaan, who would be no longer depending on how local clansmen would gather and give tariffs.

The darker side of these efforts was about Wazir Cawil's personal long-term plans. He saw the establishment of the Akil as a way to make a figure of Wazir not just a manager of the Suldaan's court, but a decision-making figure backed by the whole entirety of Akil, a defacto controller of the state. Cawil, eunuch and a person with a twisted character, saw himself enjoying the riches of which Suldaan dreamt, even if he wouldn't be a ruler publically. Inspired by the history of Ottoman Empire, he made a goal to become great and relevant in the history.

Formation of Akil, the class of the new Majeerteen bureaucracy. This was the focus on the domestic politics by the Wazir Cawil.​

Aside from the sickness of Suldaan, another delay happened - his personal blacksmith died in a tragic accident while servicing Suldaan's horse. Not just that, but other matters made Suldaan stay a bit longer in palace - war started in Ethiopia, making the future of Majeerteen somewhat uncertain. A few diplomatic exchanges to reveal intentions of Gonder happened, and only after he confirmed that Gonder troops would be too occupied by the war in Tigray, Suldaan resumed preparations for the war.

Death of Suldaan's favourite blacksmith. An internal investigation occured if the blacksmith was tied to the probable poisoning attempt, however Wazir Cawil didn't confirm it.

Not just Majeerteen goes to war. The African Horn is hot now, with many local wars ravaging on it.​

As a result of this delay, Geledi Suldaan and his forces used this opportunity to move their troops to the Majeerteen and to force battle on the Majeerteen’s field. Because of it, on the southern edge of the Majeerteen Suldaanad the grand Battle of Bosaso ensued. With somewhat more experience, traditionally strong Geledi army was a great enemy, which Majeerteen army fought vigilantly. Egyptian officers, volunteers and the new firearms, however, played a decisive role in acquiring the victory over the army of Geledi Suldaan on the 30th September. In that battle, two noble volunteers played a decisive lack when the Majeerteen army lacked a proper command: Maurice (soon to be de) Courcillon and Zahar Zabila. But even after achieving a hard-earned victory, Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I didn’t take a pause to celebrate it. Chasing after Geledi army, Suldaan damaged it further and chased it up to Baidoa, where it was finished off for good.

The grand battle of Bosaso, which decided the history of Majeerteen, the most important battle in the life of Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila Guuleed I.​

Wazir Cawil used this battle as an example for the might of Majeerteen. Sending gifts and a sympathizing journalist to the France, along with a word from Maurice de Courcillon (who was granted a title of Majeerteen noble), it gave a start to Majeerteen-France relations, which resulted in establishing some relations and a favorable article about Majeerteen war efforts that year.

The relations of France and Majeerteen shall grow. Why France? Because UK is a pain and a threat. Damn Brits have Aden already and are parked near me, sitting there with smug faces and denying Majeerteen ownership of Gate of Tears (aka Bab-el-Mandeb).
As a side-note, France didn't really react to the diplomatic efforts, sadly.

The news coverage of the ongoing events. The war in Ethiopia is brewing (like usually does anyway) and we are shown the world events here. Not really gonna include much more news reports since they are often not worth it and it doesn't really matter to Majeerteen most of the time. And yes, the war drains funds - or so says Wazir Cawil, who grows spending on the Akil.​

Triumph over the Geledi army allowed Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen and Warsangali, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I move to Hobyo and start subduing the local Hawiya clan. The subjugation ended on the subsequent year, on 6th July 1837, when after many skirmishes, camel races, cattle killed on the fields and securing coast from Omani, Hawiya clan came to the talks with the Suldaan. Many people died in a violent way or were sold into slavery, making Suldaan Guuleed I hated and feared among the clan. But without the big opposition, he managed to reach a peace agreement with clan elders. A daughter of the previous head of the clan, Bishaaro, would become one of the wives of Suldaan and transfer all rights and succession to Guuleed I. Under this Dalmar, the son, was allowed to live and even represent Hawiya clan in some matters, but only under condition that he would become a member of Akil and undergo education there. Hawiya clan would form a Suldaanad, ruled by the Suldaan of Hobyo - who would be Boqor Guuleed I. Members of Hawiya clan were spared from any further oppression and even from taxes while the war went, but they were obliged to allow Akil to control their weapons and cattle in order to prevent any unrest or any further attempts to form resistance.

Fall of Hobyo, the province included in the Majeerteen Suldaanad now. All hail Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali and Hobyo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I!​

The war was depleting the national treasury and it was going slowly for sure. It wasn't a convenient war, since his enemy was not centralized - and pretty much the enemy was the people, entire clans resisted. As much as Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali and Hobyo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I loved to lead his personal army, he had difficulties with commanding it, especially because he often had to pay attention to governing the state and overlook the work Wazir Cawil was doing. Under the suggestion of one of his advisors, Maurice de Courcillon, he decided to delegate the army command in order to increase the flexibility of his forces and their performance.

Majeerteen army, meeting the members of subdued Hawiya clan.​

For that he chose probably one of the best military leaders at his disposal - Yusuf Adeer. Malakh (military leader, war leader) Yusuf was from the subjugated Hawiya clan and led the military organization of resistance, being a major pain for the Suldaan's forces. But by the time Yusuf and the Suldaan met they didn't hold grudges - Suldaan spared the Hawiya clan and forgave them once they gave up, and Yusuf wasn't that upset - he recognized all the grandeur of Suldaan's military campaign. Both men liked each other and after the defeat of Hawiya Yusuf visited Guuleed as a part of diplomatic delegation. They've talked and shared thoughts and vision about the future, the man was clearly adoring Suldaan's ambition. Angry and lusting for power and war, Yusuf loved the prospect of making an Empire on the African Horn. As soon as the peace between Majeerteen and Hawiya was made, Yusuf joined Suldaan's camp. It was then when Yusuf pointed out to the issues in the army of Suldaan and command chain: organization suffered from the clan affairs between people, officers were chosen from nobility mostly and there were little to no professionals. There were other issues he could see, in particular in a way of effectively conducting a war, which even foreigner advisors didn't know. Being a lover of military arts and a very angry, irate man, Yusuf said everything he thought about the shitty state of the army - and Guuleed I agreed with his points. As a result of this, Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali and Hobyo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I restored Malakh title of Yusuf and appointed him as the Majeerteen Malakh on 1st September 1837, effectively establishing the future officer and army tradition for the state.

Malakh Yusuf Adeer, leading the Majeerteen Army.​

Malakh Yusuf led the war effort to the south, subjugating the Geledi Suldaanad itself with the other clans out there. It weren’t just those which resisted him, he also systematically snatched away ports and harbors of Oman, without even warning Guuleed I about that. That reduced the influence of Oman in the conflict and would cut the enemy from the foreign supplies and help. An avid warmonger, Yusuf played the war game systematically and pushed the enemies to the knees, advancing in direction of Mogadishu.

However, it wasn’t all good. On the 21st February 1838 a group of elders across a few clans made a declaration on the 2nd anniversary of the Western Banquet. Rebellious sentiments grew and it were elders across clans which had a limited cooperation with each other. Despite the efforts of Wazir Cawil to stop it, all that he could do was to slow it down. Militancy from war taxes grew and the treasury was depleting steadily. However, Akil kept the country from a break-up into the few states, as well as the fear of Suldaan after the subjugation of Hawiya. The very presence of Bishaaro was an example of what would happen to them in case they would openly rebel.

But nonetheless, the opposition does organize. It's dangerous and it should be dealt with.
Also yes, 100% taxes, 100% tariffs, 100% on Akil and army. Suldaan Guuleed I is a really greedy person.​

Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali and Hobyo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I came back to Bosaso at the start of April, to be prepared for the birthday of his beloved older son, Amiirka Taaj Guuleed. Reviewing the introduction of new Akil, Suldaan consulted a few foreign guests about it, asking them their opinion about it, including Zahar Zabila. A landless and nearly penniless noble from Ruthenia, Zahar was an educated man and a soldier who faught plenty and had experience in Greece. And even despite the fact that he and Maurice were Christians, Guuleed recognized how helpful they were. The man consulted Suldaan on some state organization, and while he said that Akil was a positive development, he warned Guuleed that the clan influence and old dogmas would still work against him - and even the new Akil may fall apart under the clans traditions, ties and dogmas.

The next step of Guuleed I, influenced by the foreign advisors, was small, but it mattered a lot - Suldaan introduced changes into the education. Education became liberalized and the traditional teachings weren’t as dogmatic as before, which led to them losing influence influence to the new western education and making a way for the future generations. Even though amount of people educated was little, the ones getting education were nobles, Akil, royals, young heir of the clan elders and even mullahs to a certain extent. As a part of educational experiment, Suldaan gave his second son, Zahi, to the western educators, hoping that he would become a beacon of progress. The Rescript on Education was introduced the next day after Uba’s birthday, on the 21st April. A few days later Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali and Hobyo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I went to the Geledi Suldaanad, where the ruthless battles took the place. Geledi Suldaanad was not a state that would give in easily, nor the clan would.

Rescript on education. Education is a fundament to the society, and since Suldaan aimed to build a new society free from the clan ties enough to obey him, he made a new fundament for the new house.​

Guuleed had to hurry: Omani Sultanate took Mombasa in 1837 and with a downfall of Geledi he had to make sure that Omani wouldn’t get further to the north. Thankfully, Malakh Yusuf was a brilliant leader, who loved the war. Marching across the coast, he finally took Mogadishu and Kismayo by the 12th September 1838, fighting off Omani presence and reclaiming harbors in the undeclared war. Omani delegates came later and affirmed the border and the fact that all former Majeerteen ports were to belong to the Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali , Hobyo, Mogadishu and Kismayo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I, with a right of Omani traders to use them freely. It didn’t mean that the relations between the countries were good: in fact, both felt rivalry to each other.

Mogadishu, taken by the forces of Malakh Yusuf. A brilliant city which was beloved by the Suldaan Guuleed I, enough to consider moving his capital to it.

Weak should fear the strong! ಠ益ಠ​

On the 11th December Dir clan declared jihad on the Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali , Hobyo, Mogadishu and Kismayo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I, demanding to give up on his titles and end the tyranny. Some foreigners were killed, including Suldaan's advisor, Maurice de Courcillon. A few isolated attempts to raise other clans to the war with Boqor happened, but it was quickly prevented by the body of Akil with a use of their own power. Malakh Yusuf was delegated with crushing the rebels in the port of Zeila, who conspired there with British agents and awaited for the arrival of british navy. Yusuf didn’t let them any chance, marching with his army straight to the town. Once in the town, he slaughtered every single person who dared to oppose his forces, regardless if it was unloyal Akil element, mullah, clan elder or even a child. Slaughter lasted for a few days and left Dir clan in Zeila without most of its independent leadership since Yusuf accepted only one kind of peace - total submission by his enemies. Over 500 rebels died, leaving the relatively small town painted in red.

The Unrest in Zeila, the demarch which took lifes of a few friendly to Majeerteen foreigners - an accident which couldn't be overlooked with a mere sorry.​

Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali , Hobyo, Mogadishu and Kismayo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I arrived there a few month later and accepted all apologies from the surviving clan leaders. The tensions dropped soon, after the clan made plenty of apologies and even built a statue to commemorate Maurice and his accomplishments. Meanwhile, the war was still going.

With a coast secured, Malakh Yusuf rushed to the interior of the African Horn. The war was basically over by that time and the resisting clans and Geledi Suldaan came to oqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali , Hobyo, Mogadishu and Kismayo, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle Guuleed I to make peace. Yusuf Mahamud Ibrahim led the talks from the side of southern clans, along the clan elders of Darod subclans, Rahanwein and Digil. The conditions were harsh - to submit all the leadership to Guuleed I, accept the formation of Akil on the South and give it power and for the Geledi Suldaan to resign and to agree to include southern clans as Majeerteen Realm constituents like Isaaq and Warsangali. In return, Boqor Guuleed I promised to not take away lands and property from the losing side on conditions that they remain fully loyal to him. Gobroon dynasty ended the sovereign rule, but was allowed to join the rank of aristocracy under Suldaan's supervision. Not that losers had many saying in their fate - Malakh Yusuf pushed for the total piece with a power of his men, acting as a threat for the resisting elders.

End of the Southern War, the grand campaign on the southern coast was a hard-earned success. Rest in peace treasury and low militancy.​

On the 28th June 1839 the war was officially concluded with a total end of Southern Suldaanads. Later it would be called a Southern War, but for now it was called Boqor War. The winner of the war, Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle and Triumphator of the South Guuleed I received everything. Spreading the system of Akil to the South, Boqor Guuleed I started to cement his rule there. He built a new palace in the southern holdings and reinforced the Mogadishu harbor, met with various clan elders and organized many switches, unknowingly trying to imitate the system of the Shogunate.

The next years were marked with an uneasy peace. Many different powers began a new battle for power on the political battlefield. Old unsatisfied clans, new unsatisfied clans, Gobroon dynasty, Akil and Wazir Cawil in particular, and Boqor Guuleed I to rule them all. In order to make a stable political regime, Guuleed I already planned a scheme. On the 12th April 1840 Akil body was summoned to change its head. Wazil Cawil was thanked for his service - and dismissed to rule new branches of Akil on South. Wazir Xirxi, one of the Gobroon dynasty members, was appointed.

A quite talanted man, Xirxi managed to improve xeer and make the better output from farms and mines of Majeerteen Realm, enhancing the economic situation in the country struggling after a great war.​

Wazir Xirxi was appointed because of a few reasons. Not only he became a source of support from Southern clans and from Gobroon dynasty in particular, it also made the governing easier while pushing away new Akil elites from being too close to the power.

Wazir Xirxi.​

Next few years weren't anything truly remarkable. Aside from recovering from war and growth of Akil on the South, Wazir Xirxi mishandled somewhat the outbreak of cholera. However, he redeemed himself with a limited reform of the military. A class of Akil was also introduced to military, being however not tied to the civilian Akil. Title of Malakh was declared to become a title of a leader of an army rather than a whole war, reserving that spot for Boqor, and a few new Malakhs were introduced to the army.

• Rober Guley. Corrupt. Vicious.
• Labaan Doreh. Turncoat. Unforgiving.
• Mohamud Dekiye. Old school. Shirker.

Born from participation in both Akil and army, they were influenced by the Wazir Cawil in a way, being quite specific people, yet driven by their career ambitions. They were yet to play a major role in the politics, however they had quite an influence. Cawil was also a powerful figure... planning back his return.

And meanwhile, Ethiopia united - and took Ogaden desert under control of the negus. Politically, situation was still very unstable for Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle and Triumphator of the South Guuleed I - but he had no idea what was awaiting for him.

P.S. Go, go Majeerteen!

​

 

[dark_melancholy]

I approve of the lengthy "rambling" about the demographics and politics of the Horn of Africa!

 

[fr-rein]

Fakr ad-Din Mosque in Mogadishu, the oldest mosque in Majeerteen. As Suldaan spent a lot of time in the Mogadishu city, he often visited the mosque and the place around it, thinking about state affairs.​

Everything went well for Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle and Triumphator of the South Guuleed I. Despite the huge dissatisfaction with taxes, people didn't dare to openly rebel. In spite of growing power of Akil it actually made Suldaan's rule better. And the different clans were all busy rivalring and struggling to keep their power all while Suldaan's Wazir, Xirxi from the former Gobroon ruler of Geledi Suldaanad. The inclusion of all parties made the government conservative in nature, which would hopefully promise stability. However, the new 1843 year wasn't all good.

The assasination of Wazir Xirxi, which started the turbulent years in the royal court.
​

Wazir Xirxi was assassinated on the 12th February. During one of his rides around Bosaso, a group of armed men chased after him. Lead by Malakh Labaan, they chased after the convoy of wazir's guards. The fight was short as Labaan caught up really soon. The chasers killed off the guards and then killed Wazir, leaving his dead body in the field. Labaan hated Xirxi for the fact that he was not granted much command and generally was regarded as not competent in the government. But everything changed as Cawil, the former Wazir, said that he needed an assistance in a dark political matter...

The meeting of various Somali aristocrats, clan elders and Akil leaders where Cawil agitated them to support him for Wazir.​

The matter was dark indeed. With a death of one of the most influential men from Gobroon dynasty, Suldaan had to deal with a calamity of political accussations, his influence being at stake. As many nobles, Gobroon in particular, and clansmen showed a distrust to him, Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle and Triumphator of the South Guuleed I summoned the military. For a while there were rumours that Zahar Zabila, Suldaan's military advisor, pushed for the army reform - and it many soldiers and officers worried. The meeting was held on the 20th February. There, Suldaan actually made a good announcement for his corrupt Malakhs - that the traditional army showed itself as capable and that Majeerteen Realm will stick to the traditional ways, supplied with the latest firearms. Malakh Yusuf wasn't too pleased with the development, seing that it was thwarting build-up of military capability. But for Guuleed I, the support form the army mattered way more at this moment - since in case any revolts would happen, he needed the support.

The important decision done by the Suldaan Guuleed - to keep the Majeerteen army ways intact. Given the success in the Southern war, the decision to stick to the glory of that war largely boosted his prestige and made military more loyal to him.​

Meanwhile, behind the shadows of Akil cabinets Cawil was already gathering the support behind the scenes. Even though Malakhs weren't so willing to support him now, satisfied by special treatment by Suldaan, Cawil managed to make up for it with a support from different clans - his reputation as a mediator and a good manager did convince many to support his candidature. By the 20th March, when Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle and Triumphator of the South Guuleed I called Cawil to the palace in Mogadishu, there were no doubts left. Wazir Cawil was appointed to lead government and Akil. Given his experience, he started the duties even more energetically than before - although there was a slight distaste for the westerniztion processes, which Cawil despiced.

Second appointment of Wazir Cawil. This tenure would be known for his traditionalist ways and attitudes to the westernization processes, as well as consolidation in the Majeerteen politics. And yes, that's not too fun to have a luddite wazir as an unciv.​

The incident with former Wazir Xirxi was to be investigated by the advisor, Zahar Zabila, but after a few hints to him the investigation didn't end, at least officially, and the results of it were officially void. Meanwhile, the Akil body and nobles, led by Wazir Cawil, were acting hard. The fear of absolute dominance Guuleed once instilled in them was gone as Ethiopian Negus claimed Ogaden, showing Majeerteen where it's power ended - and that there was a great competitor in the region. They were not satisfied with new methods of governing in Majeerteen and quite a few people among elites wanted to turn Majeerteen into the confederation, with local clans enjoying more rights. The ultimatum to Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle and Triumphator of the South Guuleed I was presented on the meeting in Suldaan's Mogadishu palace on 7th April 1843.

Obviously, no one was happy with a fact that Suldaan didn't even think about complying with that demand.​

The refusal to look at this made people angry, which in turn made Suldaan Guuleed I feel uneasy. In order to avert possible riots and war with clans, he tasked Akil and Wazir Cawil personally with preparation of war. Wazir didn't feel happy about it, it didn't fit into his plans, but Malaks unanonimously supported the decision, preparing the ground for war. The target was the coast of Sea of Zanj - Mombasa, Limu, Zanzibar and omani territories to the south. The lands of Zanj, as Malakhs called them, were rich and allowed to control a vast portion of the East Africa if conquered. The ports and trade, if conquered by Suldaan, would finally realize Guuleed's dream of riches.

The at Bosaso which happened during the meetings of nobles.​

On the 11th May an accident occured in Bosaso. After the declaration of might of Majeerteen army and thwarting of some westernization efforts, there were rumours, spread by Wazir in particular, that Majeerteen should give up on the westernization and don't listen to foreigners. Special details were put to the fact that foreigners paid very small jizya, as if almost avoiding it, and it was wrong in eyes of many Muslims. The very event on the 11th of May was held by Amiirka Taaj Guuleed, son of Suldaan Guuleed. Amiir and Uba were close friends with Zahar Zabila, one of Suldaan's most influential advisors. It was Zahar who taught both kids to write and read, foreign languages (French and German) and other academical disciplines. But on that day, aristocrats made a heavy push for the isolation cause, seeing it as a way to preserve power and to not let things slip under their feet. Amiirka Taaj Guuleed didn not simply reply to those statements, but as a crown prince he fully denounced any opportunity to stop westernization and said that it is the position of Majeerteen royalty. The uproar of reactionaries was huge, but Amiir left Wazir Cawil to deal with the consequences of this proclamation. With this, for the time being any talks about non-western direction ceased and the public attention turned to the war preparation.

Majeerteen army in Mogadishu, conducting organizational training. Soldiers from various clans were mixed together, in order to make army more united as a milary body and to avoid clan structures in it. The problems wasn't fully solved, but the changes supervised by Malakh Yusuf did make the army more prepared.​

Malakhs were gathering the armies, supplies and doing military preparations. Malakh Mohamud was tasked with defence of the shore from Omani attacks while Malakh Yusuf and Malakh Rober were preparing to conduct a campaign in Zanj. Another purpose for Malakh Mohamud was to offer resistance in case Ethiopians would decide to interfere. Meanwhile, Wazir Cawil was handling the discontent he raised among the elites. Knowing that he would probably end up dead if his crimes were exposed, Wazir made a huge campaign of raising content with Suldaan and legitimizing his rule, making analogies to the great states of the past, like Adal Suldaanad and Ajuuran Empire. The annals of the past, released on 23rd August, were a great source of legitimacy, since they did show that Somali was not just about clans and there were prospects of riches. The efforts rewarded Wazir and Suldaan with a large success - after all, not only prestige of Suldaan was recognized, but also aristocrats hoped for spoils from the land of Zanj.

As a part of Akil promotion, number of clergy was promoted as well. Raising people who would teach others how great are you is one of the best investments a ruler can make. Not to mention that the propaganda calmed down people, allowing Suldaan to concentrate on the upcoming war.​

The war didn't make itself wait for long. On the 16th September 1843 Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Son of Adal, Phoenix of Ajuuran, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle, Triumphator of the South, Great Guuleed I (yes, he does add titles all the time - after all, he is a man who wished to cover himself in glory and riches) declared war on the Omani Sultan, with a goal to claim lands of Zanj. In Majeerteen, Zanj was the name used for the Omani african holdings around Zanzibar (which comes from a word Zanj itself).

Screw you, Oman. Only we can engage into selling Zanj people into slavery and other sources of riches... besides, whole East Africa is ours by right, give it up, thallasocratic wannabes.​

The war proceeded really smoothly. Omani armies weren't that grand and the main resistance they could offer was about naval activity. They've attempted to land forces at Bosaso, but they were intercepted by the competent Malakh Mohamud. They've suffered a few major defeats in North Somaliland, making a bitter defeat their dinner. Just as that happened, Southern armies continued their march, taking in siege ports and forts around Mombasa, Lamu and Voi, the Northern Zanj territories.

Majeerteen army in action, led by Malakh Yusuf. A wonderful officer, who had war as one of his favourite wives, he made the most he could with her.​

The war proceeded smoothly and it was a major reason why on the 8th November 1844 Majeerteen and Ethiopia made a military pact, with Negus being the head of the alliance. This move, advocated by Wazir Cawil, hurt Suldaan's prestige and pride, even if it objectively helped to establish the security and safety on the border with Ogaden.

With a combined power of Ethiopia and Majeerteen... no one shall dare to oppose us.​

However, everything changed when the British nation attacked. They shot a few shots from the battleships parked near the Bosaso and there was no room for the doubt that the military venture was doomed now. On the 7th December 1844 Negus signed the end of the war and retreat of Majeerteen army from Zanj.

Screw you, imperialists!​

The loss in the Zanj war marked the heavy time for Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Son of Adal, Phoenix of Ajuuran, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle, Triumphator of the South, Great Guuleed I. One small victorious war turned out to be a great blunder on his inner prestige and ability to rule as a sovereign. Not just that, but the loss deeply shocked him and he fell in the apathy in the days when British intervened. Wazir Cawil, despite his bad character, tried his best to support Suldaan, but nothing truly helped. Suldaan knew that now clans would definitely try to overthrow him, hunting him till he drops dead and Majeerteen Realm falls apart, again.

The next move done by him shocked many - Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Son of Adal, Phoenix of Ajuuran, Victor of the grand Bosaso Battle, Triumphator of the South, Great Guuleed I abdicated and transferred his title to the son, Amiirka Taaj Guuleed. Coronation happened in a small town Qandala, where clansmen and nobles were called. Many people from Akil came too.

Town of Qandala.​

There, Amiirka Taaj Guuleed ascended as a ruler of Majeerteen Realm, crowned as Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Son of Adal, Phoenix of Ajuuran, Young Guuleed II. Guuleed I originally wanted to keep the title of Majeerteen Suldaan till his death, but son made him give away everything. On the ceremony of coronation, Suldaan Guuleed II declared that he shalt start the new era in the history of Suldaanad, the new way for the country and the Era of Enlightment. The defender of new western ways, new Suldaan saw his mission in making Majeerteen a great realm worth of notice. His rule began on the 31 December 1844, marking a new chapter in the history of Majeerteen.

Ascencion of Guuleed II and the new era of Enlightment.
No, I am not taking that Somaliland decision.
No dancing gif since we shall respect the retirement of Guuleed I, who did so much for Majeerteen.​

 

[fr-rein]

I approve of the lengthy "rambling" about the demographics and politics of the Horn of Africa!

Thank you. I am also taking a look at the HPM mod and how Majeerteen is done there, I may probably make a comparison later. The way Ethiopia is made there is actually great. And especially great part is that they removed "African Minor" culture, which irritates me so much. I do, however, like PDM in many other regards. I may compare Majeerteen in both mods later, after I get some hold on HPM.

Great AAR idea!

A fun proposal, become a Bourgeois Dictatorship at one point for the giggles

Yeah, it is a fun idea. Furthermore, I actually would experiment with letting anarcho-liberals overthrowing monarchy, but... I have a weakness for the Majeerteen flag as it is currently. This is one of the reasons why I do not form Somaliland actually, I wanna keep it Majeerteen. And well, I have a weakness around flags. Take a look at these flags for Somaliland and Majeerteen in PDM mod:

Now, I like the generic Majeerteen flag a lot. It looks nice and stylish. Communist flag is alright and Fascit/Republican ones aren't that pretty. With Somalia - Communist and Fascist ones are great, but I have kind of a turn-off when I see Republican Somali flag, kinda the same for Monarchy. Now, sure, I could just do some custom changes to the mod and make flags look like I want. But I will try to avoid this unless really necessary, not to mention that for now the game goes well and still in monarchy. However, if Majeerteen goes republican, then what kind of custom alternative flag would look the best?
I apologize for the lack of gameplay coverage, but there isn't much to cover and I will make gameplay chapters for a few a regular chapters at once to keep them filled with content.

 

[fr-rein]

Suldaan Guuleed II ascended on the throne and began his rule with an intent to bring enlightment to the country. He was raised with western ideas in mind, influenced in particular by ideas of Egyptian scholars and intellectuals who in turn influenced Somali intellectuals. Among great people who took part in the education of Guuleed II was Rifa'a al-Tahtawi, a spendid Egyptian intellectual and reformator of Islam. He didn't take a direct part in educating the young heir, but Guuleed I and his court did send their people to educate and ordered books after many of his advices, indirectly forming mind of young Suldaan.

Rifa'a al-Tahtawi, the prominent intellectual of Egypt, contributor to ijtihad, father of Al-Nahda (basically the intellectual Renessaince in Egypt and later Muslim world) and a great man.​

One of the first things he did was to officially shorten the title he received. While he indeed officially was Boqor of Majeerteen Realm, Suldaan of Majeerteen, Warsangali, Hobyo, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, Ughaz of Berbera and Zeila, Son of Adal, Phoenix of Ajuuran, Young Guuleed II, young Suldaan proclaimed that for the state and non-ceremonial foreign interactions matters he would have a title of Suldaan and the name of the country would be fixed as Majeerteen Suldaanad. Such fix, advised by his advisor Zahar Zabila, was needed not only for the practical purpose of not spelling the ceremonial title every time. In order to legitimize himself in the eyes of foreign world, it was adviceable to exclude the impression that the Majeerteen Realm could be divided into separate Suldaanads. Boqor, title which denominated "king of kings", had the imperial vibe to it, but after the fiasco with UK and fears of possible foreign interventions in future, young Suldaan proclaimed that there is only one true king in Majeerteen, who rules all Somali people - Suldaan Guuleed II.

Traditional somali hut. These living conditions weren't truly good, and Suldaan knew it - but had no option but to rely on heavy taxation, slavery and other means to make sure that his palace would be influential enough to keep the country in check while funding Akil and clergy.​

Another thing Suldaan was doing was a preparation for war. His gaze was turned to weak and incompetent rulers of Yemen, who were a target for his conquest. Not only it would give him a better control in the Aden gulf, but it would also exclude another matter which worried Suldaan - the island of Socotra. Majeerteen had a fear that UK could establish a naval base there and annex the island, making a direct threat to the capital Bosaso and the major southern port, Mogadishu. Together with Aden, it was seen as an existential threat. Thus there was only one solution.

The move also targeted Akil class and Wazir Cawil. By keeping power of Malakhs rather big with a war and Wazir busy with maintaining the state as it was going through war, Suldaan Guuleed II made sure that Cawil wouldn't find much time to plot against him or accumulate too many resources in his hands. Suldaan did give Cawil personal rewards, including estates and slaves, to slowly bond their relationship and establish the stability in the state.

Yes, the solution is always one. Malakh Yusuf again showed his brilliant skills and I think that the result of the war was obvious. Overall, after the swift defeat of Yemeni resistance, Malakhs led an unremarkable occupation campaign. A new ships commissioned by the Suldaan Guuleed II showed their great usefulness in a war and utter uselessness for a decade or two as they were rotting on the Berbera raid.

Some illustration from the Occupation of Socotra. Suldaan Guuleed II, after occupying the island, declared that it is a destiny for Majeerteen to hold into it and make the island belong to Somali people. Newly appointed Admiraal Yusuf Hassan received a huge praise from the Suldaan.​

Zahar Zabila lead the campaign for the naval invasion. Inexperienced with huge naval warfare, Suldaan relied on the advisor, who had some experience from campaign in Greece. Admiraal Yusuf Hassan was appointed for the newborn navy. Using the newly-built ships, the armies invaded the overseas regions - and were victorious. During the campaign, Amiirad Uba joined Malakhs to represent the Majeerteen dynasty in the surrender negotiations, which pretty much amounted to submission to the Majeerteen Suldaan and handling over all ruling titles. The former Suldaan, Guuleed I, accomponied his daughter during the trip. But as he was too distracted by the mission... he missed the romance in air between the advisor and his daughter.

On the 31st December, as the 2nd year of reign of Suldaan Guuleed II was concluding, Yemen Suldaanad and Ughaz of Socotra became his official titles and lands. The humiliation Majeerteen royal house suffered from Britains was overshadowed by the successful conquest. Suldaan Guuleed II showed his glory to the Muslim world, becoming a rumoured leader who led African Horn against the crawling imperialism and Wazir Cawil was already preparing the administration on the new lands. Cawil, however, preferred to not recruit bedouin people to the administration.

However, in spring of 1847 a scandal happened. Amiirad Uba was pregnant with a child outside of marriage. After some investigation conducted by the Wazir it became clear that the brilliant advisor of both Suldaans, Zahar Zabila, was the lover. Malakh Rober brought him to Suldaan Guuleed II immediately to judge him for the crime of zina - adultery, commited to the royal princess. Trial was quick and ruthless - Zahar was executed by stoning on 21th April 1847. Amiirad Uba, however, menaged to escape the persecution - she enjoyed the stay in Yemeni lands, in the city of Mukalla, patronized by the bedouin nobility who let her stay her pregnancy in the hideouts. Her daughter was born there, on 19th May. Her name was Chaika.

An old Suldaan's castle in Hobyo, where the important meeting for the Majeerteen royalty occured.​

Uba returned to the Somaliland on the 10th July. She came to Hobyo, where her brother was waiting for her in the local castle. Amiir Zahi was away, getting the university degree in France, so he only sent a letter with his opinion. Suldaan Guuleed II, sheikhs, Akil and Malakhs clearly saw Uba's affair and child as a dangerous precendent, seeing the best option to get rid of both women. However, a part of Akil, Amiir Zahi, Admiraal Yusuf, some foreign advisors which were invited as arbiters and people from clans saw it another way. While Uba was ultimately condemned for her crime, they saw Chaika as a legimate Amiirad and a possible successor to the Majeerteen Realm. Zahi, mastermind behind the group, lead the dispute not because he was that worried for Uba - unlike Guuleed II, he wasn't that tied to the brother and sister. He lead it for his ambition to become the leader of Majeerteen himself.

Despite the apparent advantage of Suldaan's side, the summit couldn't reach the final agreement. Guuleed II was unwilling to really punish his sister despite all the anger and the fact he had to execute his friend made him feel really guilty. And Zahi had one goal - to let Amiirad Uba retain her position in hopes of making use of her and her child and use her and her child as a leverage to free the path to the rulership for himself. Wazir Cawil, one of the most powerful figures in Majeerteen, was closer to side with Uba - not only he had a political interest in maintaining opposition to Guuleed II, but he also cared for the girl whom he raised.

Portraits of Amiirad Uba were subsequently lost, but it known that she loved to tie her hair in the traditional braids, even though she was often offered to try european hairstyles "instead of commoner ones".​

The final solution was presented by the Father, Guuleed I. He demanded to punish Uba and make her abdicate from all titles while putting her under house arrest in Hobyo castle. However, her daughter was to be recognized as a new royal princess - Amiirad Chaika. Guuleed I took the responsibility for the daughter and voluntiraly stay in Hobyo to look after both and maintain the situation with this infamous scandal. And, after a long theoligical discussion, it was decided that Uba would be stoned in Hobyo, by the people. The stoning was commited on the 13th November, by a small mob. Princess, who was liked by the people, received little stoning, howeveer it did break her. A bit more than a year later, on 4th January 1849, she died from a cold and depression. Her Father, Guuleed I, died on 6th January, grieving after the daughter and haunted by his mistakes. Rumours also say that both were drugged, however, but it was never checked. Amiirad Chaika was summoned by Amiir Zahi as he continued her education and raised his niece.

The punishment of Amiirad Uba brought the consolidation to the Somali elites. Despite everything, they managed to work out common values rather than the local ones and the event proved to be crucial to conservatives. Moralist values won the battle and it pleased commoners, allowing Suldaan Guuleed II to be secure about his rule in a way his Father never was.

The moralism enjoyed the resurgence and Suldaan Guuleed II was seemingly controlling the society and elites. But unbeknownst to him there were threats to his rule.​

The next year passed relatively calmly. Suldaan Guuleed II married Cawo from the somali nobles from Ethiopia, tieing himself to the community there. He didn't take a 2nd wife as he pushed for the monogamy in the society. Reforms were passed, but in a conservative way, only aimed to consolidate a rule of Suldaan and bring the effectiveness to the country. On 11th August 1849 he got a heir - Amiirka Taaj Diric. Not much happened, aside from cholera in the Yemen, where Suldaan showed his wisdom and helped the bedouins to overcome it, slowly gaining their trust. If anything, Guuleed II wanted to rule peacefully and enjoy the fruits of Majeerteen struggles. But... his brother, Amiir Zahi, was pushing for the changes which would change Majeerteen... and the Suldaan.

 

[stnylan]

Sorry to have missed the start of this. Lots of lovely detail.

btw, you appear to use the word "abduct" when you I think you mean "abdicate" a couple of times in the last couple of posts.

 

[fr-rein]

One of the major events in the history of Majeerteen was the reformation. The changes, started by Suldaan Guuleed I, didn't bring the immediate effect. However, they marked a start of new generation of thinkers and nobles who were familiar to the western lifestyle and exposed to it. His own son, Amiir Zahi, was brought up in France and was a remarkable student, as well as one of the leaders of the Geeska Soomaaliga (Somali Horn) society. A group of progressive thinkers - liberals, future socialists, constitutionalists and others - was gathered to solve the problems plagueing Majeerteen and renovate it according to their vision. They saw efforts of Rifa'a al-Tahtawii in Egypt as most inspiring, but they didn't neglect the experiences of European liberal ideas and revolution ideas, as well as Russian westernization which occured less than a century and half ago.

However, despite the sympathy to the revolution ideas, the movement didn't see Majeerteen as a place for revolution. One of the deciding factors was about the fact that most Somalis getting western education were nobles themselves - so they envisioned a transformation of the state led by them. There were other troubles, like the issue with Islamic faith and it's doctrines in the modern times, thus their main ideal was in the ongoing Egyptian Al-Nahda - the Islamic Renessaince.

Even the ongoing scandal about Uba's affair didn't stop Suldaan Guuleed II from implementing one of the most important Somali reforms - the university reform. Majeerteen couldn't afford to send students to study abroad all the time as it stole the influence of the state and would be a ground for the colonial powers to intervene in future. On 7th June a university was founded in the town of Berbera.

On 7th June 1847 the first University in Majeerteen was founded in the city of Berbera. Berbera University became a foundation for the future generations of thinkers.​

New western professors were introduced to the University and they significantly enhanced the standard of education in Majeerteen. Not just children of clan elders were sent there - but also many religious students underwent education in the university, with it changing their view on the religion.

The simple and small design of the University originally could accomodate a few hundred people at most - but as the time passed and class of Akil would grow and need a good education as well, new Universities would open in other cities - Zeila, Mogadishu, Bosaso.​

In the late 1848 Amiir Zahi returned to Majeerteen. With his early academical upbringing and deep entranchement in the Western cultures, he was undoubtedly one of the best-suited reformators in the whole Majeerteen. On 15th June he founded the Bosaso University, which became an opportunity to educate many future Akil workers. Wazir Cawil, who overlooked the foundation of the university and the Akil class was far from being excited by the idea. Nonetheless, the will of the royal family and popular support behind the self-improvement of Majeerteen, along with a glory of Suldaan Guuleed II pretty much made an open opposition hard. Wazir did, however, unite the reactionaries behind his cause to oppose such a swift reformation.

It does indeed sound good. An education set on the ideals of united realm is a good alternative to the clan bonds, as well as another tool to gather the people behind you. While religion is too conservative and nationalism isn't a thing yet, education shall unify futher the realm. All hail Suldaan Guuleed II!​

An educated youth started to challenge the old order of things. Xeer, the old legal codex, was seen as outdated and the work began on improving it, especially about the land property. While not perfect, on 21th Janury 1850 the first draft on the land reform was finished, with state regulating the usage of land between aristocrats and peasants, different clans and such. Land cadastres were founded and the long work began on making proper maps of the real estate in Majeerteen. But even a quick draft and laws regulating the boundaries allowed to lesser the amount of losses suffered from rivalries and cattle theft, as well as miniwars between nobles over the grounds for cattle. Another effect was about making a space for the growth of farms and relocating cattle grounds to the areas which were less good for that.

One of the other practical things which Unis were solving was the urbanisation question. The state of buildings lower classes used to live in was quite bad, especially in the cities. A dedicated effort called for the introduction of the proper urbanisation, although for now the results would be only sending Somali students to extensively study and practice architecture and engineering in the distant realms. Employment of the engineers was especially supported by Admiaral Yusuf, who saw no future in Majeerteen without ability to build ships. A prominent servant of the state and ideologue for the Great Majeerteen, he dedicated many resources on supporting the engineering in the state, as well as holding many meetings, banquets and events which would place Majeerteen not as a clan among other clans, but as a state entity. Admiraal was a part of Geeska Soomaaliga, however he didn't back it in way which would imply any opposition to the Suldaan. Being a monarchist, Admiraal saw his destiny in the establishment and unification of Somali nation. He resented the alliance with Ethiopian Empire, claiming that Negus stole Ogaden from the Somali people, and that the nation needed to become great once again. He had 8 wives, all among different clans, and many children whom he educated with the best intentions in his mind.

The shameful state of architecture and urban planning in Berbera city. While this was not an urgent problem, Amiir Zahi himself urged to prepare architecturers and engineers for the future in order to allow Majeerteen cities to grow!​

In 1850 Suldaan Guuleed II was enjoying a company of the French governess who was educating his children. The woman, while praising Suldaan's great modernisation of the country, couldn't help but point out how immoral was the condition under which the slaves were kept. Moreover, it wasn't just that - most of the slaves were from other non-Somali tribes, discriminating against people. Educated about Islam, she also brought up another point - that the slaves were kept pagan for the mere dubious profit from slavery. With a land reform Majeerteen could use more farmers and soldiers, as well as integrating those people into the society.

A small talk at first, the matter became a serious issue in the court. Slavery by no doubt was a traditional enterprise in Majeerteen and other Somali lands, selling them and using in the labour was a tradition. Whole tribes of non-Somalis were once subjugated by the Somali rulers, taking them as slaves for sale and work. However, it was also obvious that slavery wasn't a thing in the West anymore. Sheikhs, despite their fear of losing property, hesitantly supported the abolition of slavery. It was not about their genuine belief about slavery morals, but they held a conviction that Islam in Africa was in danger and that enslaving paganic tribes only scared them away from the Islam. But embracing them as future subjects and converts would work in the future. As for Wazir Cawil... he personally supported the abolition. Once a slave himself, he couldn't deny how bad it was and he even moderately agitated some friendly nobles for the abolition.

Student and teacher near one of the new universities playing a game as they discuss the matter of slavery in Majeerteen.​

Geeska Soomaaliga was split about the decision. Slavery wasn't uniformally abolished in the world and cases of Americas showed that it was probably still worth to keep it, at least for a while, as some people said. Amiir Zahi himself had no strong opinion about it, despite his struggles to gather a powerful political force - and in the end, he declared that this matter should be handled by discussing the subject extensively. Admiraal Yusuf heavily opposed the decision, however, seeing the non-Somali people as a hindrance to the Great Somali which he envisioned.

But in the end Majeerteen Suldaanad was a monarchy where Suldaan would decide everything. And the French governess had a special saying in this historical question... as she was also a mistress for the Suldaan Guuleed II. Suldaan didn't go as far as to commit adultery - he did formally marry the governess and position her explicitly as the lowest wife for pleasures - but he really enjoyed her company. A future fascination among the Somali nobles with French Maid uniforms could have been related to the court fashion installed by the governess, but the major outcome of her personal influence was the final decision - to abolish the slavery.

An event which took Suldaan by surprise. Consequences would be major and it was easy to decline the event. However... the economy grew after the land reforms and population of slave was a hindrance on the overall population growth. Not to mention that it would be easier to stop slavery now than later, when a parliament vote would be needed... and many other things. Besides, Somali people aren't likely to engage into a wild civil world like those americans would do later ​

On 27th October 1850 Suldaan Guuleed II declared that the slavery was abolished in Majeerteen. It took an immediate effect right after the proclamation. As a compensation to aristocracy, Suldaan gave a lot of lands depending on the number of slaves formerly owned. Some aristocrats, who refused lands in the less developed interior, received money and other forms for compensations from the government. The move was quite confrontational and it rose miltancy and unrest in the Majeerteen society. But the former slaves became a grateful cast of people who would thank Suldaan forever. Even with all the discrimination, poverty and religious issues, they got freedom which was undeniable.

Geeska Soomaaliga accepted the abolition of slavery. Admiraal Yusuf, despite the previous opposition to the abolition, fully embraced it as he saw no future in enslaving other people again. General mood of the liberal people was that accepting rights of slaves as people was a right move for the archaic country and would be later used as a precedent for acquiring more rights.

A marriage celebrated between slaves as many gained rights to make proper families. Quite a few non-Somali people would join the Somali culture as the slaves of minority origin would be likely to marry a Somali person. The domination of Somali culture among them was also proved to be absolute.​

In 1851, as part of an effort to promote former slaves, Suldaan Guuleed II appointed Malakh Roble to lead the army troops in Yemen. A hated yet brilliant warrior, he was utmostly disliked by the bedouins and in Yemen he was called as Eey - which means "dog". Unfortunately for Yemen, Suldaan didn't care about them liking his general. Another Malakh, Malakh Taban, was recruited after finishing western military education as a part of efforts directed to the modernization of the Somali warfare. Trained by French in an old fashion, he was oriented on the offense and was a very sharp person. He quickly became friends with Malakh Yusuf and together they looked for the opportunities for the Majeerteen to expand and extend the influence. A secret dream for both was about reclaiming Ogaden, however the political reality put a major "no" on such option, and extending presence on the Arabian peninsula was not viable due to the presence of UK and Ottoman Empire. On 17th October 1855 they officially made a "Yusuf Doctrine" about the modernisation of army forces.

On 27th February 1853 Suldaan Guuleed II made a reform in education. In order to improve the quality of the Akil body and raise literacy among aristocracy and clergy, he extended the limited education opportunity for people. Later that year a new trading post was opened in Hobyo, bringing luxuries and foreign presence there as well. On 8th July Wazir Cawil was again appointed as a Wazir - Suldaan acknowledged his hard work and decided to not disturb the stability of the changing state. Everyone was happy about such an outcome.

Wazir remained unchanged - for now.​

On the 21st September intellectuals in Majeerteen present new research programs to the court. They offered changes to the medicine in Majeerteen, which relied solely on the traditional herbology and other folk healing. Admiraal Yusuf complained that navy also needed it and overall the idea idea about introducing the better medicine was accepted by the aristocracy. No one liked the idea of death because of some cold. The research, despite the dislike from the more common folk, was accepted. It was finally finished on 9th March 1858, with proper apothecaries functioning in Bosaso with a constant supply of medicines and slowly expanding to the other towns.

The new ideas and the medicine research. Take a look, 3% of people are educated - number of educated people in Majeerteen tripled in the percentage and grew many more times in absolute numbers! What a great achievement!​

The other part of the 1850s consisted of the religious reform though. Many thinkers, new writers and journalists, poets and mullahs were worried about the changes and how it would conflict with religion. It was also undeniable for them that Islam could not function in a way it did so far under the new technology and social changes. There were too many things that changed in this world and about which they needed to make up their mind. Moreover, youth was also discontent with a way Islam was heading and saw the new opportunity in Al-Nahda occuring in Egypt, the contemporary center of development.

Fakr ad-Din Mosque in Mogadishu, the main center of the Majeerteen Islam and the place where the reformation of faith was discussed.​

As a result, in Majeerteen prevailed ijtihad approach to the problem. To put it in a simple way, ijtihad means a critical approach to the law and social foundation where Quran doesn't explicitly state how things should be done. It stands for the rational and critical interpretation of the holy text instead of a firm traditionalist approach to it. The victory of the ijtihad approach was inevitable since it shocked many Somali people how Christian faiths managed to evolve in order to include the progress - and while surely there still were issues, it made Somali scholars think about revitalizing old laws and religion in order to make it powerful in this day and age.

The decade marked with a change in the way xeer was applied and, after some controversion, after giving up on sharia laws as not befitting for the modern day and age. Many new western standards were being envisioned in the new vision of Islam. In Egypt the similar movement was developing, called Salafi movement. In Majeerteen, however, due to the difference in how much reforms the local scholars envisioned and in a secret hope to pretend on the right to be an alternative center for the Islam ideology, the movement was called horumarka.

Spoiler: horumarka

Horumarka means "progress" in Somali language; the movement is fictional and is made mostly to distinct from the Salafi movement and its modern legacy. While the Salafi movement was actually similar at the time, later in history it had changed the meaning and the modern Salafism is not the same that it was at the beginning. The influence of wahhabism on it undeniably made it different, rather broad too. Thus I ask to consider horumarka as a twin movement to the original Salafi movement which is geared mostly to progressive (aka westernizing) ideas and the ideas and troubles of Islam in Africa. Unlike in Arabia or Turkey, Islam needed to win over Christian (especially Coptic) and Pagan faiths dominating around . Anyway, fortunately for Islam in Majeerteen colonialism bypassed the country for now and the society could inquire about the Western values without a strong antiwestern sentiment. Again, mostly it is to avoid confusal with modern Salafism and possible controversies.

Horumarka didn't happen overnight. It was a dedicated movement and changes brought to the laws and society, as well as changing norms in the Majeerteen. It went long into 60-s and 70-s and only later the results of this changes would be felt. In 1850s, however, it resulted in the certain liberation of norms for women. Norms for clothing were still quite strict since in the victorian era it wasn't even a question, but the norms for harems and rights for women were certainly uplifted to the more contemporary standards. A popular discussion was held about accepting the monogamy, however Suldaan banned any such move because of... personal interests. The line between xeer and sharia was also drawn, which ended up with taking xeer as a basis for laws and incorporating certain sharia norms into it. Largely, the goal of ijtihad thinkers was to incorporate Islam to the changes and to the new world.

Overall, the decade was a calm age for the Majeerteen, which was secured by the alliance with Ethiopian Negus, inner strength, accumulated wealth and the changes in society. Suldaan Guuleed II grew up as a prominent figure, Amiir Zahi was preparing the ground for the new generation and new Majeerteen, Amiirka Taaj Diric was being educated in the court. Amiir Maxamuud was a 2nd son to Suldaan born on 7th February 1851, Amiirad Astur born on 9th June 1854, Amiirads Magool and Leylo born on 30th April 1856 resulting in death of Suldaan's first wife Cawo. Despite occassionaly having lovers in harems, Suldaan deeply loved his first wife and never had any children from the other wives, which he considered informal. A lover of monogamy, Guuleed II didn't find the strength to refuse the pleasures of harem he had - about 11 other wives, including the convert governess, were in it. Amiir Zahi had no children, with Guuleed using Wazir Cawil handling the harem and Zahi having a rather weird for Majeerteen liberal lifestyle - there were all kinds of rumours about him... All the while Amiirad Chaika was growing in seclusion, unbeknownst to the most of the Majeerteen court...

 

[fr-rein]

In order to not make a reader look up some exotic terms, differently established terms or reasoning for like why I write Suldaanad instead of Sultanate or Suldanadda I shall include a "dictionary". Fictionally interpreted terms are included, when possible links added, translators and dictionaries were used as well.

• Admiraal. Fictional. Majeerteen version of the term Admiral. It sounded better to me, although I admittedly can be wrong.
• Akil. Fictional. Based on the original intention of it being a class of "wise man", Akil in the AAR stands for the Somali class of bureaucracy and governmental authorities which replaced the traditional clan elders as legal authorities. Later it grows into the normal bureaucracy.
• Al-Nahda. Al-Nahda is a cultural Renessaince that occured in Islamic culture in the XIX century.
• Amiir. Amiir is a title of the prince.
• Amiirka Taaj - crown prince.
• Amiirad. Amiirad is a title of the princess.
• Boqor. Boqor means a king, but in a meaning "king among kings", basically a title which is closest to the authentic imperial Somali title. Used by Suldaan Guuleed I in AAR, is an official title of the Majeerteen Realm even though Guuleed II stopped using it as a primary title.
• Eunuch. Wazir Cawil is one in AAR. A small echo from CK2
• Dusha Dibadda. Fictional. Translates (literally, maybe not fully correct) as "on the outside". The name of the doctrine made by Admiraal Yusuf and Suldaan Guuleed II. The main strategy of the doctrine was about preventively forming an outer rim of influence around the core Somali territory in order to make any possible concessions to the western powers less harmful to the Majeerteen.
  
• Geeska Soomaaliga. Fictional. Geeska Soomaaliga is a name of the westernization movement in Majeerteen. Translates as Somali Horn or Horn of Africa, however I don't know about the latter case.
  
• Horumarka. Fictional. Horumarka means "progress" in Somali language; the movement is fictional and is made mostly to distinct from the Salafi movement and its modern legacy. While the Salafi movement was actually similar at the time, later in history it had changed the meaning and the modern Salafism is not the same that it was at the beginning. The influence of wahhabism on it undeniably made it different, rather broad too. Thus I ask to consider horumarka as a twin movement to the original Salafi movement which is geared mostly to progressive (aka westernizing) ideas and the ideas and troubles of Islam in Africa. Unlike in Arabia or Turkey, Islam needed to win over Christian (especially Coptic) and Pagan faiths dominating around . Anyway, fortunately for Islam in Majeerteen colonialism bypassed the country for now and the society could inquire about the Western values without a strong antiwestern sentiment. Again, mostly it is to avoid confusal with modern Salafism and possible controversies.
• Ijtihad. Better read on wiki what ijtihad is, but in short it is an islamic legal term for independent reasoning.
• Jihad.
• Madax. Translates as a head, sovereign, president.
• Malakh. Fictional. Malakh originally meant "War Leader" title in some Somali clans. In my Majeerteen AAR it is a rank of the General - a person who leads the army.
• Salafism. Salafism is originally modernist branch of the Islam, established in XIX century.
• Sharia.
• Suldaan. Suldaan is a Somali version for the well-known Arabic word Sultan, so in future I will use it to refer to the Somali rulers (unless I will use other titles).
• Suldanadda. Suldanadda is the Somali word for Sultanate accordingly, an example of it being mentioned is here. However, in AAR I shall refer to Majeerteen as a Suldaanad for the reasons explained in term Suldaanad.
• Suldaanad. Fictional. I will let myself do a historical slip - due to the active trade relations with the region (which doesn’t become a mere colony unless something awful happens) in my AAR, foreign merchants will not use this term as a bit odd for them. While accepting Suldaan title and spreading it to the outer world, Sultanate and Suldanadda would become a hybrid term Suldaanad, casually used by travelling merchants, journalists, poets and later diplomats in English and most European languages. Why do I actually introduce it? It has some pleasant steampunkish vibe to it in my opinion and it is better to remember than Suldanadda to me, not to mention that I went with it after quite aew typos which ended up close to Suldaanad in general. For the other Muslim states outside of Somali and during some general history notes Sultanate may be used.
• Ughaz. Ughaz is an authentic Somali term for "Sultan", used in certain parts of the Somali territories, northwest and center in particular.
• Wahhabism.
• Wazir. Wazir is a title of the first minister in the case of Majeerteen.
• Xeer. Xeer is the traditional legal system of Somalia.
• Zanj. Zanj is an old Arabic term to refer to the area of Swahili Coast and generally the coast of Sea of Zanj.

 

[fr-rein]

btw, you appear to use the word "abduct" when you I think you mean "abdicate" a couple of times in the last couple of posts.

Thank you for telling about the mistakes. There are a couple of other mistakes too, I'll try to look for them and fix them as soon as I can. Thanks for reading!

 

[stnylan]

Reform, always a tricky one to balance, but no one can doubt the scale of Suldaan Guuleed's ambition

 

[dark_melancholy]

A future fascination among the Somali nobles with French Maid uniforms could have been related to the court fashion installed by the governess, but the major outcome of her personal influence was the final decision - to abolish the slavery.

Sooo... the Somalis are turning into otaku?
Progress is taking a heavy toll indeed...

 

[J66185]

I always thought that these otakus were intentionally committing voluntary suicide by not actually marrying. Wait, does that mean that the Majeerteen is going to quickly fall apart!

 

[fr-rein]

Majeerteen Suldaanad entered into 60-s as a transforming state. Suldaan Guuleed II ruled with an authority which his father lacked by building up trust, prosperity and not resorting to terror against his subjects. Clan elders settled the rivalries and slowly transformed into aristocracy, with clansmen becoming slowly aware of a common Somali identity, especially in the urban ares and universities. However, the world was not limited to the Majeerteen alone.

Foreign powers were opening legislation quarters as Majeerteen Suldaanad became more relevant in the world.​

Great changes came around the world. The influence of Ottoman Empire was gradually falling, sick man of Europe feeling bad. German states struggling for the political influences in Europe, Great Power rivalries and, of course, colonialism... European powers already set their foot in China and now they were slowly shifting their gazes to Africa. UK was already setting influence on the Arabian Peninsula - with Aden as a port and Trucial States as their zone of influence. In fact, ever since first Zanj War UK presence was dominating Oman, completing the engulfing of the British colonial sphere. Majeerteen had a problem - there was a chance that a country could be surrounded by British and later subdued. Reliance on Ethiopia and Egypt to oppose the imperialistic threat, while seemingly good, was only making Majeerteen in a position of dependence to those countries, including the fact that they themselves were already slowly becoming spheres of interest.

But everything has changed when Omani Sultan died.

Oh boy, you gonna regret this. Oman's friendly relatiionship with UK was really getting on my nerves.

The Omani Sultanate got split. Now it is evident that this is an opening to press our claims on the lands of Zanj!

Some irrelevant pagans, not even worth mentioning on the front page.​

With the death of Omani Sultan the opportunity to re-establish claim on the land of Zanj arrived. UK, the country having most of influence on Oman, arbitrated the division of the country between two successors, splitting it in two. The temporary vacuum of power and legitimacy happened. Suldaan Guuleed II, Malakhs, Wazir Cawil and most people from the suldaan's court engaged into the political matter of conquering Zanj. There was a need for a quick reaction on the division of Zanjibar. Armies were prepared to go quickly.

Even after the reforms a lot of warriors in the Somalia were still following the traditional style of fighting. It was neglected for the 2nd Zanj war, but Malakh Yusuf decided to fully reject irregular troops in favour modern army afterwards.

And so the 2nd Zanj war started.​

The war was swift. Despite some disorganized resistance, it was evident that Zanzibar was unable to resist the invasion which even unified Oman couldn't handle. British lacked the proper presence in the Zanzibar, as their diplomats and connections mostly remained in Muscat this time - but more importantly, UK didn't see the loss of Zanzibar as fatal. Unfortunately for UK, war in Zanzibar was not on their priority list and they weren't intended to intervene - all because the world was boiling and multiply critical events took place at once - from war in America to revolution in the Ottoman Empire.

Oh no, they killed Abe!

Revolution in the Hawaii, critical to the Pacific affairs of UK and USA.

Coup in the Spain, which led to the government change. British positions were endangered.

And the last - but not the least. Another palace coup led to the change of Sultan in the Ottoman Empire. The position of the Middle East is quite fragile.​

After a a certain diplomatic pressure made by the UK during their distraction and a failure to win naval battles, an agreement was reached - Zanzibar would retain some of the holdings it had, Majeerteen Realm would acknowledge it as a separate state but in exchange Majeerteen would get ports in Kenia (Lamu, Mombasa) and on south, in Lindi. Somewhat understandle concession to UK and Zanzibar wasn't the end of the world, since Suldaanad gained plenty of ground with this conquest. Suldaan Guuleed II truly lived up to his name of conqueror, claiming the new lands and getting popularity. Lamu Peace treaty was signed on the 24th April 1862.

The annexed Zanzibari coast. The region isn't too rich in itself, however taking it was a needed measure against the possible British presence.​

The addition of the southern holdings and the access to the richer interiors of Africa increased the wealth of Majeerteen Suldaanad. Geopolitical importance of Majeerteen became greater and the country was obviously rising in the importance. Internally most parties met this development with enthuthiasm. The state of affairs in Majeerteen was following:

Population reached 413k people. The territories of Zanzibar were alien, just like Yemeni holdings, and it made the certain people among Somali clans fear that they would be dominated by the non-Somali majority.​

The movement of reactionaries, which seeked to oppose the Suldaan, was led by the member of Gobroon dynasty, Ahmed. The group of his followers led the preparations for the uprising - partially supported by the numerous Somali clans in Ethiopea. They managed to prepare the loyal troops and before old Wazir Cawil realized that there was an opposition they moved to strike. While Suldaan Guuleed II was visiting Yemen, appeasing the local bedouin elites and convincing them that the expansion of Majeerteen would only raise their trade, rebels rose across the Majeerteen proper, core Somali territories. Some people were killed while rebels tried to capture the cities and overthrow the government, however they failed to convince army to join them - which is why they were going to be crushed. Malakh Rober, the only Malakh which supported the rebellion, led no army behind him.

In their last bid to attack the Suldaan, rebels took the palace and took Amirs as hostage. However, it didn't stop the army and Malakhs which led it had no knowledge of the hostages. As a result of it, during the ensuing battles with rebels Amirs were executed by the orders of Suldaan Ahmed, traitor who claimed to be a leader of Somali. Rebels were caught by Akil officials, loyal subjects, army and generally they were mostly over. However, some of them, including the despicable self-proclaimed Suldaan Ahmed with some of his family and people fled to Ethiopia.

While the world was in the turnmoil, filled with calamity and revolutions, Majeerteen stood strong, rising like an eagle and steadily walking to the modernity like a wonderful enduring camel. Sadly, the death of Amirs threw dynasty into crisis.​

With the death of Amiirka Taaj Diric and Amiir Maxamuud the dynasty faced a possible succession crysis. The only possible male successor to Suldaan Guuleed II was Amir Zahi, however neither had sons to succeed the throne. The only possible solution would be a royal marriage, but plenty of debates ensued about it - not to mention that court officials did ponder what would happen if Zahi had a male successor first.

The efforts to punish the rebels in Majeerteen mostly succeeded in the Suldaanad, with Gobroon dynasty losing all the former influence. However, self-proclaimed Suldaan Ahmed was still residing in Ethiopia and the new Negus refused to give him up to Majeerteen, claiming that Suldaan Ahmed has a right to rule Ethiopean Somalis. The diplomatic pressure Ethiopians willed to apply, however, misfired - Suldaan Guuleed II, with a broad support and the proper justification, tore down alliance with Ethiopean Empire. Not so long after that another alliance was born - with Egypt. The alliance ceremony was concluded on the 20th October 1864, in Cairo, celebrating the renewed alliance between close nations.

The great alliance.​

During this period, there was an establishment of the new military ports on the coast of Majeerteen, built under the western designs and overlooked by Admiraal Yusuf. In army there was a grand preparation for the possible conflict in Ogaden. Son of the killed traitorous Malakh Roble, Malakh Roble was leading an effort to prepare the wartime Akil administrations on the occupied zones. A prominent academic, idealist and the member of Geeska Soomaaliga, he saw his mission in redeeming his family name and in fighting for the future of the Majeerteen. The last measures for the war were finished at 23 March 1867, with a disciplinary reform coming to frution.

The grand meeting was held in Bosaso palace on the 2nd May 1867. As a temporary solution to the dynastic crysis, Suldaan Guuleed II declared that the successor for the throne will be his brother, Amiirka Taaj Zahi. A secret rumour in the court was that Suldaan Guuleed II was no longer able to make children for some reason, which is why no one was born even though he held some wives in the harem. On the 3rd May, 1867, another shocking arrangement was disclosed - the fact that Amiirad Astur was betrothed to the Amiirka Taaj Zahi. And on the 4th May one of the courtiers in the royal court, Chaika, not notable before that, was revealed to be Amiirad and the successor to Amirka Taaj Zahi in case he would have no children.

The reveal of the lost Amiirad, a child of Amiirad Uba who was effectively expelled from the royal family, confused the court. It caused a major uproar - both because of shameful behaviour of her mother, because there were doubts about the status of the child (some people calling her a bastard), because different factions had different opinions about her. In the end, her successing Zahi in the most improbable scenario was also a matter of a fierce debate - it was considered to be a betrayal. Amiirad Chaika, a young 20yo woman who studied in the University for the language and history facultees, was utmostly shocked herself.

The shocked Amiirad Chaika, colorized.​

However, the worries lasted just for a day. Suldaan Guuleed II on 5th May 1867 declared jihad on Ethiopian Empire, with a full support from nearly all factions - Akil, Malakhs, Admiraals, Sunni people, Wazir Cawil, Somali clan elders and from a common folk. The war, where Egypt joined Majeerteen, began.