DHAXALREEB Xagaa, Juun – Julaay 2012 Redsea Online Culture Foundation with Partners Presents Bandhigga Caalamiga ah ee Buugaagta Hargeysa Hargeysa International Book Fair Hargeysa, 13th - 18th July 2012 X 8 2 0 - 4 7 0 2 N S S I – 2 1 0 2 y a a l u J – n u u J , a a g a X www.redsea-online.com/dhaxalreeb | e-mail: [email protected] Dhaxalreeb - ISSN 2074-028X Warside ka hadla aqoonta, dhaqanka, fanka iyo suugaanta. Dhaxalreeb waa warside sannadkii soo baxa dhowr jeer oo kusoo baxa qaabab kala duwan: Dhaxalreeb (Warsida ka hadla aqoonta, dhaqanka, fanka iyo suugaanta) waxa uu soo baxaa sannadkii afar jeer. Gu’, Dayr, Xagaa iyo Jiilaal. Tirsigani waa kii Xagaaga 2012 ka, waxaana uu u gaar yahay Bandhigga Caalamiga ah ee Buugaagta Hargeysa 13-18 Julaay 2012. Dhaxalreeb (Waanada macallinka) waxa uu soo baxaa sannadkii lix jeer, waana warside xilliyeed waxbarasho oo xidhiidhiya Ardayga, Waalidka iyo Macallinka. Taxanaha Dhaxalreeb waa qoraallo aan kalgal sugan lahayn oo sannadkiiba dhowr jeer kasoo baxa degelka redsea-online.com oo loo qaybiyo si buug elektoroonig ah. Ka eeg http://www.redseaonline.com/e-books. Soo saare / Publisher: Ponte Invisibile Edizioni REDSEA-ONLINE.COM Cultural Foundation www.redsea-online.com | [email protected] Tifatire guud/Editor in chief Jaamac Muuse Jaamac, [email protected] Kaaliye tifatire/Associate editor Cabdillaahi Cawed Cige, [email protected] Wakiillada/Country representatives Ka eeg bogga http://www.redsea-online.com/dhaxalreeb Qoraalka ku socda tifatiraha / Articles to the editor Email: [email protected] Buugaagta / Books for review Jama Musse Jama Via Pietro Giordani 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy. Golaha talo-bixinta iyo tifatirka / Advisory board and editorial team Cabdalle Ducaale Wacays, Ayaan Maxamuud Cashuur, Mustafe Aadan Nuur, Cabdalle Cismaan Shafey, Cabdillaahi Cawed Cige, Maxamed Ibraahin Warsame “Hadraawi”, Hinda Maxamed Jaamac, Ibraahin Yuusuf Axmed “Hawd”, Jaamac Muuse Jaamac, Maxamed Jaamac “Kayd”, Maxamed Xaashi Dhamac “Gaarriye”, Rashiid Sheekh Cabdillaahi “Gadhwayne”, Xasan Cabdi Madar. © 2012 Xuquuqda qoraalkani waxay u dhawrantahay soo saaraha wargayska. "Hargeysa International Book Fair has grown exponentially over the past five About us years, both in size and significance. It not only represents the main platform for arts in Somaliland, but it is now one of the largest public celebrations of literature in East Africa. We are so proud to host and present the work of Redsea-Online is a cultural foundation based in Italy and in Somaliland which internationally based writers, journalists, promotes a culture of reading and creative writing in Somali society, with scholars, independent thinkers and particular focus on youth. Their main target is to preserve the value of Somali artists in the Capital of the Republic of traditional wisdom (literature, indigenous science, traditional games, language Somaliland." and all other forms of art and human expression) in the form of the written word. Jama Musse Jama, Director Redsea-Online Cultural Foundation aims to assist the development and availability of literacy and IT in Somaliland as a fundamental objective. Redsea-Online strives to promote access to libraries among the civil societies and encourages the establishment of library facilities in schools, higher education’s institutions, local governments and any other relevant institutions. Redsea-Online works closely with Kayd Somali Arts and Culture promoting Somali culture, litrature and arts. Kayd’s aim is to contribute to the creation of the concept of tolerance and an appreciation of the diversity of Somali cultures through education, promoting writing, reading, performances, festivals, debates and discussions like the Somali Week Festival. Redsea Online...... Redsea Online waa urur dhaqan oo ka dhisan dalalka Talyaaniga iyo Somaliland, oo dhiirrigeliya dhaqanka akhriska iyo qoraalka ee ummadda ku hadasha afka Soomaaliga, gaar ahaan dhallinyarada Somaliland. Ururku waxa uu taageeraa, isla markaa na dhiirigeliyaa farsamada casriga ah ee isgaadhsiinta iyo xidhiidhka ee bulshoweynta Somaliland. Wuxuu kobciyaa isla markaa na fidiyaa suugaan Soomaaliyeed oo tayadeedu sarrayso ha ahaato curisyo, sooyaal, mala-awaal, saynis, gabay iyo masrixiyad inta ba. Redsea-Online waxa uu u fududeeyaa bulshada Af Soomaaliga ku hadasha, gaar ahaan dhallinyarada, ka bogashada suugaanta qalaalood iyada oo lagu soo gudbinayo suugaantaas afka Soomaaliga. 03 Hargeysa International Book Fair and Moving Library 2012 Again this year, Redsea-online Cultural Foundation in collaboration with Kayd Somali Arts and Culture and other partners are proud to present Hargeysa International Book Fair 2012 and the Moving Library Tour in Somaliland. Moving Library Tour - 2nd-9th of July 2012 - Somaliland The Moving Library Tour will take place in the first week of July 2012 through different routes by touching several Somaliland cities as part of the Fifth Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF). The aim this year is for the Moving Library Tour to return to some of those cities/towns and investigate the progress made by local authorities with regard to their commitment to realize a local public library. The main aim of the moving library tour was to bring books to towns and cities and facilitate access to literature through local reading clubs. Furthermore, we sought to visit local authorities to pledge to establish local public libraries. The idea of the moving library is to ensure hard to reach people, particularly the youth in rural towns and villages can also have an opportunity to not only see variety of books for the first time, but also to build the grassroots of a society that craves a reading culture and desire accessibility to books. We wanted to instill the importance of literature, so that the locals can demand and follow up with their local government the pledge to create public, multi-purpose reading centers for their cities. In every city/town the moving library visited, we donated “a seeding” set of books to start with, and in return, the local authority signed a memorandum of understanding, binding them to the establishment of a local public library. We strongly believe that this task will improve the reading culture of Somaliland societies not only in Hargeysa area but also other regions of the country. The enthusiasm of local people was evident throughout the moving library tour 2011, highlighting the motivation of the people to learn, engage and become involved in literacy. The moving library tour and book fair attracted thousands of people who enjoyed the books and took part in the interactive workshops and discussions. For the first time locals outside of Hargeysa were visted in their towns and cities, we reached out to local people across Somaliland, and their enthusiasm to join in with the artistic and creative activities was apparent. Young people especially, were keen to get involved and eager to explore the literature on offer. Based on progress reports and updates from the regional readers club, we are hopeful that out of the 9 cities/town’s we visited, two would have achieved their goal of securing both the land and building of local public library. After the tour, the regional youth and readers clubs representatives will go together to Hargeysa, and represent their respective regions to showcase their yearly activities during the book fair. 04 Hargeysa International Book Fair - 13th – 18th July 2012 Redsea Cultural Foundation and its partners are delighted to announce the 2012 Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF), now in its fifth year running. This week- long fair based around the theme of ‘Visualizing the Future’ will take place from 13th-18th July 2012 at the Beerta Xorriyadda, Hargeysa. Last year’s theme of ‘Collective Memory’ enabled citizens of Somaliland to share their experiences, memories, and mementos, in order to forge and strengthen a sense of national collective identity and citizenship. Building on last year, our 2012 theme encourages participants to offer a wide range of perspectives in order to reflect on future aims and aspirations for the country. Visualizing the Future During the last four years, HIBF has, through its emphasis on literature, discussion, and debate, explored a range of themes, including citizenship, censorship, and collective memories. This year we will emphasize the role of literature and a range of other artistic expressions, in the building of sustainable future for Somaliland. HIBF will serve as a platform for civil society to participate in open dialogue and debate the role of science, business, investment, development and tourism in Somaliland. Particular attention will be paid to the current state of the environment and future climate change. Our aim is to unite all sectors of society to create a common vision for the future. In the past, Somaliland’s youth have had limited opportunities to participate in political processes and in particular to have their voices heard on issues pertaining to citizenship and collective responsibilities, and cultural, economic, and social developments. HIBF 2012 provides a platform where individuals of different ages and backgrounds can partake in intellectual debates and come together to actively shape their own futures. HIBF 2012 intends to further expand on its work on citizenship, by bringing together youth from different regions of Somaliland. Focusing on the diversity of educational, social, economic, and cultural experiences of young Somalilanders, the festival seeks to empower young people to articulate their expectations and goals for the future. HIBF will also serve as a space for key opinion makers to speak about the future of their society. Local writers, poets, scholars, and journalists will engage in discussions on different topics. They will be joined by internationally distinguished writers, artists and those across the diaspora. 05 Friday, 13th July 9:00 -10:45 Opening Ceremony HIBF will be inaugurated with the Somaliland national anthem and “Waddanigu waa,”a song written by Xasan Ganay and performed by SOCSA. Reflections on “The Future” of Somaliland This session will open with an introductory speech by the Minister of Culture, who will launch the festival and explore relevant issues relating to the future of Somaliland’s society. The world-renowned poet, Mahamed Ibarahim Warsame “Hadraawi”, will then reflect on the festival theme. A discussion panel will subsequently discuss and provide an outline of an ‘African perspective’ on the future and development of the country. Panelists: Maxamuud Sheikh Dalmar, Axmed Sheikh Jaamac, Saleeban Guuleed, Shukri Xaji Bandare, Amina -Milgo Mahamud and representatives of Unugga Waddaniyadda. A question and answer session will follow. The Moving Library initiatives A short documentary will be screened documenting the 2011 Moving Library. A discussion panel will assess the ongoing campaign urging local authorities to open libraries in all Somaliland’s major urban areas. 11:00-11:30 Somali infused jazz: Evan Christopher with Faysal Omar Mushteeg At this historic musical event, the New Orleans-based clarinettist Evan Christopher, known for his personal brand of “contemporary early jazz”, meets Faysal Mushteeg, a Somali vocalist, lute player and pioneer of Qaraami music. This exciting event will bring together not only two contrasting traditions, but also two virtuoso performers from different continents to forge what will be a creative and experimental evening of music. Christopher is deeply committed to exploring the full range of musical possibilities in the New Orleans clarinet tradition, and his music has been praised by critics as “adventurous,” “earthy and passionate” and as “a triumph, joining the present seamlessly to a glorious past”. Mushteeg, nationally recognized as the definitive modern Somali singer, is renowned for his poetic lyrics and deeply emotive improvisations. As a composer and public intellectual he has contributed to the historic development of Somali music. © copyright - Photo by Jim McGuire 06 11:30-12:30: A tour of books, paintings and other forms of Somaliland’s artistic expressions The Book Fair opens its doors! Visitors will have a chance to browse the book stalls, acquire new items for public libraries and national university libraries. All visiting authors will be available for book signing and informal meetings with the audience. A networking event for regional readers’ club members will take place throughout the morning and paintings from the AfrikaNation Artists Association will be on display. Saturday 14th July Book Launches and Discussions 9:00 -10:30 Nadifa Mahamed: highlights from her new book This morning event will showcase the work of Nadifa Mahamed, a young female British Somalilander. Her debut novel Black Mamba Boy is a tribute to the spectacular travels of her father, from his days as a young street child in Aden, to his extraordinary journeys across Africa and Europe, to when he finally settled in the UK. The novel has received international critical acclaim and was launched at HIBF 2010. Nadifa Mahamed has been hailed as one of the most promising Somali authors of her generation. Nadifa Mahamed, whose writing has been shaped by a host of writers outside the Western mainstream, will share her experience as a writer with her Somaliland audience. She will also discuss and read extracts from her new novel. HIBF is delighted to invite Nadifa Mahamed back again to her hometown as a shining example and inspiration to Somaliland youth. Respondents: three young readers 10:30-10:50 Break for book signing and informal meetings with the guest author. 10:50- 16:40 Recently published and forthcoming Somali literature This multi-panel session will present the Curisyo & Iswaydaari series and discuss recently published modern Somali literature as well as new titles due to be published in the coming year. Panel 1: 10:50-11:30 Cursiyo Series Curisyo is a series of fiction books published and distributed by Ponte Invisibile (redsea-online.com), which explore the theme of citizenship, tackling issues such as the environment, clan identity and political participation. Siciid Jaamac Xuseen, author of “Shufbeel,” a short novel that is part of Curisyo Series, will share with the audience the importance of reading and writing within Somali society. Panel 2: 11:30 – 12:30 Iswaydaarsi Series This panel will feature the recently published Iswaydaarsi 2 – Essays in Honour of Muuse Ismaaciil Galaal, edited by Jama Musse Jama with a preface by Professor I M Lewis, Ponte Invisibile (redsea-online), Pisa, 2011. This volume is the second in a new series of books called “Iswaydaarsi” (Exchange), published by Ponte Invisibile. This series intends to provide specific knowledge of international classical literature to the Somali-speaking readership and at the same time translate Somali literature and wisdom into other languages. Respondents: George Kapchits, Maxamuud Xaaji Ibraahim 07 Panel 3: 15:30-16:40 Recently published series This panel will launch the translated short stories by Anton Chekov Iswaydaarsi 3, translated into Somali by Siciid Jaamac Xuseen with contributions by Mohamed Alto and Rashiid Sh. Abdillaahi and published by Ponte Invisibile Press. Other books: “Magan” by Mustafe Adan Nuur “Ha is dhiibin weligaa” by Yuusuf Xasan “Culuunta Suugaanta” by Siciid Maxamuud Gahayr “Educational materials for schools: English” Cabdicasiis Maxamed Yoonis "Ansaari" “Educational materials for schools: Somali” Naasir Dheeg Ciise 16:45 – 18:10 Share your talent! Young People’s Perspectives Emerging artists and poets will present their work alongside more established and renowned poets and writers. This event aims not only to introduce and provide an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to learn from and exchange ideas with established artists, but also to re-introduce Somali poetry to the younger generation for the purposes of cultural preservation. Young emerging artist participants: Mawliid Maxamed Odowaa, Yaxye Yeebaash, Yaasmiin M Kahin, Hooda-ayaan Suldaan, Nafiisa Xaaji Ciise Yuusuf, Axmed Cabdillaahi Cabdi, Cabdillaahi Xassan Cabdillaahi (Baxraawi), Kayse Maxamed Xuseen, Axmed Maxamed Badeed, Cabdishakur Maxamed Xuseen (meecaad) “Murtimaal”, Yaasiin Yuusuf Magan “Murtimaal”, Cabdi Gaydh, Caato, Maxamed Ibraahim Axmed, Cabdinuur Cawil Xaashi, Cali Dhanaaniye and more. 19:00 -2 0:00 The Play – “The Future” Abdirahman Yusuf Artan has compiled a dramatic sketch entitled “Visualizing the Future.” This theatrical performance scrutinizes important hallmarks in the past and present of Somali culture, religion and history; it highlights events that stand out in the social, political and cultural life of the nation. The sketch weaves together traditional folk songs and dances emanating from the ancient past with recent events including the country’s democratization processes and the building of modern institutions. SOCSA Team – Selected terms and excerpts from the Dictionary of Cultural Terms (Erey iyo Aqoon) will be read prior to the performance. 20:00 - 21:00 Contemporary ‘early-jazz’ from New Orleans with king of Somali Lute Evans Christopher’s New Orleans jazz music will feature once again and draw to a close the second day of the festival with the King of the Lute Hudaydi. 08 Sunday, 15th July 9:00 – 10:30: Keynote Speech - The Future of our Environment Speaker: Amina-Milgo Mahamud Presentation:The State of the Environment and Climate Change: The Role of the Community in Shaping the Future of their Environment. The critical state of the environment is crucial to any discussion of development. Amina Milgo’s presentation will focus on practical ways of facilitating community involvement in the ownership and management of natural resources. She will discuss the importance of promoting actions such as community declarations, community funds for the environment, community plots for planting trees and environmental clubs in schools. The discussion will acquaint the audience with environmental work that is still in its preliminary stages, and centres on involving communities in sustaining their environment, lobbying the government and shaping their own sustainable future. Respondents: Sadia Muuse, Ahmed Elmi, Ahmed Gahayr 10.30 – 12.30 New Literature 10:30 – 11:10: Dirkii Sacmaallada' by Axmed Ibrahim Awale This book is an attempt to reconstruct the history of the Somali people. The author, who conducted original primary research on linguistic and environmental features by travelling across Somaliland regions, presents in this volume new hypotheses about the origin of the Somalis, including the etymology of the word “Somali” itself. 11:10–11:50: 'The Poetry and Life History of Timacadde: 1920-1973' by Bobe Yusuf Duale Somali poetry has generally been unavailable to English-speaking audiences and there has been a dearth of collections of translated poetry. This volume introduces the work of Abdillahi Suldan, whose work is distinctly Somali, yet universally appealing to those outside the Somali-speaking world. The esteemed and beloved role Abdillahi Suldan holds in Somali society to this day reflects the importance of poetry as the pillar and vital means of communication within Somali culture. Bobe Yusuf Du'ale, who has been collating Suldan’s poetry for many years, will discuss and recite poetry from this major anthology. 11:50-12:20: Book launch: “Gorforkii Yimi” published by Ponte Invisibile (redsea-online), Pisa, 2012 The Vulture has Landed is a collection of short stories that includes: Don’t Lose, The Vulture has Landed, Delicate Hope and A Thorn in the Sole. These are stories written prior to the Somali civil war that dislocated people’s lives and destroyed so much of Somali values and culture. These stories capture everyday issues of love, despair, hunger, anger, ambition and fear - experiences Somalis share with the rest of humanity. 15.30-16.30 - New literature continued This afternoon session will feature book displays, readings and signing. Young people from local Somali communities will be invited to read selections from featured books chosen by the authors who will be available to meet informally with the audience. We will also launch books by recently published diaspora Somali authors who will be invited to present and read from their work. 09 “Dhab u fiiri waayaha” by Axmed Ismaaciil Maxamed “Hadiyadda halgamayaasha” by Maxamed Xirsi Guuleed (Abdibashir) “Suugaantii Yaxye Yeebaash” by Yaxye Yeebaash “Xasuuqii Jasiira”, by Marwan Magan 16:30–18:00 Getting Somalia Wrong? Presentation by the author and BBC Africa Editor, Mary Harper In Getting Somalia Wrong? Mary Harper provides a concise account of how and why Somalia reached its present situation of state collapse, whilst managing to defy classical theories on the nation state by having functioning sectors. The author argues that the Somalia we once knew may no longer function in a conventional way, but that, in many respects, the situation is far from being that of a failed state. 18:30-20:00 Keynote Speech: Youth and Citizenship in Somaliland: Implications for the Future This session will feature Ridwan Osman, a PhD candidate from Cambridge University who will talk about “Discourses of Citizenship in Somaliland: Implications for the Future.” The panel will host representatives of youth organizations, Somaliland Nationalism Cell and regional readers’ clubs as well as the Minister of National Planning. Respondents:Unugga Waddaniyadda, representatives from regional readers clubs 20:00 - 21:30 Somaliland future investment The Minister of National Planning, Dr. Saad Ali Shire, will speak about the current business climate in Somaliland, current plans to improve political and legal conditions, and to foster regional and foreign business investment. He will be joined for a panel discussion by local entrepreneurs and British investors. Monday 16 July Book launch and discussion 9 -10:30: George Kapchits presents his new book Dr Georgi Kapchits will launch his book "Soomaali been ma maahmaahdo"/"Somalis do not lie in proverbs" based on forty years of work on Somali proverbs. The introduction familiarises the reader with the modern theory of premiology, describes some literary features of Somali proverbs and sayings, and offers their classification, paving the way to the paremiological minimum of the Somali language. The first part of the book presents 249 of the most popular Somali proverbs and proverbial phrases in Somali, with an English translation. The second part provides the reader with several thousand Somali proverbs, the majority of which have been received from oral sources. Dr Kapchits will read from his book and discuss the importance of proverbs in Somali society. 10