Thread by @thetipofthehorn

🧵 While the region has had many names - Waqooyi Bari (North East), Dhul Udug (Cape of Spices), & Puntland

There's another historical name for this region used by the locals & tied to the unique cultural norms of the region

The story of Ard-Al Aman [Land of Safety] (The Gates)

Ard-Al Aman or the land of safety in arabic, stems from the indigenous culture of its inhabitants. Murder (especially unprovoked) was an extreme social taboo amongst the tribe of Majeerteen - seen as both unmanly & punished heavily with harsh fines for those who dared commit it.

If convicted the crime for murder was a fine of 100 she-camels with young calfs or the equivalent value paid with money. Blood fueds were infrequent and uncommon amongst the general population, with fines being preferred & large scale conflict carefully avoided whenever possible.

During large debates or quarrels that would inevitable arise amongst the headstrong, stubborn, & prideful Majeerteen youth; swords & daggers would be drawn and spears poised but before they could come to blows as one would expect in typical Somali fashion the elders would step in

Stopping the rebellious youths from violating the sanctity of Ard-Al Aman by preventing the opposing parties from injuring each other and then disarming them by taking their weapons. Though putting up a show of resistance to disarmament the youth would eventually relent & oblige.

Thus with a secret satisfaction the youths have prevented spilling the blood of their kinsmen; maintaining and preserving the culture of their forebears - said fighting being deemed unnecessary at [the gates] of Ard Al-Aman.
(The land of safety) for the individual & his property.