Peoples and States in the East

Somali People: Inhabited the Horn of Africa, primarily engaged in pastoralism and nomadic movements for grazing land.
Historical Capital: Merca, in southern Somalia, was significant in the thirteenth century as noted by Arab geographer Ibn Said.
Military Affiliation: Somali warriors were pivotal in the Sultanate of Adal's military engagements against Christian territories.
Governance Structure: A democratic council system known as shir governed social affairs with equal participation from adult males.
Components of Shir: Included guurti, a council of elders, responsible for conflict resolution and overseeing essential community matters like resource management.

Geographic Distribution: Predominantly resided in northeastern Ethiopia, northern Djibouti, and parts of Eritrea.
Indigenous Governance: Utilized a governance system called Makabanto, combining democratic elements with traditional practices.
Historical Context: Mentioned by Ibn Said, the Afars occupied lowlands near Bab el-Mandeb by the thirteenth century.
Sultanates Formation: Established several sultanates post-16th century, including Awsa, Girrifo, and Tadjourah, following the decline of Sultanate of Adal.
Awsa Sultanate: Emerged from the Imamate of Awsa in 1577, ruled by the Mudaito Dynasty with a significant economy linked to Bati-Ginda’e trade routes.

Origin Theories: Two narratives exist regarding Argoba origins; one connects them to the followers of Prophet Mohammed, while the other posits an ancient ancestry independent of Islamic immigrants.
Religious Transition: Argoba were among the early adopters of Islam, influenced by religious leaders from Arabia.

Historically Significant Site: Harar was a major center of early Islam in Ethiopia; transformed into the capital of Walasma of Adal in the 16th century.
Military Hub: Used by Imam Ahmed ibn Ibrahim for campaigns against Christian kingdoms starting in 1527.
Administrative Development: During Emir Nur Mujahid’s rule, Harar became a fortified city with a structured governance under the Amir’s council, Majilis.
Cultural and Economic Power: Became an Islamic cultural hub and an important trade center controlling routes from the Gulf of Aden, attracting external powers like Egyptians.

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