| Group: | Gaalje'el الجعل Habar Tigaaiue |
| Langs: | population |9.669.897language|Somali |
| Rels: | Islam (Sunni) |
| Related-C: | Garre, Degoodi, other Somalis |
| Native Name Lang: | Gaaljecel |
The Gaalje'el (Somali: Gaaljecel), (Italian: '''Galgial'''), (Arabic: الجعل) or Habar Tigaalle is one of the largest Somali clans, whose origins traces back to Samaale.[1] The Galje'el clan belong to the major Saransor clans who also are a sub clan of the wider Gardhere Samaale clans.[2]
The clan is well known for their dominating and ruling Hiran, Shabelle, and Jubada regions and was well known the fierce battles against the Italian colonialists who were unable to occupy their land.[3] This clan is also known for fighting against the Abyssinians who wanted to expand in the area of the Shabelle River, one of the biggest battles was the Battle of Dafet, at that time Abyssinians wanted to capture Dafet, entering from Shabelle River, but Gaalje'el fought back and defeated and pushed them back; 1500 Amhara horsemen were killed in that battle.[4] GAALJECEL consist of 7 sub clans who mainly inhabited 7 countries in East Afrika.Gaaljecel subclans are:1. Barsame(Barsane)2. Soranle (sooraanle)3.Hassan4.Hussein5. Raydiinle 6.Beydiisle7.jaarse A.Barsane aB.sooraanle These two subclans lives and inhabited in Somalia, Etopia and Kenya.C. Hassan lives in Somalia ethopia and Sudan but they stand alone as they are confronted other Gaaljecel clans leadership of the clan and they are called Reer Owxasan Kalweeyn. D. Hussein lives in ethopia and some of them live in Somalia and they are known Asharaaf but already left the clan because of ruling system among the clan.E.Raaydiinle lives in kenya and they already superated from the clan because of the religion.F. Jaarse lives in Ethopia and they united with Dir an OramaG.Beydiisle. They live in Ethopia and they lived with Dafodia whose brother of Gaaljecel..This report comes from Italiann Colony writer., Book of Somali Culture.
Galjecel has a long-standing and orderly tradition, the Ugaas of Gaalje'el has existed for 24 consecutive generations, that's why the Ugaas of the Galjecel is the largest generation of chiefs in the Somalis. Ugas Abdirahman Ugas Abdullahi is the Ugas of Gaalje'el now.
Within the Gaalje'el tribe, the ownership of wells exhibits a nuanced structure. While some wells exclusively belong to a single sub-tribe, others serve as communal resources for two or more sub-tribes or even the entire Galgial community. Additionally, specific excavations by minor groups or individuals result in wells owned solely by them.
The utilization of wells follows a system of reciprocity among all Galgial sub-tribes. However, non-owners must respect the owners' right of precedence when accessing these vital water sources. In instances of wells collectively owned, the individual arriving first claims the right of precedence during watering.
A distinctive practice arises when the Barsame people visit wells belonging to other sub-tribes. Due to a recognized right of progeniture and a gesture of special respect, Barsames are consistently granted access to water and are occasionally given precedence. Conversely, when other Galgial groups approach wells owned by Barsanes, they may water their cattle only at night or during the day if Barsanes are absent with their cattle, even if they arrived later.Gaaljecel tribe reflects a system deeply rooted in respect, reciprocity, and a nuanced understanding of communal and individual rights to this vital resource.[5]
For example Hatful district in Barsane tribe boasts of around 40 natural wells, averaging 2 meters in depth. Water is manually drawn using hand leather bags, each holding an impressive 250,000 liters. This traditional method ensures a daily capacity vital for sustaining Galgial Barsano's community and its way of life.[6]
The name Gaalje'el consists of two words in the Af May Language, Gaal meaning camel and je'el meaning love: gaalje'el meaning "that which loves the camel". Gaal is the Af May (Reewin dialect) equivalent of Geel in Af Maḥa Tiri (the Maḥa Tiri dialect).[7]
Another etymology, which has recently gained steam, references the Jaalin tribe of Sudan. By combining "Geel", the dromedory camel for which the tribe is known to rear, with the Arabic Al Je'el (الجعل), proponents of this etymology point to the bedouin nature of the Gaalje'el and surmise that the tribe could have had its origins in the nearby country, since they share the names of several branches.
The expanse of Gaalje'el land unfolds from Baladweyne to the proximity of Mogadishu,[8] representing its length. Additionally, from Baladweyne to Burhakaba forms its width. Beyond this, another segment of Gaalje'el territory starts Dooy land, dominates nearly 70% of the Middle Jubba region. This vast stretch continues across the eastern areas of Lower Jubba, transcending borders into Kenya. Post-border, Gaalje'el land converges with the land of the Boni People,[9] marking the definitive conclusion of the Gaalje'el territory.
The Gaalje'el traditionally settled in the region called Qorahsin of Hiraan, Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle These regions are called Qorahsin because it is located west of the Shabelle River..[10] The Gaalje'el are often incorrectly associated with the Hawiye clan due to their close political and social alignment. However, the Gaalje'el actually descend from Saransoor, as do the Degoodi, Masarre and the Iise. This means that there is no closer blood relation than beyond those also shared amongst all Somalis.[11]
Revolt and Resist: Chronicles of Anti-Colonial Wars
April 1, around 60 Gaalje'el men from Alofi and Yeber Omar had gathered north of Mahaday and they had gone to Neghei, a place not far from the river where the Italian-Somali agricultural society held a small lime factory, and they invaded it. The guard Gogles and the native personnel were disarmed worker, two huts were set on fire and they sacked everything [12]
The conflict between the Italians and the Gaaljecel was a part of the broader conflict between Italy and the Somali people during the colonial era. The Gaaljecel, like many other Somali clans, fiercely resisted the Italian occupation of their land and fought against the Italian colonial forces in the early 20th century.
The Gaaljecel warriors were known for their bravery, skill in battle, and use of guerrilla tactics. They used their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage and employed hit-and-run tactics against the Italian forces. They also made use of traditional weapons such as spears and swords, as well as firearms obtained from other sources.
The Italians, on the other hand, had a technological advantage over the Gaaljecel. They had access to modern weapons, such as machine guns and artillery, which they used to devastating effect. However, the Italians found it difficult to maintain control over the areas inhabited by the Gaaljecel due to the resilience and determination of the clan.
The conflict between the Italians and the Gaaljecel lasted for several years and resulted in many casualties on both sides. The Gaaljecel suffered losses, but they were able to inflict significant damage on the Italian forces, which forced the Italians to adopt more aggressive tactics. The Italian forces responded by conducting punitive raids against the Gaaljecel villages, burning down homes and confiscating livestock.
Despite the odds, the Gaaljecel were able to maintain their resistance against the Italians, which became a source of inspiration for other clans in Somalia. The Gaaljecel's successful resistance against the Italian colonial forces has been seen as a symbol of the resilience and courage of the Somali people in the face of adversity.
Battle Of Dafet
The historical resistance of Gaalje'el against Abyssinian expansion in the Shabelle River region is marked by prolonged confrontations. Notably, the Battle of Dafet stands out as a pivotal moment, where Abyssinians sought to capture Dafet by advancing through the Shabelle River. Gaalje'el valiantly defended their territory, successfully repelling the Abyssinian forces. This decisive victory resulted in the defeat and retreat of the Abyssinians, with a notable toll of 1500 Amhara horsemen losing their lives in the course of the battle.[13]
Gaalje'el is descended from Samaale[14] Saransoor has 4 son's,[15] together with their uncle Garre they are division of Larger Gardheere Samaale clans.[16]
Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology highlights some of the more prominent families which make up the Gaalje'el[17]
Gaalje'el