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The culture of Djibouti features the traits of various ethnic groups who have dominated the cultural landscape of the country for centuries. The unique feature of the culture of Djibouti is that has been nourished and nurtured by the influences of the various ethnic groups like the Issa-Somali and the Afar. The nomadic-pastoral culture has been replaced by the colonial invasion which brought about a lot of changes in the socio-politico scenario of Djibouti. The political power that was mainly concentrated in the hands of Afar chieftains became decentralized and people from Somalia began flocking in different regions of Djibouti.
Looking at the cultural facts about Djibouti one can see conflict between the Afars and the Issas. Although they were similar in many ways but their rivalry was mainly for political domination. The power play resulted in much bloodshed and conflict between the two clans resulted in a polarization of two groups. The process of urbanization in Djibouti started only after the French came to power. Most of the architectural patterns will tell you about the indigenous Djibouti culture which has been preserved for centuries. Today the cities are dominated by buildings which have been designed mostly by the French architects.
There is a simultaneous growth of two very different kinds of culture in Djibouti. Apart from the urban culture which is found in most of the cities one can see the traditional way of life that is followed by the herders who stay near the countryside. They migrate from one place to another in search of food and livelihood. Till now transborder crossings are allowed in Djibouti as the ethnic clans of Gadabursi, Afar and Issa need a lot of empty space for their livelihood. Most of these believe in mobility so they have accommodation and essentials that can be easily packed and taken from one place to another.
Religion is an integral part of the culture in Djibouti and like all the other ethnic groups the people participate in dance and music. The people of Djibouti consume a lot of “qat” which is kind of a narcotic leaf and is consumed daily after the midday meals. As Djibouti is a developing country the economy of the place depends on rudimentary agriculture and livestocks.
If we look at the societal stratas one will see that the society is mainly patriarchal. “Ugaz” who is known as a clan leader looks after the welfare of the members of the clan. As for the Afar groups they have an organized “sultanate” and there are distinction between the “white clans” and the “red clans”. According to the Islamic law the sons can inherit the property of the elders. Generally cross-cousin marriage is widely accepted but recently the people of the clans have also permitted marriage outside the clans. You can collect a many handicrafts in Djibouti which are excellent souvenirs for the near and dear ones.
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