Country Somalia Time zone EAT (UTC+3) | Region Awdal | |
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Weather 22°C, Wind E at 14 km/h, 92% Humidity | ||
Harirad (Somali: Xariirad) is a town in the northwestern Awdal region of Somalia. It is situated about 150 kilometers south of Zeila and 3 km (2 mi) north of the border with Ethiopia. With an elevation of 972 meters above sea level, the settlement sprawls on a wide basin surrounded by granite mountains on all sides.
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History
According to old legend, the present-day territory of Harirad was covered by lots of trees and a wadis. On their way to Zeila, nomadic pastoralists sometimes stop in the town for water for their flock. The town houses the burial sites for many historical figures, among them Ughaz Samatar (died: 1812), of the Reer Ugaas/Ughaz, who was the King/Leader of the Gadabuursi clan. Also, buried in the town is Dudub Osman, who is the ancestor of the Reer Dudub branch of the Jibril Yunis subclan of the Gadabuursi. The town also hosts a shrine dedicated to the memory of Sheekh Issa, the ancestor of the Issa (clan) clan.
Demographics
As of 2012, the population of Harirad has been estimated to be 678. The town inhabitants belong to various mainly Afro-Asiatic-speaking ethnic groups, where the Gadabuursi and the Issa (clan) subclans of the Dir (clan) are well represented.
Geography
Harirad is situated in a mountainous area, in an enclosed valley of the highlands. One can also take in the local wildlife, such as the black-backed jackal, dorcas gazelle, Felis, caracal, various bird species, and the hamadryas baboon.
Climate
The weather in Harirad is semi-arid (Köppen climate classification: BSk). It has a mountain climate, with hot and dry summers and cold winters. This is attributed to the fact that Harirad is located on a plain surrounded by mountains as well as near the sea. The town sits at an altitude of 972 meters above sea level, in low-shrouded mountains and hills.