The Impact of the Somali Diaspora — How have Somali immigrants transformed their new environments into homes that reflect their cultural heritage?

After years of civil war, many Somalis have fled the conflict in their homeland in search of peace. The countries that they have fled to are countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and many others. As a result of this immigration, there has been a growing number of Somali communities in these countries who promote their cultures. This includes Somali music, poetry, cuisine, and many other aspects of their culture. Even though we live in a new environment, my family and I hold onto our traditions and values.

During Ramadan my siblings and I helped lay out the food, eagerly awaiting the sound of the adhan signaling it was time to break our fast. The laughter, the shared stories, and the sense of togetherness made it feel like we were back in a Somali village, even though we were thousands of miles away.

As my mother always says “Ninkii reerkiisa xasuusta, raad ma lumiyo” which translates to, ‘One who remembers their roots will never lose their way.’

Many Somali families bring their Somali traditions into their daily lives. We stayed true to that promise growing up. In our small Somali household my family and I love hosting iftar gatherings every year during Ramadan. Some were hosted by my family but many of those gatherings took place at my local mosque where the community would gather and eat together. Somali cuisine is known for its rich flavors and spices, including dishes such as bariis isku karis (a seasoned rice dish), sambusas (savory pastries), and Malawax (like crepes). Dishes like baasto iyo suugo (pasta) and sabaayad (flat bread), and malawax (crepe) were prepared enough for the whole community to eat, especially those less fortunate. Everyone played a part in helping.

When breaking our fast, we ate traditional foods such as sambusa, Bur (puff pastry), and lots and lots of timir (dates) . Dates are usually the most eaten during Ramadan because it comes with lots of health benefits especially when breaking the fast. Somali cuisine is known for its rich flavors and spices, including dishes such as bariis isku karis (a seasoned rice dish), sambusas (savory pastries), and Malawax. After this long day of fasting, I taste the rich spices of somalis cuisine, food that is hot and fresh straight from the oven. A smell so strong you can smell from miles away. Somali immigrants often preserve their cultural identity through big communal celebrations, such as Eid festivals, where we dress up in traditional clothings, play Somali music and dance and have fun.

This cultural connection extends beyond food and celebrations. Somali poetry, a cherished art form, thrives in community events where community events often feature gabay recitations. Poets skillfully mix verses reflecting and showing topics of resilience, love, and cultural pride. My grandma loves poetry and always recites verses from the top of her head. “It’s what I grew up listening to and a big part of our culture. I fell in love with it ever since I was a young girl,” says my grandma.

These gatherings are known to be like a celebration of heritage and a space for younger generations to connect to their roots and have a space to hangout. My family included, Somalis love to play music, and it is always played during an event or gathering. “I prefer upbeat music and love the way it connects me back to my roots…I went to my friends/family celebration and connected to so many other people. It felt like I was back home and the way the music and beautiful recitations filled my ears it was just an amazing time,” says my sister Ayan.

Somalis play traditional songs with the use of instruments such as oud, and drums, which are often performed at weddings or festivals or cultural celebrations. The use of drums is a very big aspect when it comes to these weddings and festivals. “When my cousin got married the drums were like thunder, shaking the earth beneath my feet. The rhythm with the recitations were so powerful, each beat resonated through my entire body, making the moment unforgettable,” says my sister Ayan

Presently, Somali artists incorporate contemporary genres like hip hop, reggae and electronic music. This creates unique sounds as it is a blend between nontraditional and traditional sounds. When you think about it, it is also a way that resonates with both older and younger audiences. Much like these blends of old and new, cultural traditions adapt and carry meaning in different ways.

In my household, this connection to tradition was present. The scent of incense always greeted me as I walked through the doors of my home. My mother always lit uunsi which is a blend of natural fragrances. The smell of uunsi reminds me of my roots. My mother often explains that lighting uunsi isn’t just a way to make the house smell pleasant but is a cultural practice that carries a deeper meaning. It symbolizes hospitality and a connection to our ancestors.

I remember whenever my family and I go over to our relatives or neighbors’ home, the act of lighting uunsi was a way of welcoming someone. As my cousin Sumayah says, “uunsi is a way of saying you are welcome here and you are family”. This practice is essential in our daily lives and a reminder of who we are and where we come from even if we don’t live in our homeland because we carry our traditions with us. As I walk through the door of my cousin’s home, we are greeted with warm spiced chai which blends so well with the scent of uunsi, making the atmosphere feel comforting and sacred. After much laughter, cries and chatter we then eat our traditional foods. Somali cuisine is known for its rich flavors and spices, including dishes such as bariis isku karis (a seasoned rice dish), sambusas (savory pastries), and Malawax.

You can nowadays see traditional recipes changing to incorporate local ingredients of the country they live in. In the diaspora Somali recipes have evolved and incorporate locally available ingredients, leading to new and innovative dishes that show both Somali heritage and the influence of the environment they’re living in. For example, as we sat and ate at my cousin’s house that day, we replaced traditional camel meat in our dish with beef or chicken instead. Camel meat isn’t common to eat, which is why we incorporate different types of foods due to availability. This innovation allows Somalis to maintain their heritage as well as introducing our foods to a wider audience. For instance, In cities like Toronta, London and Minneapolis, which is where I used to live. I witnessed many Somali restaurants, food trucks, and cultural festivals spring up. Food has become a form of storytelling in these spaces. As Somali communities share their traditional meals it allows them to educate others about their culture and history.

When it comes to the role of Somali women in preserving culture, particularly mothers are often the lead of preserving the cultural heritage with the diaspora. They pass down recipes, traditions, values to make sure the culture is rooted in the younger generations and remain fixed on their somali identity. My own mother is a perfect example of this. She taught me and my family how to make traditional meals, the importance of Somali proverbs, and our community. My mother has shared many of her stories about life in Somalia to me and my siblings. Her journey to the United States, and the challenges she faced as a Black muslim woman and an immigrant wanting a better life here in the states and just trying to build a better life for her, her parents, and her family. My mother talks a lot about missing the close-knit community she had in Somalia. She told me “Everyone knew each other and supported one another like family.” Even though she’s recreated that sense of belonging here, there’s still sadness in knowing that things will never be exactly the same.

As I ask my mother about her strong resilience and ability to adapt, she tells me “Our culture is like a tree; its roots must be strong for its branches to flourish.”

When I ask my brother Ali what adapting to a new culture means to you and why is that important, he says, “Adapting to a new culture means to me means learning new things and being creative. It also means finding a way to live and feel at home in a new place without losing who you are, — Adapting is important because It helps people build a life in their new home. Without adapting, it’s harder to find community, fit in, or feel like you belong. Not saying that is easy, but it’s important to have the skill of adapting to change.”

The Somali diaspora has shown strength when it comes to building communities that really feel like home, through mosques, community centers, and cultural organizations. Somalis have created spaces such as language classes, job training youth programs for a sense of support. Take Minneapolis, the place where I was born. Minneapolis has the largest Somali population in all of America. The Somali Museum of Minnesota, filled with many artifacts, clothing art and many traditional items. This museum is not just a collection of “things” it is a bridge between generations and preserving our heritage.

All in all, through food, music, poetry, community, Somalis have transformed their homes into what reflects their cultural heritage. Whether it’s the aroma of uunsi in our home or the flavors of bariis isku karis at the dining table or rhythm of somali poetry/music at celebrations, somalis continue to thrive preserving their traditions. By remembering our roots, adapting to our new surroundings and the changes around us, we will keep the Somali identity alive for generations to come.

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Aziya was a fellow in the 2024 Story Gathering Workshop, a program that gives young writers the opportunity to publish an article for our news outlet, Voices.