Returning to Hargeisa: A Journey of Reconnection and Rediscovery

After spending several years abroad studying in Turkey, Italy, and Russia, coming back to Somaliland wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Each place I lived left its imprint on me, shaping how I see the world, my habits, and my way of life. Turkey opened my eyes to the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality, Italy helped me develop a taste for art and amazing food, and Russia taught me how to be resilient and cope with those biting winters. However, when the time finally came to return to Hargeisa, I quickly realized that nothing could prepare me for the ups and downs of readjusting to local life.

One of the first things I had to get used to was the weather. Somaliland’s dry heat and relentless sun stood in stark contrast to what I had experienced before. I’d grown used to the mild seasons of Ankara and Istanbul, enjoyed Italy's Mediterranean breezes, and braved Moscow’s freezing winters. But Hargeisa welcomed me with an unyielding heat and wind that seemed to stick to me, even in the shade. Yet, as I started to settle back into my surroundings, I learned to appreciate the distinct beauty of my home’s climate. The sunsets in the city are breathtaking, splashing the sky with colours I never really paid attention to before. Those early mornings, with their cool, calm air, quickly became my favourite part of the day, reminding me that even the hottest environments have their moments of peace and tranquillity. As for food, I had grown accustomed to Italian pasta and Russian soups with bread, so diving back into traditional Somaliland cuisine was a bit of a nostalgic yet challenging experience. At first, the bold spices and heavy focus on meat felt a little intense, especially when compared to the lighter dishes I was used to. However it didn’t take long for me to start relishing the simple joy of having (Laxoox)—Sourdough Pancakes for breakfast, paired with a cup of spiced tea. The freshness of Somali meat, the enticing smell of freshly roasted Somali coffee, and the communal nature of meals brought back something I realized I had been missing: the togetherness that comes with food here. In Hargeisa, mealtime is so much more than just eating; it’s a time to connect, laugh, and share stories.

Adapting to social life in Hargeisa turned out to be one of the toughest parts of my transition. After years spent in lively European cities where individualism is celebrated and personal space is respected, I found the tightly-knit community culture of Hargeisa both a bit overwhelming and incredibly heartwarming. Back in Europe, I could stroll down the street without drawing any notice, easily blending in with the crowd. However, in Hargeisa, the sense of community is inescapable; it feels like everyone knows everyone, and privacy is a rare luxury.

 At first, the constant interaction felt a bit overwhelming. The regular visits from relatives and neighbours, combined with the endless greetings and questions, were such a change from what I was used to. However as time went on, I started to see the beauty in this closeness. Here, people genuinely care about each other. They’re interested in your well-being, always ready to lend a hand, and genuinely curious about your plans. What stood out to me in Hargeisa was its unique rhythm, along with the distinct sound that defines its music and arts, earning it the popular name—Hargeisa (Hoyga Fanka iyo Suugaanta)—Home of Art and Music. Life here has a different pace—slower yet so much more grounded. Back in Europe, I was used to the hustle: deadlines, busy schedules, and the never-ending chase for productivity. But in Hargeisa, time seems to stretch, giving you those precious moments to pause, reflect, and reconnect. At first, this slower pace was a bit of a challenge; I felt restless and like I wasn’t getting much done. However, over time, I started to embrace it as a chance to focus on what really matters—family, faith, and community.

Certainly, the transition back to Hargeisa came with its fair share of hurdles. The city’s infrastructure can be quite frustrating, especially for someone like me, who’s used to cities with smooth public transport and dependable utilities. Frequent power outages and sluggish internet speeds tested my patience. Yet, these frustrations also helped me cultivate resilience and adaptability—traits I hadn’t fully developed while living abroad. Despite the rough patches, coming back to Hargeisa has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. This city strikes a remarkable balance between tradition and modern life, where the call to prayer echoes throughout the day, reminding us of the deeper aspects of existence. My time overseas broadened my perspective, but returning home has given me something even more valuable: a refreshed sense of belonging and identity.

One of the first things I had to come to terms with after returning was the importance of patience. Life in Hargeisa unfolds at its own pace, quite different from the fast and often stressful life I was used to abroad. Initially, I found it disorienting—and a bit frustrating—to adapt to the more laid-back approach to getting things done here. However, as the days turned into weeks, I started to see the beauty in this slower rhythm. It allowed me to reflect, form deeper connections, and truly be present in the moment. I realized that in the drive to get ahead elsewhere, I’d overlooked the richness of simply being in the now. In Hargeisa, I learned to slow down, cherish the little moments, and enjoy the time spent with those I care about.

Another challenge that turned into a blessing was reconnecting with the land itself. The dry landscape, so starkly different from the lush greenery I was used to, felt harsh and unwelcoming at first. But the more time I spent here, the more I began to appreciate its unique beauty. The sunsets casting their colours over the hills, the wind carrying the scent of earth and tradition, and the resilience of the environment—it all started to feel like a reflection of the people and their deep-rooted history. There’s a quiet strength in this land, a timeless wisdom that resonated with me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It reminded me that beauty can be found in all forms, often revealed when we stop comparing and start truly appreciating what’s around us. Hargeisa might not be perfect, but then again, neither am I. Maybe that’s what makes coming back here feel so meaningful. It’s a journey of reconnecting—not just with the land and its people, but also with who I am. As I revisit my childhood, filled with family, friends, and the lively spirit of Somaliland, I'm finding a way to blend the person I’ve become while living abroad with the person I've always been deep down.

In the end, returning to Somaliland has turned out to be more than just coming back to my homeland; it’s been about rediscovering my identity and figuring out where I truly belong. The transition wasn’t without its bumps—getting used to the weather, the food, the social customs, and the slower pace of life brought its challenges—but every hurdle came with valuable lessons. My time away taught me a lot, yet being back has anchored me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Reconnecting with the community has probably been the most rewarding and humbling aspect of this journey. The ties here are so strong, built on shared history and mutual trust. People genuinely take the time to ask about your family, listen to your stories, and support each other without a second thought. It’s a refreshing change from the more individualistic culture I encountered abroad, where personal success often overshadowed collective well-being. Being part of a community that prioritizes connection over competition has given me a deep sense of belonging and purpose. It’s also reminded me of the significance of generosity and how much we can learn just from giving without expecting anything in return.

My time abroad has shaped me in so many ways—it opened my eyes, helped me grow, and introduced me to different cultures. Yet, being back in Hargeisa has grounded me just as much. It’s a reminder that while the world is full of paths to explore, there’s an unmatched peace in knowing where you come from and embracing that fully. The traditions, shared values, and even the challenges all contribute to a sense of wholeness that’s hard to find elsewhere. The city has highlighted the beauty of simplicity, the importance of connection, and the strength that comes from embracing your roots. It feels amazing to truly be home—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. In rediscovering Hargeisa, I’ve also rediscovered myself.