Draft:History of Bosaso

Overview
Bosaso, formerly known as Bandar Qasim, is the third-largest city in Somalia, with an estimated population of around 700,000 residents. Positioned as a melting pot, Bosaso boasts a diverse population representing major clans of Somalia, primarily from the Harti confederation of Darod sub-clans.

Historical Naming
Originally named Bandar Qasim, the city's nomenclature traces back to a Somali trader named Qasim, believed to have settled in the area during the 14th century. The name Bosaso is said to be derived from Qasim's favorite camel, Boosaas. While the town was initially called Bandar Qassim after its founder, it later acquired the name Bosaso, inspired by Qasim's trusted camel. However, it's important to note that this narrative is speculative.

Historical Significance
Bosaso has historically been a stronghold for the Harti Darod clan and evolved as a coastal outpost for their Sultanates. Notably, a substantial earthwork near Bosaso, at the end of the Baladi valley, is believed to mark the grave of a community matriarch. This structure stands as the largest of its kind in the broader Horn region.

18th to Early 20th Centuries
In the mid-18th to early 20th centuries, Bosaso was under the rule of the Majeerteen Sultanate (Migiurtinia). Subsequently, it became part of Italian Somaliland, with representation in the parliament of the Trust Territory of Somalia by notable MPs.

Post-Independence Period
After gaining independence, Bosaso was administered through the official Bari region. The onset of the Somali Civil War and the subsequent formation of Puntland in the 1990s transformed Bosaso into the business capital of northeastern Somalia. In recent years, it has played a crucial role as a refueling station for maritime transport and a significant commercial entry point between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf ports.