Hafun

History

Hafun has been identified as the ancient trading port of Opone, an ancient proto-Somali city which was described in the 1st century CE Greek travelogue the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. Pottery found by an expedition led by Neville Chittick, in Oponean tombs at Damo, date back to the Mycenaean kingdom of Greece that flourished during the 16th century BC. Opone was primarily known for its trade with the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Persians, and the states of ancient India. Through archaeological remains, the historic port has been identified with the city of Hafun. It is possible that it corresponds to the Land of Punt as known by the ancient Egyptians during the Old, Middle, and New Kingdom. Merchants from as far afield as Indonesia and Malaysia also passed through the settlement. By 50 CE, the area was well known as a centre for the cinnamon trade, along with the bartering of cloves and other spices, ivory, exotic animal hides, and incense. It also traded in tortoiseshells. The Majeerteen Sultanate was established possible around 1600s by Somalis from the Majeerteen Darod clan. It reached prominence during the 19th century, under the reign of the resourceful Boqor (King) Osman Mahamuud. In the mid-17th to early 20th centuries city was among the area ruled by Majeerteen Sultanate Migiurtinia. Later forming a part of Italian Somaliland. Hafun was most strategic place of the Majeerteen Sultanate.The historical city of Hafun likewise had a number of castles and forts in various areas within its realm, including a fortress at Ras Hafun.