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Mogadishu: Memory, Politics and Return

September 6, 2016 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

| Free

Dating back to the 10th century, Mogadishu has a long history as a beautiful, cosmopolitan hub for Indian Ocean trade and centre for Islam. For many, the port city was synonymous with stunning architecture, open-air cinemas and lazy beach afternoons. But after the outbreak of civil war in the early-1990s, Mogadishu experienced massive destruction and has undergone drastic change.

For those who left Somalia, what does Mogadishu mean today? And what does a Somali transnational politics look like? From London, we explore the experience of the diaspora, the politics of transnationalism, and the challenges of return. With journalist Andrew Harding, activist Adam Matan, researcher Idil Osman and other speakers to be confirmed.

This event will launch the book The Mayor of Mogadishu by Andrew Harding, published by Hurst, September 2016. An ‘uplifting story of survival, and a compelling examination of what it means to lose a country and then to reclaim it’ it tells the story of Mohamud ‘Tarzan’ Nur, who after spending twenty years in north London, returned to Mogadishu to become Mayor.

This event is free and open to all, but seating is limited. Please register your place on Eventbrite

Suggested hashtag for this event: #RASEvents 

Venue

Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS
Thornhaugh St. Russell Square
London , WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
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Website:
https://www.soas.ac.uk/