The Geledi are a Somali clan that live predominantly in the environs of Afgooye city. They are a sub-clan of the Rahanweyn and led the Geledi sultanate during the late 17th to early 20th century. They are divided into two main lineage groups: the Tolweyne and the Yabadhaale.
Sultan Osman Ahmed (mounted) and his soldiers
An example of Somalis engaging in mock combat
British ethnologist Virginia Luling in 1967
Afgooye is a town in the southeastern Somalia Lower Shebelle region of Somalia. It is the center of the Afgooye District. Afgooye is the third largest city of Southwest State. Afgooye is one of the oldest towns on the lower Shebelle valley, 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu. Afgooye is the site of Lafoole college, the first college of education in Somalia, built on the site of the battle of Lafoole of 1896. Afgooye is also known for the Istunka, the annual "stick fight" carnival commemorating the New Year in the riverine region. It was a trade center for the Silcis Dynasty in the medieval period then fell under Ajuran rule. Around the late 17th century, Afgooye became the capital of Geledi Sultanate.
Farming community outside of Afgooye
Farming village near Afgooye on the Shabelle river
The Istunka participants in mock combat
British ethnologist Virginia Luling with a Somali woman in Afgooye in 1967
