Somalilandsun: The government of Somaliland has unveiled a new center in the capital Hargeisa tasked with collating national heritage and cultural artifacts.
The unveiling of the Somaliland National Heritage Centre was witnessed by cabinet ministers, Ministerial Director Generals, Diplomatic representatives from Taiwan and the UK as well as ordinary citizens.
Prior to the officially opening of the centre the Taiwan and UK envoys to Somaliland ambassador Allen Chengwa Lou and Stuart Brown were given a private briefing on the centre by the presidency DG Mohamed Ali Bile and the Director of Collection & Preservation Management Somaliland National Museum Ms. Hibak Adam.
Both Amb Lou and Stuart Brown said they were impressed by the pursuit of preserving national heritage and will avail any and all relevant assistance possible.
At the official launch addressed by government officials citizens from all walks of life in Somaliland were urged to donate any cultural and heritage artifacts in their possession to the national museum.
According to presidency DG Mohamed Ali Bile the government is in advanced plans to officially launch the national museums since construction of the main one in Hargeisa is near completion while works at the second one in Burao town is ongoing.
“The National museum is founded on the premise of preserving the culture and history of Somaliland” said the presidency DG adding that this is in line with policies put in place by the administration of president Muse Bihi.
Concluding his address DG Mohamed Ali said that the launch of the centre is geared towards easing preservation activities of the Somaliland national museum through collection of the relevant history and artifacts.
In her briefing the National Museum Director of Collection & Preservation Management Hibak Adam said that the Somaliland national heritage collection centre stands “to help highlight and conserve the history, culture and economic life of the people of Somaliland over the years, past and present.
“Thanks to the government this centre shall collect research and collate relevant cultural and historical artifacts for preservation at national museum” said Ms. Hibaq
She went on to reveal that so far the centre has visited and collected many historical artifacts in Sool, Sanaag and Toghdeer regions of Somaliland which she termed as most endowed, adding that staffers have also vested the ancient Qibla Teyn (two qibla) mosque in Sayla.
“This of historic importance because it is the only mosque in Africa and second in the world with two Qiblas (Direction of prayers) said the Director of Collection & Preservation Management at the Somaliland national museum.
For the director of the national museum, Dr. Hussein Suleiman Ahmed the center comes at the opportune moment for it shall ease the museum’s material collection.
The Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Awareness of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdinasir Omar Jama pledged his ministry’s full support in awareness raising and contribution of artifacts already in its possession.
The Minister of Labour, Social and Family Affairs, Ms. Hinda Jama Gani who was guest of honour at the Somaliland national heritage collection centre launch stressed on the fact that collecting the history of the nation is part of the existence of the society, “An activity that supports its preservation”
“This is a major milestone for the government and country as it shall from now be possible to access cultural and historical resources that show what the nation has undergone” said minister Gani as she pledged her ministry’s full support to the endeavor.
Upon conclusion of speeches the chief guest and other government officials together with UKs Stuart Brown jointly cut the ribbon thus officially launching the Somaliland National Heritage Collection Centre.
