FEW Magazine

Somali people in Finland form one of the largest and most visible diaspora communities, yet little is known about Somali identity. Somali culture has also evolved significantly within the diaspora, and cultural differences between Somalia and diaspora communities can sometimes even conflict with one another. In Finland, Somalis are often discussed within the context of immigration, development cooperation and integration, but we lack sufficient knowledge or understanding of Somali identity and its history. For this reason, it was clear to me from the beginning that in this issue of FEW, I wanted to highlight Somali tradition and its transformation within diaspora communities. I wanted to do this especially through themes that are not usually associated with us in public discourse – through fashion, beauty, weddings, food, expertise, art, sports, and above all, through people and their perspectives.

Somali cultural heritage has always been strong and rich, and it has remained resilient worldwide despite generations of displacement. Naturally, changes have occurred as many raised in the diaspora combine their traditional Somali customs with the cultures of the Western countries they’ve grown up in. From my point of view, this is purely positive, as seen, for example, in the streets and beaches of Mogadishu today, where, in addition to Somali, you can often hear English, Swedish, Danish and Finnish. It’s not unusual for passers-by to recognise a diaspora person by their appearance or walking style.

The uncertainty I mentioned at the beginning is rooted in the fear of whether I am the right kind of Somali to speak about Somali identity. I wonder whether I speak correctly, dress appropriately, and if my experiences, thoughts and views are the right ones – am I, in any way, the right kind of Somali? The pressure to be “the right kind” comes from both diaspora communities and society at large.