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Theliterature ofDjibouti has a longstanding poetic tradition. Several well-developed Somali forms of verse include thegabay,jiifto,geeraar,wiglo,buraanbur,beercade,afarey andguuraw. The gabay (epic poem) has the most complex length and meter, often exceeding 100 lines. It is considered the mark of poetic attainment when a young poet is able to compose such verse, and is considered the height of poetry. Groups of memorizers and reciters (hafidayaal) traditionally propagated the well-developed art form. Poems revolve around several main themes, includingbaroorodiiq (elegy),amaan (praise),jacayl (romance),guhaadin (diatribe),digasho (gloating) andguubaabo (guidance). The baroorodiiq is composed to commemorate the death of a prominent poet or figure.[1] The Afar are familiar with theginnili, a kind of warrior-poet and diviner, and have a rich oral tradition of folk stories. They also have an extensive repertoire of battle songs.[2]
Additionally, Djibouti has a long tradition ofIslamic literature. Among the most prominent such historical works is the medievalFutuh al-Habasha byShihāb al-Dīn, which chronicles theAdal Sultanate army'sconquest of Abyssinia during the 16th century.[3] In recent years, a number of politicians and intellectuals have also penned memoirs or reflections on the country.
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