Isaaq

File:Shiekh-Isaq.JPG

The tomb of Sheikh Isaq, the father of the Isaq tribe

The Isaaq (also Isaq, Ishaak) (Somali language: Reer Sheik Isaxaaq); is one of the main Somali clans. The Isaaq mainly live in Somaliland and the Somali Region of Ethiopia. The populations of the four major cities of Somaliland; Hargeisa, Burco, Berbera, and Ceerigaabo – are predominantly Isaaq.

Tradition states that the Isaaq clan was founded by the arrival of Sheikh Isaq from Arabia in the 12th or 13th century. He settled at the coastal town of Maydh in modern day Somaliland, where he married into the local Dir clan. His tomb is in Maydh.

Partial listing of Isaq sub-clans

• Cimraan
• Tol Jecle
• Habar Awal
• Ayoup (Ayuub)

Partial breakdown of the Isaaq Clan structure

• Arap
• Garhajis
  • Eidagale
  • Habar Yoonis
• Habar Jeclo

Notable Isaaq people

• Edna Adan Ismail, former Foreign Minister of Somaliland
• Faysal Ali Warabe, chairman of the Justice and Welfare Party of Somaliland (UCID)
• Habiiba Ahmed Haaji, vice-manager of the African Educational Trust
• Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal, Somali politician, president (from 1993) of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland
• Hassan Haji Mohamoud, Minister of Education for Somaliland
• Rageh Omaar, Former BBC correspondent, currently an Al Jazeera English Journalist
• Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame 'Hadrawi': Somali poet and philosopher (fl. 2006). Author of Halkaraan; also known as the "Somali Shakespeare"
• Abdillahi Suldaan Mohammed Timacade: Prominent poet during the pre- and post-colonial periods (peak during 1960s).
• Umar Arteh Ghalib, last prime minister of Somalia under the regime of Siad Barre
• Ahmed M. Mahamoud Silanyo, last chairman of the SNM; current chairman of Kulmiye Party in Somaliland
• [[ Sheykh Bashir]: A prominent scholar and freedom fighter who resisted the British.
• Farah Omaar: The true father of Somali Nationalism, who like his good friend Gandhi of India, was the first full-fledged modern politician to emerge among his countrymen and the mentor of the next generation of leaders.
• Kite Fiqi: Tribal warrior who was famed for his courage.
• Abdulrahman Ali (Dubeh Cali yare) A prominet scholar, judge, author, historian, and an expert in the geneology of the Ahlul bayt and of the Ishaq clan in particular.
• Micheal Mariamo: Prominent Politician.
• Saleban Mohamoud ADen"Gal": Somali Politician.
• Mohamed Kahin: SNM Military leader and Politician
• Boqor Buurmadow: One of the three Habar Jeclo Kings.
• Mr. Maxamed Siciid Duale "Dahabshiil": The biggest Somali Banker and a well-known Business
• Ibrahim dhere wll known business man
• Abdilaahi haji hurre the firs somaliland polititian charges russina millater camp in berbera,