Issa (clan)

Issa
عيسى

The Tomb of Sheikh Issa
Regions with significant populations
Languages
Somali, Arabic and French
Religion
Islam
Related ethnic groups
Gadabuursi, other Dir groups and Somali clans

The Issa or Eesah or Aysa (Somali: Ciise, Reer Sheikh Ciise, Arabic: عيسى‎‎) are a Somali clan, and a sub-clan of the Dir. Members primarily reside in Djibouti, Awdal in Somalia, as well as the Shinile Zone located in the Somali Region of Ethiopia and is one of the largest clans of the Dir. Traditionally, they live as nomadic cattle breeders, but they also engage in trade and have contacts throughout the region. The populations of Six major cities of Djibouti: Djibouti City, Ali Sabieh, Arta, Dikhil, Holhol, Ali Adde and Assamo – are predominantly Issa and in Ethiopia: Dire Dawa, Ayesha, Adigale, Erer and Āfdem and Somalia: Zeila and Xariirad. As a sub-clan of the Dir, the Issa clan traces their paternal ancestry to Irir, one of the sons of Samaale.

According to early Islamic books and Somali tradition, the Issa clan was founded in the 14th or 13th century, He settled between Rugay and Maydh in modern-day northernwestern Somalia. The Issa are origins descended of Dir, Irir, son of Samaale eponymous ancestor to Arabian Banu Hashim origins through Aqiil Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib. The Issa were supporters of Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi during his 16th century conquest of Abyssinia, who fought at Antukyah, among other battles. The Issa branch of the Somali represent the largest ethnic group in Djibouti and make up roughly one half of the country's total population. The Issa clan has produced numerous noble Somali men and women over the centuries. In 1884, the territory was occupied by France and given the name "French Somaliland." Mahamoud Harbi was an important spokesman for the independence movement. 1977 continued the Issa of Djibouti's independence through, but not the union with Somalia. Under Hassan Gouled Aptidon to Djibouti became the party state of the People's Rally for Progress (RPP). It was not until 1977 that independence was regained. The Issa in particular, is the only clan with a longstanding tradition of sultan. The Issa use the title "Ugaas" which means sultan and/or king. He has been crowned Zeilan in the northern Somalia. The king does not have a permanent Celestial Court, but he will travel to the clan in Ethiopia and Djibouti. In the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935/36 Issa fought on the Italian side, and benefited in return of weapons, military training and lucrative marketing opportunities for their cattle. In the second half of the 20th Century gave Somalia more weapons to Issa, who see it as part of the Western Somali Liberation Front arming.