View source for Mogadishu

{{short description|Capital and the largest city of Somalia}}
{{About|the capital city of the Federal Republic of Somalia|other uses|Mogadishu (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = 
| official_name      = Mogadishu<br/>{{native name|ar|مقديشو}}
| native_name        = {{native name|so|Muqdisho}}
| other_name         = Xamar ([[Somali language|Somali]])<br>
حمر ([[Arabic]])<br>Mogadiscio ([[Italian language|Italian]])
| settlement_type    = [[Capital city]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
|perrow = 1/2/2/2
|border = infobox
|total_width = 300
|image1 = Lido beach from the sea in Mogadishu.jpg
|caption1 = [[Lido Beach, Mogadishu|Lido beach]]
|image2 = Newly completed apartments in uptown Mogadishu city.jpg
|caption2 = [[Hodan District]]
|image3 = Newly renovated Sayid Mohamed Abdulle monument in Mogadishu.jpg
|caption3 = [[Muhammad Abdullah Hassan| Sayyidka monument]]
|image4 = مسجد علي جمعالي 5 (cropped).jpg
|caption4 = [[Ali Jimale Mosque]]
|image5 = Isbahaysiga Mosque 08.jpg
|caption5 = [[Mosque of Islamic Solidarity | Isbahaysiga Mosque]]
|image6 = Mogadishustadium.jpg
|caption6 = [[Mogadishu Stadium]]
|
|image7 = Mogadishu Sea Port.jpg
|caption7 = [[Port of Mogadishu]]
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of Mogadishu, Somalia.svg
| nickname           = 
| pushpin_map        = Somalia#Africa
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Somalia##Location within Africa
| pushpin_label      = Mogadishu
| pushpin_relief     = 1
| coordinates        = {{coord|02|02|21|N|45|20|31|E|region:SO-BN|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Somalia}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Administrative divisions of Somalia|Region]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon image|Flag of Mogadishu, Somalia.svg|25px}} [[Banaadir]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor of Mogadishu|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Hassan Mohamed Hussein]]<ref>{{cite web |title= Appointed as Banadir Region Governor and Mogadishu Mayor {{!}} sonna.so |url=https://sonna.so/en/president-hassan-sheikh-mohamud-appoints-dr-hassan-mohamed-hussein-muungaab-as-new-banadir-governor-and-mogadishu-mayor/ |website=sonna.so - Latest Somali News & Analysis |date=29 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
| leader_title1      = Mayor
| area_urban_100km2  = 
| elevation_m        = 
| population_total   = 3,262,129
| population_as_of   = 2025
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |title=OCHA Somalia - Subnational Population Statistics |url=https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ps-som}}</ref>
| area_urban_footnotes = <ref name="Dwua"/>
| area_land_km2      = 370
| area_water_km2     = 
| population_blank1_title = Rank
| population_blank1  = [[List_of_cities_in_Somalia_by_population|1st]]
| population_demonym = Mogadishan<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sau2KqpyW04C&q=Mogadishans+concluded |title=African Affairs |date=1947 |publisher=Royal African Society |pages=98 |language=en}}</ref><br> Maqdishawi<ref>{{Cite book |last=Forbes |first=Andrew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vYffX9B0lpIC |title=The Maldives: Kingdom of a Thousand Isles |date=2004 |publisher=Odyssey Publications, Limited |isbn=978-962-217-710-9 |pages=64 |language=en}}</ref>
| blank_name_sec2    = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2021)
| blank_info_sec2    = 0.459<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{cite web |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab |website=hdi.globaldatalab.org |language=en |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=23 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |url-status=live}}</ref><br />{{color|#900|low}} [[List of regions of Somalia by Human Development Index|1st]]
| blank_name         = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank_info         = [[BSh]]
| timezone           = [[East Africa Time|EAT]]
| utc_offset         = +03:00
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 720 AD<ref>{{cite book |last1=Insoll |first1=Timothy |title=The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa |date=July 3, 2003 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |pages=62 |isbn=9780521657020 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=frC8SAu9QxQC&dq=mogadishu+dated&pg=PA62 |quote=Conflicting dates as to the foundation of the city exists. I.M Lewis suggests that along with Brawa Mogadishu was founded in the tenth century. [...] However Jama discounts this tradition on the basis of epigraphic evidence, namely a tombstone of a woman which was found in Mogadishu that was dated to 720CE. |access-date=13 August 2024 |archive-date=3 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003103937/https://books.google.com/books?id=frC8SAu9QxQC&dq=mogadishu+dated&pg=PA62 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| image_map          = {{hidden begin|title=OpenStreetMap|ta1=center}}{{Infobox mapframe|frame-width=250|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=11}}{{hidden end}}
| website            = {{URL|bra.gov.so/}}
| image_shield       = Coat of Arms of Mogadishu City and Banaadir Region.svg
}}

{{EngvarB|date=April 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}

'''Mogadishu''',{{Efn|{{IPAc-en|ˌ|10=uː|16=ʃ|15=ɪ|14=d|13=ˈ|12=-|11=,_|9=ʃ|m|8=iː|7=d|6=ˈ|5=ə|4=ɡ|ɒ|17=-}}, <small>also</small> {{IPAc-en|US|ˌ|m|oʊ|ɡ|-|,_|ˌ|m|ɔː|ɡ|-}};<ref>{{cite RDPCE |page=854}}</ref><ref>{{cite American Heritage Dictionary|Mogadishu |access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Mogadishu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322182225/https://www.lexico.com/definition/mogadishu |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 March 2020 |title=Mogadishu |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> {{langx|so|Muqdisho}}, [[Wadaad's writing|Wadaad]]: {{Script/Arabic|مُقْدِشو}} {{IPA|so|muq'diʃo|}} or {{lang|so|Xamar}}, [[Wadaad's writing|Wadaad]]: {{Script/Arabic|حَمَرْ}} {{IPA|so|ħamar|}}; {{langx|ar|مقديشو}}, [[Italian language|Italian]]: ''Mogadiscio''}} locally known as '''Xamar''' or '''Hamar,''' is the capital and [[List of cities in Somalia by population|most populous city]] of [[Somalia]]. The city has served as an important port connecting traders across the [[Indian Ocean]] for millennia and has an estimated urban population of 4,126,815.<ref name="pop">{{cite web |title=Somalia |work=[[The World Factbook]] |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/somalia/#people-and-society |access-date=6 June 2021 |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] |archive-date=1 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701190026/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/so.html#people-and-society |url-status=live}}</ref>

Mogadishu is located in the coastal [[Banaadir]] region on the [[Indian Ocean]], which, unlike other Somali regions, is considered a municipality rather than a {{transliteration|ar|maamul goboleed}} (federal state).<ref>Akanni, O. F., et al. "Access to Agricultural Information among Rural Farmers–A Case of Ido Local Government Area Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria." International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology 5.6 (2019).</ref>

Mogadishu has a long history, which ranges from the [[ancient history|ancient period]] up until the present, serving as the capital of the [[Sultanate of Mogadishu]] in the 9th-13th century, which for many centuries controlled the [[Indian Ocean]] gold trade and eventually came under the [[Ajuran Sultanate]] in the 13th century which was an important player in the medieval [[Silk Road]] maritime trade. Mogadishu enjoyed the height of its prosperity during the 14th and 15th centuries<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lewis |first=I. M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eK6SBJIckIsC&q=Oman+suzerainty+mogadishu&pg=PA18 |title=A Pastoral Democracy: A Study of Pastoralism and Politics Among the Northern Somali of the Horn of Africa |date=1999 |publisher=James Currey Publishers |isbn=978-0-85255-280-3 |language=en |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041023/https://books.google.com/books?id=eK6SBJIckIsC&q=Oman+suzerainty+mogadishu&pg=PA18 |url-status=live }}</ref>  and was during the [[early modern period]] considered the wealthiest city on the [[East Africa]]n coast, as well as the center of a thriving [[textile]] industry.<ref>Horn and Crescent Cultural Change and Traditional Islam on the East African Coast, by Randall L. Pouwels – Notes to Pages 37–40</ref> In the 17th century, Mogadishu and parts of southern Somalia fell under the [[Hiraab Imamate]]. In the 19th century, it came under the [[Sultanate of the Geledi]]'s sphere of influence.

In 1894, the Somali chief signed a treaty of peace, friendship, and protection with Filonardi of the Commercial Company of Benadir.<ref name="Italy Parlamento">{{Cite book|title=Atti Parlimentari|last=Parlamento|first=Italy|year=1897|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xSxRAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA34-PA236|page=234|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=5 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305034057/https://books.google.com/books?id=xSxRAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA34-PA236|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Somalia e Benadir">{{Cite book|title=Somalia e Benadir viaggio di esplorazione nell'Africa orientale Prima traversata della Somalia compiuta per incarico della Societa geografica italiana|last=Robecchi Bricchetti|first=Luigi|year=1899|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TmUMAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA522|page=522|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=5 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305034057/https://books.google.com/books?id=TmUMAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA522|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=" Ricordi Del Benadir">{{Cite book|title=Ricordi del Benadir|last=Sorrentino|first=Giorgio|year=1912|url=https://ibb.co/gdg1DRF|page=32|access-date=15 July 2022|archive-date=15 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715163919/https://ibb.co/gdg1DRF|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The onset of [[Italian Somaliland|Italian colonial rule]] occurred in stages, with treaties signed in the 1880s followed by economic engagement between Somali clans and the Commercial Company of Benadir, and then direct governance by the [[Italian Empire]] after 1906, [[British Military Administration (Somaliland)|British Military Administration of Somalia]] after [[World War II]] and the [[Trust Territory of Somaliland]] administered by [[Italy]] in the 1950s.<ref>Urbano, Annalisa. "A "Grandiose Future for Italian Somalia": Colonial Developmentalist Discourse, Agricultural Planning, and Forced Labor (1900–1940)." International Labor and Working-Class History 92 (2017): 69–88.</ref>

This was followed by independence in 1960, the [[Somali Democratic Republic]] era during [[Siad Barre]]'s presidency (1969–1991). The three-decade long [[Somali Civil War]] afterwards devastated the city. In the late 2010s and 2020s, a period of major reconstruction commenced.

==Etymology==
The origins of the name ''Mogadishu'' (Muqdisho)<ref>{{Cite book |title=Somalia, a Country Study |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |year=1982 |editor-last=D. Nelson |editor-first=Harold |edition=3rd |pages=xii}}</ref> is thought to possibly be derived from a morphology of the [[Somali language|Somali]] words ''Muuq'' and ''Disho,'' which mean "sight killer" or "blinder", possibly referring to the city's blinding beauty. The 16th century explorer [[Leo Africanus]] knew the city as ''Magadazo'' (alt. ''Magadoxo'') and described it as a "beautiful, rich place".<ref name="Leo">{{cite book |author1=Leo Africanus |url=https://archive.org/stream/historyanddescr03porygoog#page/n180/mode/2up |title=The History and Description of Africa |date=1526 |publisher=Hakluyt Society |pages=51–54 |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Madden |first=Duncan |title=Found in translation: the unexpected origins of place names |date=2022 |publisher=Chambers |isbn=978-1-5293-6993-9 |location=London}}</ref> Another theory is that the name consists of two Somali words, ''Maqal'' and ''Disho'', meaning "the place where sheep are slaughtered".<ref name=":0">{{Citation |last=Farah |first=Nuruddin |title=Of tamarind and cosmopolitanism! |date=2002 |work=Witness Literature |page=75 |url=https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/9789812706515_0006 |publisher=WORLD SCIENTIFIC |doi=10.1142/9789812706515_0006 |isbn=978-981-238-168-2|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The name used by the locals is Xamar (Hamar), which may refer to the color red. This could be in reference to the reddish environment and hills, meaning a city that was built on red sand.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Lems |first=Annika |title=Being-here: placemaking in a world of movement |date=2018 |publisher=Berghahn |isbn=978-1-78533-849-6 |series=EASA series |location=New York |pages=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Rawlence |first=Ben |title=City of thorns: nine lives in the world's largest refugee camp |date=2016 |publisher=Picador |isbn=978-1-250-06763-0 |location=New York}}</ref> The early neighborhood of [[Hamar Weyne, Mogadishu|Hamar Weyne]] combines two words, hamar (red) and wein(big).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dualeh Jama |first=Ahmed |url=https://arcadia.sba.uniroma3.it/bitstream/2307/5689/1/The%20Origins%20and%20Development%20of%20Mogadishu%20AD%201000%20to%201850.pdf |title=The Origins and Development of Mogadishu AD 1000 to 1850 |publisher=Uppsala University |year=1996 |pages=35}}</ref> It is also the Somali word for tamarind.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://arcadia.sba.uniroma3.it/bitstream/2307/5177/1/Somali-English%20Dictionary%20-%20Larajasse_%20Sampont.pdf |title=Somali-English and English-Somali dictionary |pages=64}}</ref>

In [[Abyssinia]], the city of Mogadishu and its surrounding area were known as ''Machidas''. A powerful kingdom, with which the Abyssinians were frequently at war, once thrived there.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=William |first1=Darby |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E3Q2AQAAMAAJ&q=Machidas |title=Universal Gazetteer of the World: A Dictionary, Geographical, Historical and Statistical : Articles Relating to the United States Have Been Very Largely Extended, Embracing Every County with the Elements of Their Population Arranged in Tables from the Census of 1840 : Also the Census of 1850 |last2=Darby |first2=William |date=1852 |publisher=Z. & B.F. Pratt |pages=29 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Robert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aEkrWjIT3_gC&q=Machidas |title=Géographie: dédiée et présentée à Monseigneur le Comte de Vergennes |date=1784 |publisher=chez Panckoucke, libraire |pages=268 |language=fr}}</ref> Described as a fine city built at a short distance from the seashore, ''Machidas'' was located to the north of [[Zanguebar]] and featured a king’s palace, several [[Mosque|mosques]] and houses of stone painted in [[fresco]] with terraced flat roofs.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S21IAAAAYAAJ&q=Machidas |title=Notices et extraits des manuscrits de la Bibliothèque du roi |date=1789 |publisher=Imprimerie royale. |pages=406 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Malte-Brun |first=Conrad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ntEAQAAMAAJ&q=Machidas |title=Universal Geography, Or, a Description of All the Parts of the World, on a New Plan: Africa and adjacent islands |date=1823 |publisher=A. Black |pages=408 |language=en}}</ref> The name ''Machidas'' also appears on maps from the 18th- and 19th-centuries.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Miller |first=J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=62kDAAAAQAAJ&q=Machidas |title=The new London universal gazetteer, or alphabetical geography (by J. Miller). The engr. title-page, dated 1826, reads] The universal gazetteer |date=1827 |pages=24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bonne |first=Rigobert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=52tkAAAAcAAJ&q=Machida |title=ATLAS ENCYCLOPÉDIQUE, CONTENANT LA GÉOGRAPHIE ANCIENNE, ET QUELQUES CARTES SUR LA GÉOGRAPHIE DU MOYEN AGE, LA GEOGRAPHIE MODERNE, ET LES CARTES RELATIVES A LA GÉORGRAPHIE PHYSIQUE |date=1788 |publisher=Hôtel de Thou, rue des Poitevins |pages=65 |language=fr}}</ref>

Arabic sources record Mogadishu as Maqdīshū (مَقْدِيشُو).<ref name="IdrisiArabic1">{{cite book | last=Al-Idrisi | first=Muhammad | title=نزهة المشتاق في اختراق الآفاق (Nuzhat al-Mushtaq fī Ikhtirāq al-Āfāq) | publisher=Al-Maktabah al-ʿAsriyyah | language=ar | year=2001}}</ref> The book ''An Azanian Trio'' suggests a link to the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] ''mqdsh'' ("holy place”), possibly tied to chronicles of two rabbis in the city's early history.<ref name="AzanianTrio2019">{{cite book |title=An Azanian Trio: Three East African Arabic Historical Documents |date=2019 |publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-25860-0 |series=Middle East and Islamic Studies E-Books Online, Collection 2019, ISBN: 9789004386341 |location=Leiden; Boston |translator-last=Ritchie |translator-first=James McL |translator-last2=Sicard |translator-first2=Sigvard von |url=https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/54541?language=en |access-date=2025-06-11}}</ref>

==History==
===Antiquity===
{{Main|Sarapion|History of Mogadishu|Maritime history of Somalia}}

[[File:Fakr Ud Din Mosque.jpg|thumb|19th century engraving of the 13th century [[Fakr ad-Din Mosque]] built by Fakr ad-Din, the first Sultan of the [[Sultanate of Mogadishu]]]]

====Sarapion====
The ancient city of [[Sarapion]] is believed to have been the predecessor state of Mogadishu. It is mentioned in the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'', a Greek travel document dating from the first century AD, as one of a series of commercial ports on the Somali littoral.{{sfn|Jama|1962|p=19}} According to the ''Periplus'', maritime trade already connected peoples in the Mogadishu area with other communities along the Indian Ocean.{{sfn|Huntingford|1980|p=94}}<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Joseph |first1=Dan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5aBxDwAAQBAJ&q=sarapion&pg=PA7 |title=Inside Al-Shabaab: The Secret History of Al-Qaeda's Most Powerful Ally |last2=Maruf |first2=Harun |date=2018-10-01 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-03751-0 |pages=7 |language=en}}</ref>

During ancient times Mogadishu was part of the [[Somali maritime history|Somali city-states]] that engaged in a lucrative trade network connecting [[Somali people|Somali]] merchants with [[Phoenicia]], [[Ptolemaic Kingdom|Ptolemic Egypt]], Greece, [[Parthia|Parthian Persia]], [[Sabaeans]], [[Nabataea]] and the [[Roman Empire]]. Somali sailors used the ancient Somali maritime vessel known as the ''[[beden]]'' to transport their cargo.<ref name="ReferenceA">Journal of African History p.50 by John Donnelly Fage and Roland Anthony Oliver</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Bellini |first1=Oscar Eugenio |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CfycEAAAQBAJ&q=sarapion&pg=PA55 |title=Innovative Approach for the Development of Sustainable Settlements in East Africa: Affordable Housing for Mogadishu |last2=Campioli |first2=Andrea |last3=Pero |first3=Claudio Del |last4=Talamo |first4=Cinzia M. L. |last5=Chiaroni |first5=Davide |last6=Guidarini |first6=Stefano |last7=Magni |first7=Camillo |date=2022-11-19 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-031-00284-7 |pages=55 |language=en |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522134644/https://books.google.com/books?id=CfycEAAAQBAJ&q=sarapion&pg=PA55#v=snippet&q=sarapion&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Foundation and origins===
The founding ethnicity of Mogadishu and its subsequent sultanate has been a topic of intrigue in [[Somali Studies]]. [[Ioan Lewis]] and [[Enrico Cerulli]] believed that the city was founded and ruled by a council of Arab and Persian families.<ref name="LewisPeoples">I.M. Lewis, ''Peoples of the Horn of Africa: Somali, Afar, and Saho, Issue 1'', (International African Institute: 1955), p. 47.</ref><ref name="LewisModern">I.M. Lewis, ''The modern history of Somaliland: from nation to state'', (Weidenfeld & Nicolson: 1965), p. 37</ref><ref>Renewers of the Age Holy Men and Social Discourse in Colonial Benaadir - Page 44</ref> However, the reference I.M Lewis and Cerulli received traces back to one 19th century text called the Kitab Al-Zunuj, which has been discredited by modern scholars as unreliable and unhistorical.<ref>H. Neville Chittick, "The East Coast, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean", in [[John Fage|J. D. Fage]] and R. Oliver (eds.), ''The Cambridge History of Africa, Volume 3: From c.1050 to c. 1600'' (Cambridge University Press, 1977), pp. 183–231, at 194–195 and 198. ''The account in the [[Book of the Zanj]] of pre-Islamic immigration of Arabs from Himyar in southern Arabia, their founding of most of the more important towns of the coast from Mogadishu to Mombasa, and also Kilwa, together with their subsequent conversion to Islam, is uncorroborated by other sources and unsupported by the archaeological evidence and must be dismissed as unhistorical. The suggestion that these families must have come from Siraf to the Somali coast before the eleventh century must therefore be regarded as unproven''.</ref><ref>The Cambridge History of Africa, Volum 3 – Page 198</ref><ref>The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa By Timothy Insoll – Page 62</ref><ref>Gervase Mathew, "The East African Coast until the Coming of the Portuguese", in R. Oliver and G. Mathew (eds.), ''History of East Africa'', Volume 1 (Clarendon Press, 1963), pp. 94–127, at 102.</ref> More importantly, it contradicts oral, ancient written sources and archaeological evidence on the pre-existing civilizations and communities that flourished on the Somali coast, and to which were the forefathers of Mogadishu and other coastal cities. Thus, the Persian and Arab founding "myths" are regarded as an outdated false colonialist reflection on Africans ability to create their own sophisticated states.<ref name="Jama">{{cite book |last=Jama |first=Ahmed |title=The Origins and Development of Mogadishu AD 1000 to 1850: A Study of the Urban Growth Along the Benadir Coast of Southern Somalia |year=1996 |publisher=Uppsala University |page=33 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AJsSAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA33 |volume=12 |series=Studies in African archaeology |issn=0284-5040 |isbn=9789150611236 |access-date=28 September 2023 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928111614/https://books.google.com/books?id=AJsSAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA33 |url-status=live }}</ref> It has now been widely accepted that there were already communities on the Somali coast with ethnic Somali leadership, to whom the Arab and Persian families had to ask for permission to settle in their cities. It also seems the local Somalis retained their political and numerical superiority on the coast while the Muslim immigrants would go through an assimilation process by adopting the local language and culture.<ref>Cities of the Middle East and North Africa: A Historical Encyclopedia edited by Michael Dumper, Bruce E. Stanley Page 252</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Janzen |first1=Jörg |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DZJPm2j2iz4C&dq=mogadishu+benadiri+people&pg=PA13 |title=What are Somalia's Development Perspectives?: Science Between Resignation and Hope? : Proceedings of the 6th SSIA Congress, Berlin 6-9 December 1996 |last2=Vitzthum |first2=Stella von |date=2001 |publisher=Verlag Hans Schiler |isbn=978-3-86093-230-8 |pages=13 |language=en |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522134747/https://books.google.com/books?id=DZJPm2j2iz4C&dq=mogadishu+benadiri+people&pg=PA13#v=onepage&q=mogadishu%20benadiri%20people&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mogadishu along with [[Zeila]] and other Somali coastal cities was founded upon an indigenous network involving hinterland trade and that happened even before significant Arab migrations or trade with the Somali coast. That goes back approximately four thousand years and are supported by archaeological and textual evidences.<ref>{{Cite book|series=University College London Institute of Archaeology Publications|last=Mire|first=Sada|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J6nODwAAQBAJ&pg=PA129|title=Divine Fertility: The Continuity in Transformation of an Ideology of Sacred Kinship in Northeast Africa|date=2020|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-429-76924-5|page=129|access-date=6 June 2023|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606063336/https://books.google.com/books?id=J6nODwAAQBAJ&pg=PA129|url-status=live}}</ref>

This is corroborated by the first century AD Greek document the [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]], detailing multiple prosperous port cities in ancient Somalia, as well as the identification of ancient [[Sarapion]] with the city that would later be known as Mogadishu.<ref>Making Sense of Somali History: Volume 1 – Page 48</ref> When [[Ibn Battuta]] visited the Sultanate in the 14th century, he identified the Sultan as being of [[Barbaria (East Africa)|Barbara]] origin,<ref>The Travels of Ibn Battuta, A.D. 1325–1354: Volume II Page 375</ref> an ancient term to describe the ancestors of the [[Somali people]]. According to Ross E. Dunn neither Mogadishu, or any other city on the coast could be considered alien enclaves of Arabs or Persians, but were in-fact African towns.<ref>The Adventures of Ibn Battuta: A Muslim Traveller of the Fourteenth Century Page 124</ref>

[[Yaqut al-Hamawi]], a Muslim medieval geographer in the year 1220 describes Mogadishu as the most prominent town on the coast. Yaqut also mentioned Mogadishu as being a town inhabited by Berbers, described as "dark-skinned" and considered ancestors of modern Somalis.<ref>The History of Somalia – Page 36 by Raphael Chijioke Njoku · 2013</ref> By the thirteenth century, [[Ibn Sa'id al-Maghribi|Ibn Sa'id]] described Mogadishu, [[Merca]] and [[Barawa]] located in the Benadir coast had become Islamic and commercial centers in the [[Indian Ocean]]. He said the local people in the Benadir coast and the interior were predominantly inhabited by [[Somalis]] with a minority of Arab, Persian and Indian merchants living in the coastal towns.<ref name="Fage et al 139">{{cite book |last=Fage |first=J.D |title=The Cambridge History of Africa |year=1977 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |page=139 |isbn=9780521209816 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GWjxR61xAe0C&pg=PA139 |access-date=28 September 2023 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928111615/https://books.google.com/books?id=GWjxR61xAe0C&pg=PA139 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ibn al-Mujawir]] mentions the Banu Majid who fled the Mundhiriya region in Yemen in the year 1159 and settled in Mogadishu and also traders from the port towns of Abyan and Haram.<ref>{{cite book |last=Fage |first=J.D |title=The Cambridge History of Africa |year=1977 |publisher=Cambridge University Press  |isbn=9780521209816 }}</ref>

Mogadishu is traditionally inhabited by four clans. These are the Moorshe, Iskashato, DhabarWeyne, and the Bandawow.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Reese |first=Scott Steven |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fb4UYAPUhYoC&q=Ajuran+morshow |title=Renewers of the Age: Holy Men and Social Discourse in Colonial Benaadir |date=2008 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-16729-2 |pages=65 |language=en}}</ref> Moorshe is regarded the oldest group in Mogadishu and is considered to be a sub-clan of [[Ajuran (clan)|Ajuran]] who established one of the most powerful medieval kingdoms in Africa,  the [[Ajuran Sultanate]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Reese |first=Scott Steven |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UeuwAAAAIAAJ&q=Amin+journey |title=Patricians of the Benaadir: Islamic Learning, Commerce and Somali Urban Identity in the Nineteenth Century |date=1996 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania |pages=176 |language=en}}</ref> The Gibil Madow (Dark Skins) faction of the Benadiri are said to hail from the Somali clan groups from inland which make up the majority of Benadiris with a small minority being Gibil Cads (Light Skins) which descend from Muslim immigrants.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=idcVAQAAIAAJ&q=gibil+madow |title=Understanding Somalia and Somaliland: Culture, History, Society By I'M Lewis |isbn=9781850658986 |access-date=5 November 2020 |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309215434/https://books.google.nl/books?hl=no&id=idcVAQAAIAAJ&dq=morshe+mogadishu+oldest&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=gibil+madow |url-status=live |last1=Lewis |first1=I. M. |year=2008 |publisher=Hurst }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.landinfo.no/asset/1091/1/1091_1.pdf |title=Reer Xamar |access-date=5 November 2020 |archive-date=23 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923194540/https://www.landinfo.no/asset/1091/1/1091_1.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Medieval Period ===
====Mogadishu Sultanate====
[[File:Mogadishan currency.JPG|thumb|right|100px|[[Mogadishu currency|Mogadishan currency]]]]
The Mogadishu Sultanate was a [[History of Somalia#Medieval|medieval]] [[Somalis|Somali]] sultanate centered in southern [[Somalia]]. It rose as one of the pre-eminent powers in the [[Horn of Africa]] under the rule of Fakhr ad-Din before becoming part of the expanding [[Ajuran Sultanate|Ajuran Empire]] in the 13th century.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Abdurahman |first=Abdillahi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X1dDDwAAQBAJ&q=mogadishu+ajuran+province&pg=PA62 |date=25 February 2003 |title=Making Sense of Somali History |volume=1 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-1-909112-79-7 |language=en |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041026/https://books.google.com/books?id=X1dDDwAAQBAJ&q=mogadishu+ajuran+province&pg=PA62 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Mogadishu Sultanate maintained a vast trading network, dominated the regional [[gold]] trade, minted its own [[Mogadishu currency|currency]], and left an extensive architectural legacy in present-day southern Somalia.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jenkins |first1=Everett |title=The Muslim Diaspora (Volume 2, 1500–1799): A Comprehensive Chronolog |date=1 July 2000 |publisher=Mcfarland |page=49 |isbn=9781476608891 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kSYkCQAAQBAJ&q=military+assistance+sultanate+of+mogadishu+adal&pg=PA49 |access-date=22 January 2017 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041024/https://books.google.com/books?id=kSYkCQAAQBAJ&q=military+assistance+sultanate+of+mogadishu+adal&pg=PA49 |url-status=live }}</ref> A local city-state with much influence over the hinterland neighbouring coastal towns.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Fage |first1=J. D. |last2=Oliver |first2=Roland |title=The Cambridge history of Africa, volume 3 |url=https://archive.org/details/cambridgehistory03fage |access-date=7 August 2020 |via=Internet Archive |year=1975 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=9780521209816 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldcivilization/chapter/the-sultanates-of-somalia/ |title=The Sultanates of Somalia {{!}} World Civilization |website=courses.lumenlearning.com |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203065252/https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldcivilization/chapter/the-sultanates-of-somalia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:Coral house mogadishu.JPG|thumb|170px|right|Entrance of a [[coral]] stone house in Mogadishu]]
For many years Mogadishu functioned as the pre-eminent city in the {{lang|ar|بلد البربر}} (''Bilad al Barbar'' – "Land of the [[Berber people|Berbers]]"), as medieval Arabic-speakers named the Somali coast.<ref>{{Cite book|editor1-last=Elfasi|editor1-first=M.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tw0Q0tg0QLoC&pg=PA600|title=Africa from the Seventh to the Eleventh Century|editor2-last=Hrbek|editor2-first=Ivan|author=Unesco International Scientific Committee for the Drafting of a General History of Africa|date=1988|publisher=UNESCO|isbn=978-92-3-101709-4|page=600|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606064015/https://books.google.com/books?id=tw0Q0tg0QLoC&pg=PA600|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Sanjay Subrahmanyam, ''The Career and Legend of Vasco Da Gama'', (Cambridge University Press: 1998), p. 121.</ref><ref>J. D. Fage, Roland Oliver, Roland Anthony Oliver, ''The Cambridge History of Africa'', (Cambridge University Press: 1977), p. 190.</ref><ref>[[George Wynn Brereton Huntingford]], Agatharchides, ''The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea: With Some Extracts from Agatharkhidēs "On the Erythraean Sea"'', (Hakluyt Society: 1980), p. 83.</ref> Following his visit to the city, the 12th-century [[Syria]]n historian [[Yaqut al-Hamawi]] (a former slave of Greek origin) wrote a global history of many places he visited Mogadishu and called it the richest and most powerful city in the region and was an Islamic center across the [[Indian Ocean]].<ref>Roland Anthony Oliver, J. D. Fage, ''Journal of African history, Volume 7'', (Cambridge University Press.: 1966), p. 30.</ref><ref>I.M. Lewis, ''A modern history of Somalia: nation and state in the Horn of Africa'', 2nd edition, revised, illustrated, (Westview Press: 1988), p. 20.</ref>
[[File:Muzzaffar (Mogadishu area) flag according to 1576 Portuguese map.svg|thumb|left|Flag of the Mogadishu area according to a 1576 map by [[Fernão Vaz Dourado]]]]
[[File:Ancient-Almnara.jpg|thumb|right|Almnara Tower, Mogadishu]]

====Medieval Mogadishu====
During his travels, [[ibn Sa'id al-Maghribi]] (1213–1286) noted that Mogadishu city had already become the leading Islamic centre in the region.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Dumper, Bruce E. Stanley |title=Cities of the Middle East and North Africa: A Historical Encyclopedia |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2007 |location=US |page=252}}</ref> By the time of the [[Tangier]] born traveller [[ibn Battuta]]'s appearance on the [[coastline of Somalia]] in 1331, the city was at the zenith of its prosperity. He described Mogadishu as "an exceedingly large city" with many rich merchants, which was famous for its high quality [[textile|fabric]] that it exported to [[Mamluk Sultanate]]-ruled [[Egypt]], among other places.<ref>P. L. Shinnie, ''The African Iron Age'', (Clarendon Press: 1971), p.135</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor=Helen Chapin Metz |editor-link=Helen Chapin Metz |url=https://archive.org/details/somaliacountryst00metz |title=Somalia: A Country Study |publisher=Federal Research Division, Library of Congress |year=1992 |isbn=978-0844407753 |location=US}}</ref> He also describes the hospitality of the people of Mogadishu and how locals would put travellers up in their home to help the local economy.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Battutah |first1=Ibn |title=The Travels of Ibn Battutah |date=2002 |publisher=Picador |isbn=9780330418799 |location=London |pages=88–89}}</ref> Battuta added that the city was ruled by a Somali [[sultan]], Abu Bakr ibn Shaikh 'Umar,<ref name="Versteegh">{{cite book |last=Versteegh |first=Kees |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OWQOAQAAMAAJ |title=Encyclopedia of Arabic language and linguistics, Volume 4 |publisher=Brill |year=2008 |isbn=978-9004144767 |page=276 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016014246/https://books.google.com/books?id=OWQOAQAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Laisas">David D. Laitin, Said S. Samatar, ''Somalia: Nation in Search of a State'', (Westview Press: 1987), p. 15.</ref> He noted that Sultan Abu Bakr had dark skin complexion and spoke in his native tongue (Somali) but was also fluent in Arabic.<ref name="Bulliet 313">{{cite book |last=Bulliet |first=Richard |title=The Earth and Its Peoples, Brief Edition, Complete |year=2011 |publisher=Cengage Learning |pages=313 |isbn=978-1133171102 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bec8AAAAQBAJ&q=abu+bakr+had+skin+darker+than+his+own+and+spoke+a+different+native+language+%28Somali%29&pg=PA313 |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115041605/https://books.google.com/books?id=Bec8AAAAQBAJ&q=abu+bakr+had+skin+darker+than+his+own+and+spoke+a+different+native+language+(Somali)&pg=PA313 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Laisas" /><ref>Chapurukha Makokha Kusimba, ''The Rise and Fall of Swahili States'', (AltaMira Press: 1999), p.58</ref> The Sultan also had a retinue of [[vizier]]s, legal experts, commanders, royal [[eunuch]]s, and other officials at his beck and call.<ref name="Laisas" /> [[Ibn Khaldun]] (1332 to 1406) noted in his book that Mogadishu was a massive [[metropolis]]. He also claimed that the city was very populous with many wealthy [[merchants]].<ref name="Ibn Khaldun">{{cite book |last=Brett |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6r9mAAAAMAAJ&q=ibn+khaldun+book |title=Ibn Khaldun and the Medieval Maghrib |date=1 January 1999 |publisher=Ashgate/Variorum |isbn=9780860787723 |access-date=6 April 2018 |via=Google Books |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041025/https://books.google.com/books?id=6r9mAAAAMAAJ&q=ibn+khaldun+book |url-status=live }}</ref>

This period gave birth to notable figures like [[Abd al-Aziz of Mogadishu]]  who was described as the governor and island chief of [[Maldives]] by ibn Battuta.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Forbes |first1=Andrew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vYffX9B0lpIC&q=aziz+mogadishu+ibn+battuta |title=The Maldives: Kingdom of a Thousand Isles |last2=Bishop |first2=Kevin |date=2004 |publisher=Odyssey |isbn=978-962-217-710-9 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041025/https://books.google.com/books?id=vYffX9B0lpIC&q=aziz+mogadishu+ibn+battuta |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhatt |first=Purnima Mehta |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PucrDwAAQBAJ&q=aziz+mogadishu+ibn+battuta&pg=PT63 |title=The African Diaspora in India: Assimilation, Change and Cultural Survivals |date=5 September 2017 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-351-37365-4 |language=en |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041025/https://books.google.com/books?id=PucrDwAAQBAJ&q=aziz+mogadishu+ibn+battuta&pg=PT63 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s61AAAAAYAAJ&q=Abd+al+-+Aziz+al+-+Makdashawi |title=Kenya Past and Present |date=1980 |publisher=Kenya Museum Society |language=en |access-date=20 September 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041026/https://books.google.com/books?id=s61AAAAAYAAJ&q=Abd+al+-+Aziz+al+-+Makdashawi |url-status=live }}</ref> After him is named the Abdul-Aziz Mosque of Mogadishu, which survived for centuries.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ikL0ImjztDsC&q=aziz+mogadishu+ibn+battuta |title=The Somali Nation and Abyssinian Colonialism |date=1978 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somali Democratic Republic |language=en |access-date=20 September 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041026/https://books.google.com/books?id=ikL0ImjztDsC&q=aziz+mogadishu+ibn+battuta |url-status=live }}</ref>

The island's appellation "Madagascar" is not of local origin but rather was popularized in the [[Middle Ages]] by Europeans.<ref name="Cousins">Cousins (1895), pp. 11–12</ref> The name ''Madageiscar'' was first recorded in the memoirs of 13th-century Venetian explorer [[Marco Polo]] as a corrupted transliteration of the name Mogadishu, the famous port with which Polo had confused the island.<ref name="Room 2006, p. 230">Room (2006), p. 230</ref>

[[Vasco da Gama]], who passed by Mogadishu in the 15th century, noted that it was a large city with houses of four or five storeys high and large palaces in its centre and many mosques with cylindrical minarets.<ref>{{cite book |author=E. G. Ravenstein |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AwcPInJC__gC&pg=PA88 |title=A Journal of the First Voyage of Vasco Da Gama, 1497–1499 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-108-01296-6 |page=88 |access-date=21 April 2024 }}</ref> In the 16th century, [[Duarte Barbosa]] noted that many ships from the Kingdom of [[History of Gujarat#Muslim Period|Cambaya]] sailed to Mogadishu with cloths and spices for which they in return received [[gold]], [[wax]] and [[ivory]]. Barbosa also highlighted the abundance of meat, wheat, barley, horses, and fruit on the coastal markets, which generated enormous wealth for the merchants.<ref>East Africa and its Invaders pg.38{{Full citation needed|date=October 2016}}</ref> Mogadishu, the center of a thriving weaving industry known as ''toob benadir'' (specialized for the markets in Egypt and [[Syria]]),<ref>{{cite journal |title=Gujarat and the Trade of East Africa, c. 1500–1800 |first=Edward A. |last=Alpers |journal=The International Journal of African Historical Studies |volume=9 |issue=1 |pages=22–44 |date=1976 |doi=10.2307/217389 |jstor=217389}}</ref> together with [[Merca]] and [[Barawa]] also served as transit stops for [[Swahili people|Swahili]] merchants from [[Mombasa]] and [[Malindi]] and for the gold trade from [[Kilwa Kisiwani|Kilwa]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Harris |first=Nigel |title=The Return of Cosmopolitan Capital: Globalization, the State and War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S3oyoVIIlMQC&pg=PA22 |year=2003 |publisher=I.B.Tauris |isbn=978-1-86064-786-4 |page=22 |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106124754/https://books.google.com/books?id=S3oyoVIIlMQC&pg=PA22 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Jews|Jewish]] merchants from [[Ormus]] also brought their Indian textile and fruit to the Somali coast in exchange for [[grain]] and wood.<ref>{{cite book |last=Barendse |first=Rene J. |title=The Arabian Seas: The Indian Ocean World of the Seventeenth Century: The Indian Ocean World of the Seventeenth Century |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G3ClDAAAQBAJ&pg=PP1 |year=2002 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-317-45835-7 |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-date=18 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418005713/https://books.google.com/books?id=G3ClDAAAQBAJ&pg=PP1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Duarte Barbosa]], the famous Portuguese traveller, wrote about Mogadishu (c 1517–1518):<ref>{{Cite book |last=Abdullahi |first=Mohamed Diriye |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2Nu918tYMB8C&q=Portugees+Duarte+Barbosa+mogadishu&pg=PA18 |title=Culture and Customs of Somalia |date=2001 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-313-31333-2 |language=en |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329041026/https://books.google.com/books?id=2Nu918tYMB8C&q=Portugees+Duarte+Barbosa+mogadishu&pg=PA18 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Blockquote|It has a king over it, and is a place of great trade in merchandise. Ships come there from the kingdom of Cambay (India) and from Aden with stuffs of all kinds, and with spices. And they carry away from there much gold, ivory, beeswax, and other things upon which they make a profit. In this town there is plenty of meat, wheat, barley, and horses, and much fruit: it is a very rich place.|sign=|source=|title=}}

In 1542, the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] commander João de Sepúvelda led a small fleet on an [[Battle of Benadir|expedition to the Somali coast]]. During this expedition, he briefly attacked Mogadishu, capturing an Ottoman ship and firing upon the city, which compelled the sultan of Mogadishu to sign a peace treaty with the Portuguese.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Schurhammer|first1=Georg|date=1977|title=Francis Xavier: His Life, His Times. Volume II: India, 1541–1545|translator-last=Costelloe|translator-first=Joseph|location=Rome|publisher=Jesuit Historical Institute|url=https://archive.org/details/fx-schurhammer2/page/n117/mode/1up}} pp. 98–99. See also {{cite book|last1=Strandes|first1=Justus|date=1968|title=The Portuguese Period in East Africa|edition=2nd|series=Transactions of the Kenya History Society|volume=2|location=Nairobi|publisher=East African Literature Bureau|oclc=19225}} pp. 111–112.</ref>

According to the 16th-century explorer, [[Leo Africanus]] indicates that the native inhabitants of the Mogadishu polity were of the same origins as the denizens of the northern people of [[Zeila]] the capital of [[Adal Sultanate]]. They were generally tall with an olive skin complexion, some darker. They would wear traditional rich white silk wrapped around their bodies and have Islamic turbans, and coastal people only wore sarongs and wrote in [[Arabic]] as a [[lingua franca]]. Their weaponry consisted of traditional Somali weapons such as [[sword]]s, [[dagger]]s, [[spear]]s, [[battle axe]], and [[bow and arrow]]s. However, they received assistance from its close ally, the [[Ottoman Empire]], and with the import of firearms such as [[musket]]s and [[cannon]]s. Most were Muslims, although a few adhered to [[Waaq|pre-Islamic beliefs]]; there were also some [[Orthodox Tewahedo|Orthodox Tewahedo Christians]] further inland. Mogadishu itself was a wealthy, and well-built city-state, which maintained commercial trade with kingdoms across the world.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Njoku |first=Raphael Chijioke |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FlL2vE_qRQ8C&q=portuguese+mogadishu&pg=PA39 |title=The History of Somalia |date=2013 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-0-313-37857-7 |language=en |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522143208/https://books.google.com/books?id=FlL2vE_qRQ8C&q=portuguese+mogadishu&pg=PA39 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[metropolis]] city was surrounded by walled stone fortifications.<ref name="Leo Africanus source">{{cite web |last=(Africanus) |first=Leo |date=6 April 1969 |title=A Geographical Historie of Africa |url=https://archive.org/stream/historyanddescr03porygoog#page/n180/mode/2up |access-date=6 April 2018 |publisher=Theatrum Orbis Terrarum |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Dunn |first=Ross E. |url=https://archive.org/details/adventuresofibnb00ross_0 |title=The Adventures of Ibn Battuta |publisher=[[University of California]] |year=1987 |isbn=978-0-520-05771-5 |location=Berkeley |page=373 |url-access=registration}}, p. 125</ref>

The [[Ajuran Sultanate]] collapsed in the 17th century due to heavy taxation against their subjects, which started a rebellion. The ex-subjects became a new wave of Somali migrants, the [[Abgaal]], moved both into the [[Shebelle River]] basin and Mogadishu. A new political elite led by [[Abgaal]] Yaquub [[imam]]s, with ties to the new leaders in the interior, moved into the [[Shangani District]] of the city. Remnants of the [[Ajuran (clan)|Ajuran]] lived in the other key-quarters of [[Hamar Weyne District]]. Ajuran merchants began to look for new linkages and regional trade opportunities since the Abgaal had commandeered the existing trading networks.<ref>Enrico, Cerulli, How a Hawiye tribe used to live, Chapter 4, scritti vari editi ed inediti, Vol. 2, edited by Enrico Cerulli, Roma</ref><ref>Lee V. Cassanelli, Towns and Trading centres in Somalia: A Nomadic perspective, Philadelphia, 1980, pp. 8–9.</ref>

===Early Modern period (1700s–1900s)===
==== Hiraab Imamate ====
By the 17th century, the [[Hiraab Imamate]] was a powerful kingdom that ruled large parts of southern and central Somalia. It successfully revolted against the [[Ajuran Sultanate]] and established an independent rule for at least two centuries from the seventeen hundreds and onwards.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X1dDDwAAQBAJ&q=%22hiraab+imamate%22&pg=PA62 |title=Making Sense of Somali History: Volume 1 |isbn=9781909112797 |last1=Abdullahi |first1=Abdurahman |date=18 September 2017 |publisher=Adonis and Abbey Publishers |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119224403/https://books.google.com/books?id=X1dDDwAAQBAJ&q=%22hiraab+imamate%22&pg=PA62 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Hiraab Imamate  also exerted a centralized authority during its existence and possessed some of the organs and trappings of a traditional integrated state: a functioning bureaucracy, a state flag, regular correspondence with neighbouring civilizations in written Arabic, taxation in the form of livestock and cash crops including a third of the Mogadishu emporium port's revenue as well as a professional army.<ref name="HOA">''Horn of Africa'', Volume 15, Issues 1-4, (Horn of Africa Journal: 1997), p.130.</ref><ref name="NEAS">Michigan State University. African Studies Center, Northeast African studies, Volumes 11-12, (Michigan State University Press: 1989), p.32.</ref>
[[File:Illustrations_of_Mogadishu_in_the_19th_century_02.jpg|right|thumb|300x300px|During the decline of the Hiraab, major cities, especially Mogadishu shrank in size this worsened with the Hiraab Civil War<ref>{{cite book |last=Lewis |first=I.M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TmUMAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA370 |title=A Modern History of the Somali: Nation and State in the Horn of Africa |publisher=James Currey |year=2002 |isbn=978-0852552803 |page=370}}</ref>]]
By the late 19th century, the Imamate began to decline due to internal problems, the Imamate also faced challenges from Imperialist kingdoms, the Zanzibari Sultan from the coast and [[Geledi Sultanate]], and [[Hobyo Sultanate]] from the interior from both directions.<ref name="Lee V. Cassanelli 1982">Lee V. Cassanelli, The shaping of Somali society., Philadelphia, 1982,</ref>

==== Geledi Sultanate ====
The [[Sultanate of Geledi]] and the [[Omani Empire]] vied over who would be the superior power on the Benadir Coast, with Sultan [[Yusuf Mahamud Ibrahim|Yusuf Mahamud]] ultimately being the dominant force with the Omanis having a nominal presence and [[Said bin Sultan]] even paying tribute to him in order to keep [[Oman|Omani]] representatives in Mogadishu.<ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of African History, Volume 2 |page=990 |year=2005 |first=Kevin |last=Shillington |isbn=9781579584542 |publisher=Fitzroy Dearborn}}</ref> Mogadishu under [[Abgaal]] control had been in a period of decline and disarray near the end of the [[Hiraab Imamate]]. Following a struggle between the two leading figures of each respective quarter ([[Shangani District|Shingani]] and [[Hamar Weyne District|Hamarweyn]]) Sultan Yusuf marched into the city with an 8,000 strong army and ruled in favour of the Shingani leader, with the loser fleeing the city. Yusuf would nominate a relative of the deposed chief to lead the Hamarweyn quarter ending the dispute.<ref>{{cite thesis |type=PhD |last=Luling |first=Virginia |title=The social structure of southern Somali tribes |publisher=University College London |page=156 |year=1971 |url=https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1317929 |access-date=23 March 2023 |archive-date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323193318/https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1317929/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sultan Yusuf is even referred to as the governor of Mogadishu in some sources, highlighting the power he exerted over the city.<ref>{{cite book |title=Somalia:A Chronology of Historical Documents 1827–2000 |year=2001 |page=5 |first=Abdiwahid Osman |last=Haji |publisher=Indiana University |isbn=9780968874301}}</ref>

Despite the Somali political decline, trade with [[Geledi Sultanate]] flourished during Geledi Sultan [[Ahmed Yusuf (Gobroon)|Ahmed Yusuf]]'s reign. British explorer [[John Kirk (explorer)|John Kirk]] visited the region in 1873 and noted a variety of things. Roughly 20 large dhows were docked in both Mogadishu and [[Merka]] filled with grain produced from the farms of the Geledi in the interior. Kirk met the Imam Mahmood who reigned over Mogadishu. The [[Shabelle]] river itself was referred to as the 'Geledi river' by Kirk, perhaps in respect of the volume of produce that the Sultanate output. In [[Barawa]] there was little grain instead a large quantity of ivory and skins which had already been loaded onto ships destined for [[Zanzibar]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society of London, Volume 17; Volumes 1872–1873 |date=1873 |first=John |last=Kirk |page=341 |publisher=Edward Stanford}}</ref>

The Geledi Sultans were at the height of their power. They dominated the East African [[ivory]] trade, and also held sway over the [[Jubba Valley|Jubba]] and [[Shebelle Valley|Shebelle]] valleys in the hinterland. The Omani Sultans' authority in Mogadishu, however, was largely nominal (existing by name only).<ref name="Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd">{{Cite book |title=Making Sense of Somali History: Volume 1 |last1=Abdullahi |first1=Abdurahman |page=62 |publisher=Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd |year=2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Culture and Customs of Somalia (Culture and Customs of Africa) |first=Mohamed |last=Abdullahi |page=18 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group; Illustrated edition |year=2001}}</ref> When Imam [[Azzan bin Qais, Sultan of Muscat and Oman|Azzan bin Qais of Oman]] sought to build a fort in the city, he was thus obligated to request permission from Sultan [[Ahmed Yusuf (Gobroon)|Ahmed Yusuf]] the real power broker who in turn convinced the Hiraab Imam to acquiesce to the decision.<ref name="Aitncte">{{cite book |last=Ade Ajayi |first=J. F. |title=Africa in the Nineteenth Century Until the 1880s |url=https://archive.org/details/generalhistoryof00unes |url-access=registration |publisher=UNESCO |page=[https://archive.org/details/generalhistoryof00unes/page/387 387] |isbn=9789231017124 |date=1 January 1989}}</ref> Omani and later Zanzibari officials were mere representatives of the Sultan to collect customs and needed the fort for their own security rather than control of the city.<ref>The Cambridge History of Africa, Volume 5 - Page 88</ref><ref name="Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd"/> The  Fort of Garessa was eventually constructed in 1870.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Africa Volumes 27-28 |last1=Cyril |first1=Daryll |page=288 |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1957}}</ref> The Sultan of Zanzibar later leased and then sold the infrastructure that he had built to the Italians, but not the land itself, which was Somali owned.<ref name="Ghalib25">{{cite book |last=Ghalib |first=Jama Mohamed |title=The Ogaden |date=2014 |publisher=LULU |isbn=978-1483405773 |page=25 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J_0LAwAAQBAJ |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-date=4 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804041426/https://books.google.com/books?id=J_0LAwAAQBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Italian Somaliland (late 1800s–1960)===
{{clear}}
[[File:Mogadishu 1923.jpg|thumb|View of Italian Mogadishu in 1923]]
[[File:Group portrait of Somali officials, c.1939.jpg|thumb|258x258px|A group of senior [[Somali people|Somali]] officials recently returned from [[Italy]] in Mogadishu, 1939]]
In 1905, Italy made Mogadishu the capital of the newly established [[Italian Somaliland]]. The Italians subsequently spelled the name of the city as ''[[:simple:Italian Mogadiscio|Mogadiscio]]''. After [[World War I]], the surrounding territory came under Italian control with some resistance.{{sfn|Hamilton|2007|p=28}}

Thousands of Italians and other people from the Italian empire began to settle in Mogadishu and founded small manufacturing companies across Somalia. They also developed some agricultural areas in the south near the capital, such as [[Janale]] and the ''Villaggio duca degli Abruzzi'' (present-day [[Jowhar]]).{{sfn|Bevilacqua|Clementi|Franzina|2001|p=233}} In the 1930s, new buildings and avenues were built. A {{cvt|114|km}} narrow-gauge railway was laid from Mogadishu to Jowhar. An asphalt road, the ''Strada Imperiale'', was also constructed and intended to link Mogadishu to [[Addis Ababa]].{{sfn|Eichstaedt|2010|p=41}}

In 1940, the [[Italian Somalis|Italo-Somali]] population numbered 22,000, accounting for over 44% of the city's population of 50,000 residents.<ref>{{cite web |last=Termentin |first=Fernando |title=Somalia, una nazione che non esiste |url=http://www.paginedidifesa.it/2005/termentini_050513.html |publisher=Pagine di Difesa |access-date=2 January 2014 |language=it |date=13 May 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105003933/http://www.paginedidifesa.it/2005/termentini_050513.html |archive-date=5 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Il Razionalismo nelle colonie italiane 1928–1943 – La "nuova architettura" delle Terre d'Oltremare |url=http://www.fedoa.unina.it/1881/1/Santoianni_Progettazione_Architettonica.pdf |publisher=Fedoa |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924011622/http://www.fedoa.unina.it/1881/1/Santoianni_Progettazione_Architettonica.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Mogadishu remained the capital of Italian Somaliland throughout the latter polity's existence. In [[World War II]] it was captured by British forces in February 1941.

After World War II Mogadishu was made the capital of the [[Trust Territory of Somaliland]], an Italian administered fiduciary political entity under the [[United Nations|UNO]] mandate, for ten years (1950–1960).

===Somali Republic (1960–1991)===
{{Main|Somali Republic|Somali Democratic Republic}}

[[File:Mogadishu city centre - 1960s.jpg|thumb|right|Mogadishu Avenue, 1963]]
[[British Somaliland]] became independent on 26 June 1960 as the [[State of Somaliland]], and the [[Trust Territory of Somalia]] (the former Italian Somaliland) followed suit five days later.{{sfn|Encyclopædia Britannica|2002|p=835}} On 1 July 1960, the two territories united to form the Somali Republic, with Mogadishu serving as the nation's capital. A government was formed by [[Abdullahi Issa]] and other members of the trusteeship and protectorate governments, with [[Haji Bashir Ismail Yusuf]] as President of the Somali National Assembly, [[Aden Abdullah Osman Daar]] as [[List of Presidents of Somalia|President]] of the [[Somali Republic]], and [[Abdirashid Ali Shermarke]] as [[Prime Minister of Somalia|Prime Minister]] (later to become president from 1967 to 1969). On 20 July 1961 and through a popular [[referendum]], the people of Somalia ratified a new [[constitution]], which was first drafted in 1960.{{sfn|Greystone|1967|p=338}} In 1967, [[Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal]] became Prime Minister, a position to which he was appointed by Shermarke.

On 15 October 1969, while paying a visit to the northern town of [[Las Anod]], Somalia's then President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke was assassinated by one of his own bodyguards. His assassination was quickly followed by a military [[coup d'état]] on 21 October 1969 (the day after his funeral), in which the [[Military of Somalia|Somali Army]] seized power without encountering armed opposition, essentially a bloodless takeover. The [[1969 Somali coup d'état|putsch]] was spearheaded by Major General [[Siad Barre|Mohamed Siad Barre]], who at the time commanded the army.{{sfn|Sachs|1988|p=290}}
[[File:Mogadishu.jpg|thumb|right|Metropolitan Mogadishu in the 1980s]]
Alongside Barre, the [[Supreme Revolutionary Council (Somalia)|Supreme Revolutionary Council]] (SRC) that assumed power after President Sharmarke's assassination was led by Lieutenant Colonel [[Salaad Gabeyre Kediye]] and Chief of Police [[Jama Ali Korshel]]. Kediye officially held the title of "Father of the Revolution," and Barre shortly afterwards became the head of the SRC.{{sfn|Adam|Ford|1997|p=226}} The SRC subsequently renamed the country the [[Somali Democratic Republic]],{{sfn|Fage|Oliver|Crowder|1984|p=478}}{{sfn|Americana Corporation|1976|p=214}} arrested members of the former civilian government, banned political parties,<ref name=Metz3>{{citation |editor-last=Metz |editor-first=Helen C. |chapter=Coup d'Etat |title=''Somalia: A Country Study'' |year=1992 |chapter-url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+so0031) |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |access-date=21 October 2009 |archive-date=9 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109115411/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd%2Fcstdy%3A%40field%28DOCID+so0031%29 |url-status=live }}</ref> dissolved the parliament and the Supreme Court, and suspended the constitution.{{sfn|Wiles|1982|p=279}}

The revolutionary army established large-scale public works programmes, including the [[Mogadishu Stadium]]. In addition to a [[nationalization]] programme of industry and land, the Mogadishu-based new regime's foreign policy placed an emphasis on Somalia's traditional and religious links with the [[Arab world]], eventually joining the [[Arab League]] in 1974.{{sfn|Frankel|1992|p=306}}

After fallout from the unsuccessful [[Ogaden War|Ogaden campaign]] of the late 1970s, the Barre administration began arresting government and military officials under suspicion of participation in the [[1978 Somali coup d'état attempt|1978 coup d'état attempt]].{{sfn|ARR|1978|p=602}}<ref name="Ahmed">{{cite web |last=Ahmed III |first=Abdul |title=Brothers in Arms Part I |url=http://wardheernews.com/Articles_2011/Oct/29_Brothers_in_Army_abdul.pdf |publisher=WardheerNews |access-date=28 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503221634/http://www.wardheernews.com/Articles_2011/Oct/29_Brothers_in_Army_abdul.pdf |archive-date=3 May 2012}}</ref> Most of the people who had allegedly helped plot the putsch were summarily executed.{{sfn|New People Media Centre|2005|p=94–105}} However, several officials escaped abroad and started to form dissident groups dedicated to ousting Barre's regime by force.{{sfn|Fitzgerald|2002|p=25}}

===Civil war===
{{Main|Mogadishu riots of July 1989|Somali Civil War}}

By the late 1980s, Barre's regime had become increasingly unpopular. The authorities became ever more [[totalitarian]], and [[resistance movement]]s, encouraged by Ethiopia's [[communist]] [[Derg]] administration, sprang up across the country. Mogadishu saw its first major outbreak of violence during the [[Mogadishu riots of July 1989|14 July 1989 riots]],<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |date=19 Jul 1989 |title=Military Imposes 'Terror' in Capital |journal=Daily Report: Sub-Saharan Africa |publisher=[[Foreign Broadcast Information Service]] |volume=89 |issue=138 |pages=6}}</ref> during the crackdown Barres forces killed approximately 400 civilians.''<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Ap |date=22 July 1989 |title=SOMALIA EXECUTES 46 AFTER RIOTING |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/22/world/somalia-executes-46-after-rioting.html |access-date=2022-12-31 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=23 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723150348/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/22/world/somalia-executes-46-after-rioting.html |url-status=live }}</ref>'' The July 1989 riots resulted in a large exodus of foreigners from the city and intensification of opposition towards the regime.<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |date=18 July 1989 |title=Envoy to London Cited on Unrest in Mogadishu |journal=Daily Report: Sub-Saharan Africa |publisher=[[Foreign Broadcast Information Service]] |volume=89 |issue=143}}</ref> This incident and other events over the following months led to the outbreak of the [[civil war]] in 1991, the toppling of Barre's government, and the disbandment of the [[Military of Somalia|Somali National Army]]. Many of the opposition groups began competing for influence in the [[power vacuum]] that followed the ouster of Barre's regime. Armed factions led by United Somali Congress commanders General [[Mohamed Farah Aidid]] and [[Ali Mahdi Mohamed]], in particular, clashed as each sought to exert authority over the capital.<ref name="Lirs">Library Information and Research Service, ''The Middle East: Abstracts and index'', Volume 2, (Library Information and Research Service: 1999), p.327.</ref>
[[File:A view over the Mogadishu coast.jpg|thumb|A view over destroyed Mogadishu coast during the civil war]]
[[File:Aerialmog2.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of a residential area in Mogadishu (1992)]]
During the [[United Nations Operation in Somalia II]] several [[gun battle]]s took place in Mogadishu between Somali factions, volunteers and [[United Nations peacekeeping|peacekeepers]]. Among these was the [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|Battle of Mogadishu of 1993]], a US apprehension of two high-ranking [[lieutenant]]s of the [[Somali National Alliance]]. The UN soldiers withdrew altogether from the country on 3 March 1995, having incurred more significant casualties.{{Sfn|Seddon|2013|p=476}}

In 2006, the [[Islamic Courts Union]] (ICU), an [[Islamism|Islamist]] organization, assumed control of much of the southern part of the country and imposed [[sharia]] law. The new [[Transitional Federal Government]] (TFG), established two years earlier, sought to establish its authority. With the assistance of [[Ethiopian National Defense Force|Ethiopian troops]], [[AMISOM]] peacekeepers and air support by the United States, it drove out the rival ICU and solidified its rule.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/153/26334.html |title=Ethiopian Invasion of Somalia |publisher=Globalpolicy.org |date=14 August 2007 |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-date=10 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090910145231/http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/153/26334.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 January 2007, as the [[2007 Battle of Ras Kamboni|Battle of Ras Kamboni]] raged, TFG President and founder [[Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed]], a former colonel in the Somali Army, entered Mogadishu for the first time since being elected to office. The government then relocated to [[Villa Somalia]] in Mogadishu from its interim location in [[Baidoa]], marking the first time since the fall of the Barre regime in 1991 that the federal government controlled most of the country.<ref name="PNT2011">{{cite web |author=PNT The Gazette Edition |url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_President_Parliament_Speaker_dispute_over_TFG_term_gazette.shtml |title=Somalia President, Parliament Speaker dispute over TFG term |work=Garoweonline.com |date=12 January 2011 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219002038/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_President_Parliament_Speaker_dispute_over_TFG_term_gazette.shtml |archive-date=19 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:TanksRoad3a.jpg|thumb|An armoured column of M1A1 Abrams Tanks and M2 Bradley IFVs of 1-64th Armor move down a dirt road outside the city of Mogadishu]]
Following this defeat, the Islamic Courts Union splintered into factions. Some of the more radical elements, including a youth militia within the Courts' military wing known as [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|al-Shabaab]], regrouped to continue their [[insurgency]] against the TFG and oppose the [[Ethiopian National Defense Force|Ethiopian military]]'s presence in Somalia. Throughout 2007 and 2008 al-Shabaab scored military victories by seizing control of key towns and ports in both central and southern Somalia. At the end of 2008, the group had captured [[Baidoa]] but not Mogadishu. By January 2009, al-Shabaab and other militias had managed to force the Ethiopian troops to retreat and leave behind an under-equipped African Union peacekeeping force to assist the Transitional Federal Government's troops.<ref>{{cite web |author=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,USCIRF,,,4a4f272bc,0.html |title=USCIRF Annual Report 2009&nbsp;– The Commission's Watch List: Somalia |publisher=Unhcr.org |date=1 May 2009 |access-date=27 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510005900/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher%2CUSCIRF%2C%2C%2C4a4f272bc%2C0.html |archive-date=10 May 2011}}</ref>

Between 31 May and 9 June 2008, representatives of Somalia's federal government and the moderate [[Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia]] (ARS) group of Islamist rebels participated in peace talks in [[Djibouti]] brokered by the UN. The conference ended with a signed agreement calling for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops in exchange for the cessation of armed conflict. Parliament was subsequently expanded to 550 seats to accommodate ARS members, which then elected a new president.<ref name=2009factbook>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/somalia/ |title=Somalia |access-date=31 May 2009 |date=14 May 2009 |work=[[World Factbook]] |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |archive-date=1 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701190026/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/so.html |url-status=live }}</ref> With the help of a small team of African Union troops, the coalition government also began a [[War in Somalia (2009-)|counteroffensive]] in February 2009 to retake control of the southern half of the country. To solidify its control of southern Somalia, the TFG formed an alliance with the Islamic Courts Union, other members of the [[Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia]], and [[Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a]], a moderate [[Sufism|Sufi]] militia.<ref>{{cite news |author=African Press Agency |url=http://horseedmedia.net/2010/05/un-boss-urges-support-for-somalia-ahead-of-istanbul-summit/ |title=UN boss urges support for Somalia ahead of Istanbul summit |newspaper=Horseed Media |date=22 May 2010 |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619183438/http://horseedmedia.net/2010/05/un-boss-urges-support-for-somalia-ahead-of-istanbul-summit/ |archive-date=19 June 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In November 2010, a new [[technocrat]]ic government was elected to office, which enacted numerous reforms, especially in the security sector.<ref name="Swscmos">{{cite web |url=http://www.somaliweyn.org/pages/news/Jan_11/15Jan18.html |title=Security Council Meeting on Somalia |publisher=Somaliweyn.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105060056/http://www.somaliweyn.org/pages/news/Jan_11/15Jan18.html |archive-date=5 January 2014}}</ref> By August 2011, the new administration and its AMISOM allies had managed to capture all of Mogadishu from the Al-Shabaab militants.<ref name="Asdilr">{{cite web |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/al-shabaab-dug-in-like-rats-1.1114585 |title=Al-Shabaab 'dug in like rats' |publisher=Independent Newspapers Online |date=10 August 2011 |access-date=2 October 2011 |archive-date=9 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509052019/http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/al-shabaab-dug-in-like-rats-1.1114585 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mogadishu has subsequently experienced a period of intense reconstruction spearheaded by the Somali diaspora, the municipal authorities, and Turkey, a historic ally of Somalia.<ref name=Hmeanbd>{{cite web |last=Mulupi |first=Dinfin |title=Mogadishu: East Africa's newest business destination? |date=21 June 2012 |url=http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/mogadishu-east-africas-newest-business-destination/17661/ |access-date=26 June 2012 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627101741/http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/mogadishu-east-africas-newest-business-destination/17661/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Apsassnlrmdm">{{cite news |last=Guled |first=Abdi |title=Sports, arts and streetlights: Semblance of normal life returns to Mogadishu, despite mortars Read it on Global News: Global News {{!}} Sports, arts and streetlights: Semblance of normal life returns to Mogadishu, despite mortars |url=http://www.globalnews.ca/world/sports+arts+and+streetlights+semblance+of+normal+life+returns+to+mogadishu+despite+mortars/6442614089/story.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115130730/http://www.globalnews.ca/world/sports+arts+and+streetlights+semblance+of+normal+life+returns+to+mogadishu+despite+mortars/6442614089/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 January 2013 |access-date=26 June 2012|newspaper=Associated Press|date=3 April 2012}}</ref>

In October 2017, over 500 people were killed by [[14 October 2017 Mogadishu bombings|a truck bombing]].<ref name=":587">{{cite web|url=https://hiiraan.com/news4/2018/Mar/157047/committee_587_dead_in_oct_14_terror_attack.aspx|title=Committee: 1000 dead in Oct 14 terror attack|publisher=Hiiraan Online|date=5 March 2018|access-date=2018-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031627/https://hiiraan.com/news4/2018/Mar/157047/committee_587_dead_in_oct_14_terror_attack.aspx|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2022, al-Shabaab killed over 60 people in [[March 2022 Somalia attacks|a series of attacks]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2022 |title=Female opposition MP among dozens killed in Somalia bombings |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/mar/24/female-opposition-mp-among-dozens-killed-in-somalia-bombings |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327234630/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/mar/24/female-opposition-mp-among-dozens-killed-in-somalia-bombings |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2022, an al-Shabaab [[October 2022 Mogadishu bombings|double car bombing]] killed over 120 people.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://acleddata.com/2023/03/03/context-assessment-heightened-political-violence-in-somalia/
| title = Context Assessment: Heightened Political Violence in Somalia
| date = March 2023
| publisher = Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project
| access-date = 4 June 2023
| archive-date = 31 May 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230531184956/https://acleddata.com/2023/03/03/context-assessment-heightened-political-violence-in-somalia/
| url-status = live
}}</ref>
On 14 March, militants [[2024 Mogadishu YSL Hotel attack and siege|attacked and sieged the SYL Hotel in Mogadishu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al-Shabab fighters killed as overnight siege of Mogadishu hotel ends |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/15/al-shabab-fighters-killed-as-overnight-siege-of-mogadishu-hotel-ends |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

In July 2024, at least eight people were killed and twenty-one others injured in a shootout between security forces and inmates in a Mogadishu prison during an escape attempt. The prisoners who attempted to escape were members of Al-Shabaab.<ref>{{Cite news|title=At least eight killed in shootout during Somalia prison breakout attempt|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/13/eight-killed-in-mogadishu-prison-breakout-attempt|access-date=2024-07-14|website=Al-Jazeera}}</ref> On 14 July, 10 people were injured in a cafe due to a car bombing done by Al-Shabaab.

In August 2024, 37 people were killed by an Al-Shabaab suicide bomber at Lido Beach.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Faisal |last2=Gabobe |first2=Mohamed |date=2024-08-03 |title=More than 30 killed in terrorist attack on popular Mogadishu beach |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/03/terrorist-attack-mogadishu-beach-somalia |access-date=2024-08-03 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

===Reconstruction===
[[File:Mogadishu in 2017.jpg|thumb|Mogadishu Overview, 2017]]
In August 2011, militant group al Shabaab made a strategic withdrawal from Mogadishu to return to hit-and-run tactics.<ref name="mogtechbabaea">{{cite news |title=Al-Shabaab rebels withdraw from Somali capital |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/somalia/8685953/Al-Shabaab-rebels-withdraw-from-Somali-capital.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/somalia/8685953/Al-Shabaab-rebels-withdraw-from-Somali-capital.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=7 August 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Mayor Mohamed Nur recognized the opportunity as critical to stabilizing and rebuilding the city. Working closely with the UN, USAID, and DRC, Nur's administration started large-scale rehabilitation of roads and general infrastructure, with residents cooperating with the civil and police authorities to tighten up on security.<ref name="Mclrtnatata">{{cite web |url=http://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/1612 |title=Mogadishu City Life Returning to Normal |access-date=6 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404041425/http://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/1612 |archive-date=4 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Nur recognized the opportunity to transform Mogadishu although resources were limited. Working with urban strategist Mitchell Sipus, the Benadir government sought to design and deploy a data-driven approach to post-war reconstruction.<ref name="mogtechgege">{{cite news |title=Life After Warfare: How a Digital Map Could Revive Mogadishu |url=https://www.wired.com/2013/06/fa_mogadishu/=June2013 |magazine=WIRED |date=June 2013 |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403232739/https://www.wired.com/2013/06/fa_mogadishu/=June2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

With the passing of a new [[Constitution of Somalia|Constitution]] in 2012 and the subsequent election of an inaugural President in the new [[Federal Government of Somalia|Federal Government]], the mayorship continued to oversee Mogadishu's ongoing post-conflict reconstruction. Building off the initial pilot, the [[Banaadir|Benadir]] administration launched a citywide street naming, [[house numbering]] and postal codes project. Officially called the House Numbering and Post Code System, it is a joint initiative of the municipal authorities and Somali business community representatives. According to Nur, the initiative also aims to help the authorities firm up on security and resolve housing ownership disputes.<ref name="Bolmssssenp">{{cite news |title=Banadir officials launch Mogadishu Street Naming Project |url=http://www.bar-kulan.com/2014/01/29/banadir-officials-launch-mogadishu-street-naming-project/ |access-date=30 January 2014 |newspaper=Bar-Kulan |date=29 January 2014 |archive-date=1 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201232203/http://www.bar-kulan.com/2014/01/29/banadir-officials-launch-mogadishu-street-naming-project/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2016}}, there are postal codes for 156 localities and sub-localities, including the Mogadishu metropolitan area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Banaadir |url=http://www.mapanet.eu/EN/Postal_Codes/?c=SO&n=2&r0=00&r1=02&r2=00&r3=00&r4=00&l=0 |publisher=Mapanet |access-date=2 July 2016 |archive-date=23 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323012525/http://www.mapanet.eu/EN/Postal_Codes/?c=SO&n=2&r0=00&r1=02&r2=00&r3=00&r4=00&l=0 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The post-conflict reconstruction of Mogadishu in the 2010s and 2020s has led to a construction and housing boom, giving Somalia one of the fastest [[urbanisation rate]]s in the world.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bafo |first=Sagal Abas |url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/feature/2024/09/11/somalia-mogadishu-skyline-transforms-urban-poor-call-economic-inclusion |title=As Mogadishu's skyline transforms, the urban poor call for economic inclusion |work=[[The New Humanitarian]] |date=11 September 2024 |access-date=15 June 2025}}</ref> According to the office of the [[mayor of Mogadishu]], over 6,000 new buildings were constructed in the city between 2020 and 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hanshi |first=Fardowsa |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj427dy11j0o |title=Somalia's construction boom in Mogadishu gives women high ambitions |work=[[BBC News]] |date=15 June 2025 |access-date=15 June 2025}}</ref>

==Government==
===Federal===
{{main|Federal Government of Somalia}}
 
The Government of Somalia has its seat in Mogadishu, the nation's capital. The [[Transitional Federal Government]] (TFG) was the internationally recognized central government of Somalia between 2004 and 2012. Based in Mogadishu, it constituted the [[Executive (government)|executive]] branch of government.

The [[Federal Government of Somalia]] was established on 20 August 2012 at the end of the TFG's interim mandate.<ref name="Fcacsunesinpshm">{{cite news |title=Somalia: UN Envoy Says Inauguration of New Parliament in Somalia 'Historic Moment' |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201208220474.html |access-date=24 August 2012 |newspaper=Forum on China-Africa Cooperation |date=21 August 2012 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014234626/http://allafrica.com/stories/201208220474.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It represented the first permanent central government in the country since the start of the civil war.<ref name="Fcacsunesinpshm"/> The [[Federal Parliament of Somalia]] serves as the government's [[Legislature|legislative]] branch.<ref name="Gttsdpc">{{cite web |title=Guidebook to the Somali Draft Provisional Constitution |url=http://unpos.unmissions.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=v067edqd7a8=&tabid=9705&language=en-US |publisher=UN Missions |access-date=2 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120021547/http://unpos.unmissions.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=v067edqd7a8%3D&tabid=9705&language=en-US |archive-date=20 January 2013}}</ref>

===Municipal===
[[File:MogadishuHeadquarters.jpeg|thumb|right|The Mogadishu municipality headquarters]]
Mogadishu's municipal government is led by [[Omar Finnish|Omar Mohamud Mohamed (Finnish)]], who succeeded the late mayor [[Abdirahman Omar Osman|Abdirahman Omar Osman (Yariisow)]]  in August 2019 after Osman was killed in a [[24 July 2019 Mogadishu bombing|suicide bomb attack]] that targeted his office.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 August 2019 |title=Somali president replaces security chiefs and Mogadishu mayor |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-somalia-security-idUSKCN1VC24H |access-date=9 December 2021 |archive-date=20 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020011038/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-somalia-security-idUSKCN1VC24H |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 August 2019 |title=Abdirahman Omar Osman, Mogadishu mayor, dies after suicide bombing |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49197036 |access-date=9 December 2021 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210003524/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49197036 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Among the administration's development initiatives are a US$100 million urban renewal project, the creation of garbage disposal and incineration plants, the launch of a citywide cleanup project, the creation of asphalt and cement plants, rehabilitation of the Town Hall and parliament buildings, reconstruction of the former [[Ministry of Defence (Somalia)|Defence Ministry]] offices, reconstruction of correctional facilities, rehabilitation and construction of health facilities, establishment of a Police Training Center and a permanent base in Jasiira for the new [[Somali Armed Forces]], rebuilding of the [[Somali Postal Service]] headquarters, and rehabilitation of public playgrounds in several districts.<ref name="Noidpauim">{{cite web |url=http://www.actforsomalia.com/the-number-of-infrastructure-development-projects-that-are-underway-in-mogadishu/ |title=Number of Infrastructure Development Projects are underway in Mogadishu |date=26 May 2013 |publisher=Act For Somalia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195151/http://www.actforsomalia.com/the-number-of-infrastructure-development-projects-that-are-underway-in-mogadishu/ |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> In January 2014, the Benadir administration launched the House Numbering and Post Code System.<ref name="Bolmssssenp" /> It also began distributing national identity cards in March of the same year.<ref name="Gmmwtsdcm">{{cite news |title=Governor Muungaabs meet with the 17 district commissioners of Mogadishu |url=http://shabelle.net/?p=15918 |access-date=10 March 2014 |newspaper=Shabelle Media Network |date=9 March 2014 |archive-date=10 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310170528/http://shabelle.net/?p=15918 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> In addition, the municipal authorities started renovating important local government centers in September 2014, including the capital's former Fisho Guverno compound.<ref name="Gbaptrgs">{{cite news |title=Banadir administration plans to renovate government centers |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=3912 |access-date=18 September 2014 |agency=Goobjoog |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006085445/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=3912 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2015, the Benadir administration also opened a new Health & Safety Office to supervise health and safety practices in the city,<ref name="Swpcotpotgtjt">{{cite news |title=Somalia: Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government 10 January 2015 |url=http://raadgoob.com/?p=38325 |access-date=10 January 2015 |newspaper=Raadgoob |date=10 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110191423/http://raadgoob.com/?p=38325 |archive-date=10 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and launched a municipal beautification campaign ahead of various international conferences that are slated to be held there.<ref name="Gbacstbc">{{cite news |title=Banadir administration calls society to boost cleanness |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=8751 |access-date=17 January 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=13 January 2015 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104123/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=8751 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2015, the Benadir administration completed the Sustainable Employment Creation and Improved Livelihoods for Vulnerable Urban Communities (SECIL) project in conjunction with the EU and [[UN–Habitat]]. The 3.5 million EUR initiative lasted three and a half years, and saw the establishment in Mogadishu of a sustainable waste collection system, a technical training centre, water quality testing laboratories, better access to clean drinking water, improved employment and livelihood opportunities in the low-cost fuel production sector, strengthened skills training and regulation in the construction sector, and laboratories for the testing of construction material quality.<ref name="Geauhispim">{{cite news |title=EU and UNHABITAT highlight impact of SECIL project in Mogadishu |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=11990 |access-date=20 March 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=20 March 2015 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133203/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=11990 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Diplomatic missions===
[[File:Mogturkemb.jpg|thumb|Turkey's embassy in Mogadishu]]
A number of countries maintain [[List of diplomatic missions in Somalia|foreign embassies and consulates]] in Mogadishu. As of January 2014, these diplomatic missions include the embassies of [[Djibouti]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Sudan]], [[Libya]], [[Yemen]], Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, [[Uganda]], Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Japan, China,<ref name="Aaiaeim">{{cite web |title=Embassies in Mogadishu |url=http://mogadishuairport.com/discover-mogadishu/embassies/ |publisher=Aden Adde International Airport |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116140244/http://mogadishuairport.com/discover-mogadishu/embassies/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Scooeist">{{cite news |title=SOMALIA: China officially opens embassy in Somalia today |url=http://www.raxanreeb.com/2014/10/somalia-china-officially-opens-embassy-in-somalia-today/ |access-date=12 October 2014 |agency=Raxanreeb |date=12 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226055401/http://www.raxanreeb.com/2014/10/somalia-china-officially-opens-embassy-in-somalia-today/ |archive-date=26 December 2016}}</ref> and [[Qatar]].<ref name="Qdimm">{{cite news |title=Qatari diplomat in Mogadishu meeting |url=http://www.gulf-times.com/mobile//qatar/178/details/405445/qatari-diplomat-in-mogadishu-meeting |access-date=13 September 2014 |agency=Gulf Times |date=24 August 2014 |archive-date=26 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114439/http://www.gulf-times.com/mobile//qatar/178/details/405445/qatari-diplomat-in-mogadishu-meeting |url-status=live }}</ref> Embassies that are scheduled to reopen in the city include those of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Italy and South Korea.<ref name="Aaiaeim"/>

In May 2015, in recognition of the sociopolitical progress made in Somalia and its return to effective governance, US Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] announced a preliminary plan to reestablish the US embassy in Mogadishu. He indicated that although there was no set timetable for the premises' relaunch, the US government had immediately begun upgrading its diplomatic representation in the country.<ref name="Kimsrtegiao">{{cite news |title=Kerry In Mogadishu: 'Somalia's Return to Effective Government Is An Opportunity' |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nbc-news/kerry-in-mogadishu-somalias-return-to-effective-government-is-an-opportunity-440053315590 |access-date=11 May 2015 |agency=NBC News |date=5 May 2015 |archive-date=8 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020404/http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nbc-news/kerry-in-mogadishu-somalias-return-to-effective-government-is-an-opportunity-440053315590 |url-status=live }}</ref> President of Somalia [[Hassan Sheikh Mohamud]] and Prime Minister [[Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke]] also presented to Kerry the real estate [[deed]] for land reserved for the new US embassy compound.<ref name="Gmgdnwnsemt">{{cite news |title=My government does not want, nor will it seek to extend its mandated term beyond September 2016 says president Hassan |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=13512 |access-date=11 May 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=6 May 2015 |archive-date=18 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518093120/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=13512 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mohamud concurrently signed an Establishment Agreement with the EU Head of Delegation in Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso, which facilitates the opening of more embassies in Mogadishu by [[European Union]] member states. The EU also announced that it had opened a new EU Delegation office in the city.<ref name="Edotois">{{cite news |title=EU Delegation office to open in Somalia |url=http://amisom-au.org/2015/05/eu-delegation-office-to-open-in-somalia/ |access-date=11 May 2015 |agency=AMISOM |date=11 May 2015 |archive-date=18 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518144317/http://amisom-au.org/2015/05/eu-delegation-office-to-open-in-somalia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2014, Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation [[Abdirahman Duale Beyle]] announced that the federal government was slated to reopen the former Institute of Diplomacy in Mogadishu. The centre historically served as one of the most important national institutions for diplomacy and international relations. Beyle also pledged to reestablish the institute's diplomacy department, its information and broadcasting department, as well as its library.<ref name="Ssgtrfiod">{{cite news |title=Somalia: Somali Govt to Revive Former Institute of Diplomacy |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201402140064.html |access-date=1 March 2014 |newspaper=Dalsan Radio |date=13 February 2014 |archive-date=1 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301190137/http://allafrica.com/stories/201402140064.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Hormuud.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Hormuud Telecom]] is one of many firms with headquarters in Mogadishu]]
Mogadishu traditionally served as a commercial and financial centre. Before the importation of mass-produced cloth from [[Europe]] and [[United States|America]], the city's textiles were forwarded throughout the interior of the continent, as well as to the [[Arabian Peninsula]] and as far as the [[Persian Gulf|Persian coast]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Reclus, Elisee |url=http://mogadishuimages.wordpress.com/category/media/maps/ |title=The Earth and its Inhabitants: Africa (South and East Africa) |publisher=D. Appleton and Company |year=1889 |access-date=11 August 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822091341/http://mogadishuimages.wordpress.com/category/media/maps/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mogadishu's economy has grown rapidly since the city's pacification in mid-2011. The SomalFruit processing factory was reopened once again, as well as the local [[Coca-Cola]] factory, which was also refurbished.<ref name="Noidpauim"/> In May 2012, the [[First Somali Bank]] was established in the capital, representing the first commercial bank to open in southern [[Somalia]] since 1991.<ref name="Pwsstc"/> The Somali civil engineer and entrepreneur [[Nasra Agil]] opened the city's first [[Dollar store]].<ref name="Hiwd">{{cite web |title=Happy International Women's Day |url=http://www.printfriendly.com/print?url=http://somali-media.so/blog/hambaalyo-malintaa-haweenka-happy-interntional-womens-day/ |publisher=Somali Media Mapping |access-date=6 July 2014 |archive-date=12 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912085525/http://www.printfriendly.com/print?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsomali-media.so%2Fblog%2Fhambaalyo-malintaa-haweenka-happy-interntional-womens-day%2F |url-status=live }}</ref> The Historic [[Central Bank of Somalia|Central Bank]] was regenerated, with the Moumin Business Centre likewise under construction.<ref name="Noidpauim"/>

The galvanization of Mogadishu's real estate sector was in part facilitated by the establishment of a local construction yard in November 2012 by the Municipality of [[Istanbul]] and the [[Turkish Red Crescent]]. 50 construction trucks and machines were imported from Turkey. The yard produces concrete, asphalt and paving stones for building projects and entrepreneurs. The Istanbul Municipality was also scheduled to bring in 100 specialists to accelerate the construction initiative which ultimately aims to modernize the capital's infrastructure.<ref name="Toocyim">{{cite news |title=Turkish organisations open construction yard in Mogadishu |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2012/11/14/newsbrief-04 |access-date=25 January 2014 |newspaper=Sabahi |date=14 November 2012 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204013615/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2012/11/14/newsbrief-04 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In mid-2012, Mogadishu held its first ever [[TED (conference)|Technology, Entertainment, Design]] (TEDx) conference. The event was organized by the FirstSomali Bank to showcase improvements in business, development and security to potential [[Somalia|Somali]] and international investors.<ref name="Pwsstc">{{cite news |title=War-torn Somalia stages TEDx conference |url=http://phys.org/news/2012-05-war-torn-somalia-stages-tedx-conference.html |access-date=24 January 2014 |newspaper=Phys.org |date=17 May 2012 |archive-date=2 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202114024/http://phys.org/news/2012-05-war-torn-somalia-stages-tedx-conference.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A second consecutive TEDx entrepreneurial conference was held the following year in the capital, highlighting new enterprises and commercial opportunities, including the establishment of the city's first [[dry cleaning]] business in several years.<ref name="Aschet">{{cite news |title=Somali capital hosts entrepreneur talks |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h6EbYzKm2uo9emVyDCeUnZm8GjFg?docId=CNG.cc8329dc32e58347e375fe994c60ca71.141 |access-date=24 January 2014 |newspaper=AFP |date=31 August 2013}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
A number of large firms have their headquarters in Mogadishu. Among these is the [[Trans-National Industrial Electricity and Gas Company]], an energy [[conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] founded in 2010 that unites five major [[List of companies of Somalia|Somali companies]] from the [[Commerce|trade]], [[finance]], [[security]] and [[telecommunications]] sectors.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE64M0AX20100523 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204180633/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE64M0AX20100523 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 December 2010 |title=Somalia business keen to join forces for peace |work=Reuters |date=23 May 2010 |access-date=10 March 2014}}</ref> Other firms based in the city include [[Hormuud Telecom]], the largest telecommunications company in southern and central Somalia. [[Telcom (Somalia)|Telcom]] is another telecommunications service provider that is centered in the capital. The local [[Somali Energy Company]] specializes in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to residents and businesses within its service area in [[Banaadir]].<ref name="Secmv">{{cite web |title=Mission & Vision |url=http://www.somenergy.com/Mission-Vision.php |publisher=Somali Energy Company |access-date=17 April 2014 |archive-date=13 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413162731/http://www.somenergy.com/Mission-Vision.php |url-status=live}}</ref> Villa and Mansion Architects, an international architectural firm founded by the Somali-British architect Alexander Yusuf has its regional offices in Mogadishu.<ref name="Vamac">{{cite web |title=Contacts |url=http://www.villaandmansionarchitects.com/contacts.php?id=0 |publisher=Villa and Mansion Architects |access-date=10 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403132617/http://villaandmansionarchitects.com/contacts.php?id=0 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[International Bank of Somalia]], which opened downtown in 2014, offers [[Islamic banking|Islamic finance]] and international banking services via a [[swift code]] system.<ref name="Abosoim">{{cite news |url=http://asokoinsight.com/news/international-bank-somalia-opens-mogadishu/ |title=Bank of Somalia opens in Mogadishu |publisher=Asoko Insight |access-date=10 January 2015 |date=13 October 2014 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305231132/https://asokoinsight.com/news/international-bank-somalia-opens-mogadishu/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Islamic Insurance Company]] (First Takaful and Re-Takaful Insurance Company) is the city's first full service insurance firm in many years.<ref name="Gsoficioty">{{cite news |title=Somalia opens first insurance company in over 20 years |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=7830 |access-date=5 January 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=29 December 2014 |archive-date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105203850/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=7830 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Central Bank of Somalia]], the national monetary authority, also has its headquarters in Mogadishu.

In June 2013, former Prime Minister [[Abdi Farah Shirdon]] signed a new [[foreign direct investment|foreign investment]] law. The draft bill was prepared by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with government attorneys. Approved by the Cabinet, it establishes a secure legal framework for foreign investment in Mogadishu and elsewhere in the country.<ref name="Wspmwfilabfsitrd">{{cite news |last=Prime Minister’s Media Office |title=SOMALIA: Prime Minister welcomes foreign investment law as business-friendly step in the right direction |url=http://www.radiowidhwidh.com/widhwidhnew/Radio/2013/06/prime-minister-welcomes-foreign-investment-law-as-business-friendly-step-in-the-right-direction/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140311020258/http://www.radiowidhwidh.com/widhwidhnew/Radio/2013/06/prime-minister-welcomes-foreign-investment-law-as-business-friendly-step-in-the-right-direction/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 March 2014 |access-date=10 March 2014 |newspaper=WidhWidh Online |date=10 June 2013}}</ref>

In October 2014, Tawakal Money Express (Tawakal) began construction of the seven-storey Tawakal Plaza Mogadishu. The new high rise is slated to be completed by the end of 2015, and will feature a Tawakal Global Bank customer and financial services center, a large, 338 square meter supermarket, a 46-room luxury hotel, restaurant and coffee shop facilities, and conference and event halls.<ref name="Stmeabpthutgbs">{{cite news |title=SOMALIA: Tawakal Money Express announce building projects to house upcoming Tawakal Global Bank in Somalia |url=http://www.raxanreeb.com/2014/10/somalia-tawakal-money-express-announce-building-projects-to-house-upcoming-tawakal-global-bank-in-somalia/ |access-date=19 October 2014 |agency=Raxanreeb |date=14 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016195942/http://www.raxanreeb.com/2014/10/somalia-tawakal-money-express-announce-building-projects-to-house-upcoming-tawakal-global-bank-in-somalia/ |archive-date=16 October 2014}}</ref> In addition, the Nabaad Supermarket provides major retail service to local shoppers. Open daily until 10 pm, the convenience chain imports most of its products from the [[United Arab Emirates]] and [[China]].<ref name="Sanimctltorc">{{cite news |title=Shopping at night in Mogadishu comes to live, thanks to retail chain |url=http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=271126 |access-date=6 March 2015 |agency=Xinhua |date=6 March 2015 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121015/http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=271126 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Al Buruuj firm also launched a major real estate project in January 2015, Daru-Salam City. Financed by the [[Salaam Somali Bank]], the new urban complex includes town houses, apartment flats, a mosque, recreational areas, playgrounds, a supermarket and roads. It is slated to be erected just outside the northern part of the capital, within a {{cvt|7|km}} radius of the Industrial Road.<ref name="Swpcotpotgtjt" />

==Landmarks==

===Places of worship===
[[File:Mosislsol2.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Mosque of Islamic Solidarity]] is the largest masjid in the [[Horn of Africa]]]]
Among the [[places of worship]], they are predominantly [[Islam|Muslim]] mosques.

[[Arba'a Rukun Mosque]] is one of the oldest Islamic places of worship in the capital. It was built circa 667 (1268–9 AD) along with the [[Fakr ad-Din Mosque]]. Arba'a Rukun's [[mihrab]] contains an inscription dated from the same year, which commemorates the masjid's late founder, Khusra ibn Mubarak al-Shirazi (Khusrau ibn Muhammed).{{sfn|AARP|1975|p=10}}{{sfn|Garlake|1966|p=10}}

The [[Mosque of Islamic Solidarity]] was constructed in 1987 with financial support from the [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Foundation]]. It is the main mosque in the city, and an iconic building in Somali society. With a capacity of up to 10,000 worshippers, it is the single largest masjid in the Horn region. In 2015, the federal authorities completed formal refurbishments on the mosque's infrastructure. The upgrades are part of a larger governmental renovation campaign aimed at all of the masjids in Mogadishu.<ref name="Dwpcotpotgjf">{{cite news |title=Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government |url=http://www.dayniilecom.com/January2015/24January10.htm |access-date=30 January 2015 |agency=Dayniile |date=24 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150125010914/http://www.dayniilecom.com/January2015/24January10.htm |archive-date=25 January 2015}}</ref> To this end, the municipal authority is refurbishing the historic Central Mosque, situated downtown.<ref name="Noidpauim"/>

The [[Mogadishu Cathedral]] was built in 1928 by the colonial authorities in Italian Somaliland. Known as the "Cattedrale di Mogadiscio", it was constructed in a [[Norman architecture|Norman]] [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic]] style, based on the [[Cefalù Cathedral]] in [[Cefalù]], [[Sicily]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Dillon |first=Claire |date=2025 |title=Transforming Cefalù in Mogadishu: The Arabo-Normanna Cathedral of Italian Somalia and the Façade of 'Peaceful Conquest' |url=https://www.academia.edu/144572290 |journal=Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians |volume=84 |issue=3 |pages=368–385 |doi=10.1525/jsah.2025.84.3.368}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2025 |title=Claire Dillon: 'Italians promoted their occupation as a benefit to the colonized' |url=https://www.geeska.com/en/claire-dillon-italians-promoted-their-occupation-benefit-colonized |website=Geeska}}</ref> The church served as the traditional seat of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Mogadiscio]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ulXZAAAAMAAJ |title=Consolata Missionaries in the World (1901-2001) |author=Giovanni Tebaldi |year=2001 |publisher=Paulines |isbn=9789966210234 |page=127 |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522143215/https://books.google.com/books?id=ulXZAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> It later incurred significant damage during the civil war. In April 2013, after a visit to the site to inspect its condition, the Diocese of Mogadiscio announced plans to refurbish the building.<ref name="Afasifsoh">{{cite web |title=AFRICA/SOMALIA – "I found signs of hope," said Bishop Bertin who has just returned from Mogadishu |url=http://www.fides.org/en/news/pdf/33502 |publisher=Agenzia Fides |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222223349/http://www.fides.org/en/news/pdf/33502 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Palaces===
[[Villa Somalia]] is the [[official residence|official residential]] [[presidential palace|palace]] and principal workplace of the [[President of Somalia]], [[Hassan Sheikh Mohamud]]. It sits on high ground that overlooks the city on the Indian Ocean, with access to both the harbour and airport.<ref name="Rsnasvtio">{{cite book |title=Reports Service: Northeast Africa series, Volume 13, Issue 1 |year=1966 |publisher=American Universities Field Staff |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SlUaAQAAIAAJ |access-date=27 February 2016 |archive-date=25 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125092118/http://www.google.com/books?id=SlUaAQAAIAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Governor's Palace of Mogadishu]] was the seat of the [[List of colonial governors of Italian Somaliland|governor]] of Italian Somaliland, and then the administrator of the [[Trust Territory of Somalia]].

===Museums, libraries and theatres===
[[File:Old fort Mogadishu.jpg|400px|thumb|upright|Old fort used as Museum [[National Museum of Somalia]] ]]

The [[National Museum of Somalia]] was established after independence in 1960, when the old Garesa Museum was turned into a National Museum. The National Museum was later moved in 1985, renamed to the Garesa Museum, and converted to a regional museum.<ref name="unescorap1">{{cite news |url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0007/000787/078773eo.pdf |title=Museum development and monuments conservation: Somalia |author=Crespo-Toral, H. |work=[[UNESCO]] |year=1988 |access-date=23 January 2014 |archive-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112064136/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0007/000787/078773eo.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0005/000519/051939eo.pdf |title=National Museum of Somalia, Mogadiscio: Roof Restoration Project |author=Lengyel, Oguz Janos |work=[[UNESCO]] |year=1982 |access-date=23 January 2014 |archive-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112064116/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0005/000519/051939eo.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> After shutting down, the National Museum later reopened. As of January 2014, it holds many culturally important artefacts, including old coins, bartering tools, traditional artwork, ancient weaponry and pottery items.<ref name="Ampoi">{{cite web |title=Mogadishu Points of interest |url=http://mogadishuairport.com/discover-mogadishu/mogadishu-attractions/ |publisher=Aden Adde International Airport |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116140257/http://mogadishuairport.com/discover-mogadishu/mogadishu-attractions/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[National Library of Somalia]] was established in 1975, and came under the responsibility of the [[Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education (Somalia)|Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education]]. In 1983, it held approximately 7,000 books, little in the way of historical and cultural archival material, and was open to the general public.<ref name="unescodev">{{cite web |url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0005/000564/056469eo.pdf |title=Development of services: National Library |publisher=[[UNESCO]] |access-date=23 January 2014 |archive-date=15 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015122124/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0005/000564/056469eo.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The National Library later closed down in the 1990s. In June 2013, the [[Heritage Institute for Policy Studies]] organized a shipment of 22,000 books from the United States to Somalia as part of an initiative to restock the library.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/07/19/somalias_national_library_rises_amid_the_ruins.html |first=Michelle |last=Shephard |title=Somalia's national library rises amid the ruins |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=19 July 2013 |access-date=23 January 2014 |archive-date=2 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202133210/http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/07/19/somalias_national_library_rises_amid_the_ruins.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In December of the year, the Somali authorities officially launched a major project to rebuild the National Library. With Zainab Hassan serving as Director, the $1 million federal government-funded initiative will see a new library complex built in the capital within six months. In preparation for the relaunch, 60,000 additional books from other Arab League states are expected to arrive.<ref name="Wstrnl">{{cite news |title=Somalia to rebuild national library |url=http://www.waamood.com/somalia-to-rebuild-national-library/ |access-date=24 January 2014 |newspaper=Waamood |date=22 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127000747/http://www.waamood.com/somalia-to-rebuild-national-library/ |archive-date=27 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[National Theatre of Somalia]] opened in 1967 as an important cultural landmark in the national capital. It closed down after the start of the civil war in the early 1990s but reopened in March 2012 after reconstruction.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2012/09/somalia%E2%80%99s-national-theatre |title=Somalia's National Theatre: Still defiant |newspaper=The Economist |date=21 September 2012 |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-date=3 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203201040/http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2012/09/somalia%E2%80%99s-national-theatre |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2013, the Somali federal government and its Chinese counterpart signed an official cooperation agreement in Mogadishu as part of a five-year national recovery plan in Somalia. The pact will see the Chinese authorities reconstruct the National Theatre of Somalia in addition to several other major infrastructural landmarks.<ref name="Sgcosca">{{cite news |title=Somalia: Gov't, China Officially Sign Cooperation Agreement |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201309100208.html |access-date=11 September 2013 |newspaper=Dalsan Radio |date=9 September 2013 |archive-date=22 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922192234/http://allafrica.com/stories/201309100208.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A large part of Somalia's rich history remains at risk of disappearance with the lack of proper storage and archival system. At Radio Mogadishu, for example, over 200,000 tapes of records are dumped in a storeroom. If these analogue tapes are not digitized, they could be damaged to the point when it is impossible to recover them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Unsdg {{!}} Radio Mogadishu: Saving History for the Future |url=https://unsdg.un.org/latest/stories/radio-mogadishu-saving-history-future |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=unsdg.un.org |language=en}}</ref>

===Markets===
[[File:Bakaara Market.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bakaara Market]] in the heart of Mogadishu]]
[[Bakaara Market]] was created in late 1972 by the Barre administration. It served as an open market for the sale of goods and services, including produce and clothing. After the start of the civil war, the market was controlled by militant groups, who used it as a base for their operations. Following Mogadishu's pacification in 2011, renovations resumed at the market. Shops were rehabilitated, selling everything from fruit and garments to building materials.<ref name="Alcatssr">{{cite web |title=London conference aims to speed Somalia recovery |date=3 May 2013 |url=http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/video/london-conference-aims-speed-somalia-094747459.html |publisher=AFP |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-date=20 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220012116/http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/video/london-conference-aims-speed-somalia-094747459.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As in the rest of the city, Barkaara Market's real estate values have also risen considerably. {{As of|2013}}, the local Tabaarak firm was renting out a newly constructed warehouse at the market for $2,000 per month.<ref name="Wfribm">{{cite web |title=Warehouse for Rent in Bakaara Market |url=http://tabaarak.so/property/warehouse-for-rent-in-bakaara-market/ |publisher=Tabaarak |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204015000/http://tabaarak.so/property/warehouse-for-rent-in-bakaara-market/ |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In February 2014, the Benadir administration began renovations at the [[Ansaloti Market]] in the Hamar Jajab district. It was one of the largest markets in the city before closing down operations in the early 1990s. In September 2014, the municipal authorities reopened the Ansaloti to the public, with officials supervising all parts of the market. According to the Benadir Political Affairs Vice Chairman Mohamed Adan "Anagel", the facility is now open for business and will compete with other regional markets.<ref name="Amimr">{{cite news |title=Ansaloti market in Mogadishu reopened |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=3847 |access-date=2 October 2014 |agency=Goobjoog |date=13 September 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120051/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=3847 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Institutes===
The [[Regional Somali Language Academy]] is an intergovernmental regulating body for the [[Somali language]] in the Horn region. In January 2015, President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the institute was slated to be finalized in conjunction with the governments of [[Djibouti]] and [[Ethiopia]].<ref name="Gspouslod">{{cite news |title=Somali President Orders the Use of Somali Language in the Official Documents |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=9105 |access-date=30 January 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=21 January 2015 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121174302/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=9105 |url-status=live }}</ref> Among the scheduled projects was the construction of a new headquarters for the academy in Mogadishu, in recognition of Somalia's traditional position as the centre for the development and promotion of the Somali language.<ref name="Spouosaoloc">{{cite news |title=Somalia: President orders use of Somali as official language of communication |url=http://raadgoob.com/?p=40872 |access-date=30 January 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=21 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122231839/http://raadgoob.com/?p=40872 |archive-date=22 January 2015}}</ref> In February 2015, the foundation stone for the new Regional Somali Language Academy was officially laid at an inauguration ceremony in the city.<ref name="Gpsdlnrsla">{{cite news |title=Presidents Of Somalia And Djibouti Lay New Regional Somali Language Academy |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=10696 |access-date=22 February 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=22 February 2015 |archive-date=22 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222224455/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=10696 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Hotels===
Mogadishu has a number of hotels, most of which were recently constructed. The city's many returning expatriates, investors and foreign workers are among these establishments' main customers. To meet the growing demand, hotel representatives have also begun participating in international industry conferences, such as the Africa Hotel Investment Forum.<ref name="Sirfismho">{{cite news |title=Somalia is 'ripe for investment', says Mogadishu hotel owner |url=http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/somalia-is-ripe-for-investment-says-mogadishu-hotel-owner/30684/ |access-date=24 January 2014 |newspaper=How We Made It In Africa |date=27 September 2013 |archive-date=14 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214082215/http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/somalia-is-ripe-for-investment-says-mogadishu-hotel-owner/30684/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Among the new hotels is the six-floor Jazeera Palace Hotel. It was built in 2010 and opened in 2012. Situated within 300m of the Aden Adde International Airport, it has a 70-room capacity with a 70% occupancy rate. The hotel expects to host over 1,000 visitors by 2015, for which it plans to construct a larger overall building and conference facilities.<ref name="Sirfismho"/> A new landslide hotel within the airport itself is also slated to be completed by the end of the year.<ref name="Atfos">{{cite web |title=Focus on Somalia |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/253914649/Somalia-Airport#scribd |publisher=Air Transport |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-date=12 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212200949/https://www.scribd.com/doc/253914649/Somalia-Airport#scribd |url-status=live }}</ref>

Other hotels in the city include the Lafweyn Palace Hotel, Amira Castle Hotel, Sahafi Hotel, Hotel Nasa-Hablod, Oriental Hotel, Hotel Guuleed, Hotel Shamo, Peace Hotel, Aran Guest House, [[Hotel Muna|Muna Hotel]], Hotel Taleex, Hotel Towfiq, Benadir Hotel, Ambassador Hotel, Kuwait Plaza Hotel, Safari Hotel Diplomat, Dayax Hotel, Safari Guesthouse and Bin Ali Hotel.<ref name="Aaiamh">{{cite web |title=Mogadishu Hotels |url=http://mogadishuairport.com/discover-mogadishu/mhotels/ |publisher=Aden Adde International Airport |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116144948/http://mogadishuairport.com/discover-mogadishu/mhotels/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Posh Hotel was mostly destroyed by a [[suicide bomber]] in June 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN1960K7-OZATP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619021413/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN1960K7-OZATP |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 June 2017 |title=At least 19 killed in hotel attack in Somali capital |work=Reuters |quote=In the Wednesday evening attack, a car driven by a suicide bomber rammed into the Posh Hotel in south Mogadishu before gunmen rushed into Pizza House, an adjacent restaurant, and took 20 people hostage. [...] District police chief Abdi Bashir told Reuters Somali security forces took back control of the restaurant at midnight after the gunmen had held hostages inside for several hours. Five of the gunmen were killed, Bashir said. "We are in control of the hotel but it was mostly destroyed by the suicide bomber," he told Reuters by phone. |first=Duncan |last=Miriri |editor-first=Ralph |editor-last=Boulton |editor2-first=Pritha |editor2-last=Sarkar |date=15 June 2017}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Mogadishu, Somalia.JPG|thumb|Mogadishu as seen from the [[International Space Station]]]]
Mogadishu is situated on the Indian Ocean coast of the [[Horn of Africa]] of Northeast Africa, in the [[Banaadir]] administrative region (''[[Administrative divisions of Somalia|gobol]]'') in southeastern Somalia.<ref name="factbook">{{Citation|title=Somalia|date=2023-01-11|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/somalia/|work=The World Factbook|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|language=en|access-date=2023-01-19|archive-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701070127/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/so.html|url-status=live}} {{usgovpd}}</ref> The region itself is coextensive with the city and is much smaller than the historical province of [[Benadir]]. The city is administratively divided into eighteen districts of [[Abdiaziz District|Abdiaziz]], [[Bondhere District|Bondhere]], [[Daynile District|Daynile]], [[Dharkenley District|Dharkenley]], [[Hamar-Jajab District|Hamar-Jajab]], [[Hamar-Weyne District|Hamar-Weyne]], [[Heliwa District|Heliwa]], [[Hodan District|Hodan]], [[Howl-Wadag District|Howl-Wadag]], [[Karan District|Karan]], [[Shangani District|Shangani]], [[Shibis District|Shibis]], [[Waberi District|Waberi]], [[Wadajir District|Wadajir]], [[Wardhigley District|Wardhigley]] and [[Yaqshid District|Yaqshid]].<ref name="Stados">{{cite web |url=http://www.statoids.com/yso.html |title=Districts of Somalia |publisher=Statoids.com |access-date=25 May 2012 |archive-date=18 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218080018/http://www.statoids.com/yso.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Features of the city include the Hamarwein old town, the [[Bakaara Market]], and [[Gezira Beach]]. The sandy beaches of Mogadishu have vibrant coral reefs, and are prime real estate for the first tourist resorts in many years.<ref name="Milmsrhtap">{{cite news |last=Ali |first=Laila |title='Mogadishu is like Manhattan': Somalis return home to accelerate progress |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/jan/11/mogadishu-manhattan-somalis-return-progress |access-date=14 June 2013 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=11 January 2013 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005120912/http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/jan/11/mogadishu-manhattan-somalis-return-progress |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Shebelle River]] (''Webiga Shabelle'') rises in central [[Ethiopia]] and comes within {{cvt|30|km|mi|sp=us}} of the Indian Ocean near Mogadishu before turning southwestward. Usually dry during February and March, the river provides water essential for the cultivation of [[sugarcane]], [[cotton]], and [[banana]]s.<ref name="UsaPublications2007">{{cite book |title=Arab League League of Arab States Investment and Business Guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Grl04XpSrkC&pg=PA211 |date=7 February 2007 |publisher=Int'l Business Publications |isbn=978-1-4330-0175-8 |page=211 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=21 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521051820/https://books.google.com/books?id=9Grl04XpSrkC&pg=PA211 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Climate===
[[File:Mogaerial2.jpg|thumb|right|The Mogadishu beachfront]]
For a city situated so near the [[equator]], Mogadishu has a dry climate. It is classified as hot and dry winter (winter is hotter than summer) [[semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] (''BSh''), as with much of southeastern Somalia. Summer (Jun-Aug) is the coldest and rainiest season. By contrast, towns in northern Somalia generally have a [[Desert climate|hot arid climate]] (Köppen ''BWh'').<ref name=Peel>{{cite journal |last1=Peel |first1=M. C. |last2=Finlayson |first2=B. L. |last3=McMahon |first3=T. A. |year=2007 |title=Updated world map of the Köppen–Geiger climate classification |journal=Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. |volume=11 |issue=5 |pages=1633–1644 |doi=10.5194/hess-11-1633-2007 |bibcode=2007HESS...11.1633P |issn=1027-5606|doi-access=free}} ''(direct: [http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf Final Revised Paper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203170339/http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf |date=3 February 2012 }})''</ref> While the city is relatively dry, due to its coastal location, relative humidity is rather high, averaging 79% for the year.

Mogadishu is located in or near the tropical thorn woodland biome of the [[Holdridge life zones|Holdridge]] global bioclimatic scheme. The mean temperature in the city year-round is {{cvt|27|C|F}}, with an average maximum of {{cvt|30|C|F}} and an average minimum of {{cvt|24|C|F}}. Mean temperature readings per month vary by 3&nbsp;°C (5.4&nbsp;°F), corresponding with a hyperoceanic and subtype truly hyperoceanic [[Humid continental climate|continentality]] type. Precipitation per year averages {{cvt|429.2|mm|in|1}}. There are 47 wet days annually, which are associated with a 12% annual daily probability of rainfall. The city has an average of 3,066 hours of sunshine per year, with 8.4 hours of sunlight per day. Mean daylight hours and minutes per day are 8 hours and 24 minutes. The percentage of possible sunshine is 70%. Average [[Solar azimuth angle|sun altitude]] at solar noon on the 21st day of the month is 75%.<ref name="Moclate">{{cite web |title=Mogadishu Climate & Temperature |url=http://www.mogadishu.climatemps.com/ |publisher=Climatemps |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913174032/http://www.mogadishu.climatemps.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Weather box
|location = Mogadishu
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan record high C = 39.5
|Feb record high C = 39.5
|Mar record high C = 37.3
|Apr record high C = 39.8
|May record high C = 34.9
|Jun record high C = 33.0
|Jul record high C = 34.3
|Aug record high C = 36.0
|Sep record high C = 36.0
|Oct record high C = 37.0
|Nov record high C = 39.0
|Dec record high C = 37.3
|year record high C = 39.8
|Jan high C = 30.2
|Feb high C = 30.2
|Mar high C = 30.9
|Apr high C = 32.2
|May high C = 31.2
|Jun high C = 29.6
|Jul high C = 28.6
|Aug high C = 28.6
|Sep high C = 29.4
|Oct high C = 30.2
|Nov high C = 30.6
|Dec high C = 30.8
|year high C = 30.2
|Jan mean C = 26.6
|Feb mean C = 26.9
|Mar mean C = 28.0
|Apr mean C = 28.9
|May mean C = 28.2
|Jun mean C = 26.7
|Jul mean C = 25.4
|Aug mean C = 25.9
|Sep mean C = 26.5
|Oct mean C = 27.3
|Nov mean C = 27.5
|Dec mean C = 26.9
|year mean C = 27.1
|Jan low C = 23.0
|Feb low C = 23.4
|Mar low C = 24.9
|Apr low C = 25.6
|May low C = 24.9
|Jun low C = 23.7
|Jul low C = 23.1
|Aug low C = 23.0
|Sep low C = 23.4
|Oct low C = 24.3
|Nov low C = 24.2
|Dec low C = 23.5
|year low C = 23.9
|Jan record low C = 19.0
|Feb record low C = 19.2
|Mar record low C = 19.4
|Apr record low C = 18.0
|May record low C = 18.4
|Jun record low C = 18.0
|Jul record low C = 16.8
|Aug record low C = 18.0
|Sep record low C = 18.0
|Oct record low C = 17.5
|Nov record low C = 16.2
|Dec record low C = 16.5
|year record low C = 16.2
|Jan precipitation mm = 0
|Feb precipitation mm = 0
|Mar precipitation mm = 8
|Apr precipitation mm = 61
|May precipitation mm = 61
|Jun precipitation mm = 82
|Jul precipitation mm = 64
|Aug precipitation mm = 44
|Sep precipitation mm = 25
|Oct precipitation mm = 32
|Nov precipitation mm = 43
|Dec precipitation mm = 9
|year precipitation mm = 428
|unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 0.3
|Feb precipitation days = 0.1
|Mar precipitation days = 0.6
|Apr precipitation days = 4.8
|May precipitation days = 6.7
|Jun precipitation days = 12.7
|Jul precipitation days = 13.3
|Aug precipitation days = 10.2
|Sep precipitation days = 4.9
|Oct precipitation days = 3.9
|Nov precipitation days = 4.1
|Dec precipitation days = 1.5
|year precipitation days = 63.0
|Jan humidity = 78
|Feb humidity = 78
|Mar humidity = 77
|Apr humidity = 77
|May humidity = 80
|Jun humidity = 80
|Jul humidity = 81
|Aug humidity = 81
|Sep humidity = 81
|Oct humidity = 80
|Nov humidity = 79
|Dec humidity = 79
|year humidity = 79
|Jan sun = 266.6
|Feb sun = 251.4
|Mar sun = 282.1
|Apr sun = 261.0
|May sun = 272.8
|Jun sun = 219.0
|Jul sun = 226.3
|Aug sun = 254.2
|Sep sun = 264.0
|Oct sun = 266.6
|Nov sun = 261.0
|Dec sun = 257.3
|year sun = 
|Jand sun = 8.6
|Febd sun = 8.9
|Mard sun = 9.1
|Aprd sun = 8.7
|Mayd sun = 8.8
|Jund sun = 7.3
|Juld sun = 7.3
|Augd sun = 8.2
|Sepd sun = 8.8
|Octd sun = 8.6
|Novd sun = 8.7
|Decd sun = 8.3
|yeard sun = 8.4
| Jan percentsun = 72
| Feb percentsun = 74
| Mar percentsun = 73
| Apr percentsun = 71
| May percentsun = 72
| Jun percentsun = 59
| Jul percentsun = 59
| Aug percentsun = 67
| Sep percentsun = 72
| Oct percentsun = 72
| Nov percentsun = 72
| Dec percentsun = 70
| year percentsun = 69
|source 1 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]]<ref name = DWD>{{cite web |url=http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_632600_kt.pdf |title=Klimatafel von Mogadischu (Mogadiscio) / Somalia |work=Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world |publisher=Deutscher Wetterdienst |language=de |access-date=22 October 2016 |archive-date=25 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325172654/https://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_632600_kt.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|source 2 = Food and Agriculture Organization: Somalia Water and Land Management (percent sunshine)<ref name=faosun>{{cite web |url=http://sddr.faoswalim.org/downloads/Long%20Term%20Mean_Monthly__sunshine%20fraction.xls |title=Long term mean monthly sunshine fraction in Somalia |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization |access-date   = 4 November 2016 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005063105/http://sddr.faoswalim.org/downloads/Long%20Term%20Mean_Monthly__sunshine%20fraction.xls |archive-date = 5 October 2016 |url-status = dead}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|type=Somalia
|1936|50000
|1941|72000
|1944|72000
|1947|73000
|1950|55000
|1953|63000
|1956|75000
|1959|104332
|1962|116222
|1965|171312
|1968|172700
|1972|230000
|1982|500000
|1984|570000
|1991|1,100000
|align=right
|footnote = Sources: [[Italian Somaliland]], [[Italian Somaliland#British Military Administration (1941–1950)|British Military Administration]], [[United Nations]] and Mogadishu municipal estimates and censuses; Population size may be affected by changes on administrative divisions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Somalia |url=http://www.populstat.info/ |publisher=Populstat |access-date=24 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223080259/http://www.populstat.info/ |archive-date=23 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fedoa.unina.it/1881/1/Santoianni_Progettazione_Architettonica.pdf |title=Italian arquitecture in Somalia (in Italian) |access-date=1 January 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924011622/http://www.fedoa.unina.it/1881/1/Santoianni_Progettazione_Architettonica.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|2017|2,425,000}}

Mogadishu is inhabited by All Somali clan-families, with the most dominated being the Abgaal  and Murusade clans.<ref>{{cite web |last=Refugees |first=United Nations High Commissioner for |title=Refworld {{!}} Somalia: Information on the present treatment of the Darood tribe by the Hawiye tribe, forming the backbone of the United Somali Congress, in Mogadishu |url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aba123.html |access-date=10 December 2021 |website=Refworld |language=en |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015124/https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aba123.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite journal |date=January 2019 |title=Country Policy and Information Note Somalia: Majority clans and minority groups in south and central Somalia |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/773526/Somalia_-_Clans_-_CPIN_V3.0e.pdf |journal=[[Home Office]] |pages=13 |quote=Meanwhile the Hawiye clan mainly live in South/Central Somalia, their most influential subdivisions are the Abgal and Habr Gedir, which are both dominant in Mogadishu. |access-date=10 December 2021 |archive-date=20 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120174347/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/773526/Somalia_-_Clans_-_CPIN_V3.0e.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Muthuma |first=Gitau |date=6 May 2007 |title=Clans and crisis in Somalia |url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/may/06/clansandcrisisinsomalia |access-date=9 December 2021 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210043927/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/may/06/clansandcrisisinsomalia |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Le Sage |first=Andre |date=June 2010 |title=Somalia's Endless Transition: Breaking the Deadlock |url=https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/120328/SF257.pdf |journal=Strategic Forum |volume=257 |pages=2 |quote=The key Hawiye subclans that dominate Mogadishu (including the Abgal, Habr Geidr, and Murosade) are all split internally between those that support the TFG, those that support the insurgency, and those (probably the majority) that are hedging their bets between the two and attempting to survive. |access-date=10 December 2021 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210003528/https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/120328/SF257.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Apart from the [[Somalis]] that have inhabited the city since the beginning, several minorities have also historically lived in the city. With the beginning of Islam, Arab and Persian migrants began to settle during the medieval period.{{sfn|Royal Anthropological Institute|1953|p=50–51}}{{sfn|Lewis|1998|p=47}} Centuries of intermarriage between the various ethnic groups, which also include Bantus, produced a minority people called [[Benadiri people|Benadiris]], or ‘Ad’ad ({{langx|so|Cadcad}}),{{sfn|Abbink|1999|p=18}} who mainly inhabit the oldest districts of Mogadishu.<ref>{{cite journal |date=3 December 2012 |title=Somalia: The Reer Hamar and/or Benadiri, including the location of their traditional homeland, affiliated clans and risks they face from other clans |url=https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2013/12/13/SOM104241.E.pdf |journal=Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |pages=1 |quote=In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a UK-based independent researcher who lived in Somalia for 25 years and completed her doctoral thesis on the Reer Hamar/Benadiri people stated that the Reer Hamar "belong to the lineage groups that are associated with stone-town Mogadishu, the oldest part of the city ... which was historically known as Hamar" |access-date=10 December 2021 |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305014226/https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2013/12/13/SOM104241.E.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> In the colonial period, European expatriates, primarily [[Italian Somalis|Italians]], would also contribute to the city's cosmopolitan populace.

Following a greatly improved security situation in the city in 2012, Somali expatriates and many of the [[Somali diaspora|diaspora]] began returning to Mogadishu for investment opportunities and to take part in the post-conflict reconstruction.<ref name="Meanbd">{{cite news |last=Mulupi |first=Dinfin |title=Mogadishu: East Africa's newest business destination? |url=http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/mogadishu-east-africas-newest-business-destination/17661/ |access-date=10 March 2014 |newspaper=How We Made It in Africa |date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627101741/http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/mogadishu-east-africas-newest-business-destination/17661/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Through both private efforts and public initiatives like the Somali Diaspora Corps, they have participated in the renovation of schools, hospitals, banks and other infrastructure.<ref name="Meanbd"/><ref name="Sgsdc">{{cite web |title=Somali Diaspora Corps |url=https://startsomegood.com/Venture/somali_diaspora_corps |publisher=SSG |access-date=10 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310224935/https://startsomegood.com/Venture/somali_diaspora_corps |archive-date=10 March 2014}}</ref> They have also helped to propel the local real estate market.<ref name="Mtjedhaba">{{cite web |last=Mark T. Jones |title=Opportunity Somalia |url=http://bnmagazine.co.uk/index.php/2013/07/08/opportunity-somalia/ |work=BN Magazine |access-date=10 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310234543/http://bnmagazine.co.uk/index.php/2013/07/08/opportunity-somalia/ |archive-date=10 March 2014}}</ref> Since 2015, Mogadishu and many parts of the [[Puntland|north]] of the country have seen a rise in refugees and migrants mainly those who are returning from [[Yemen]] or are from war torn [[Arabs|Arab]] countries  particularly those who are [[Yemenis]] and [[Syrians]] who are fleeing conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yemeni refugees integrate smoothly into Somali society |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemeni-refugees-integrate-smoothly-into-somali-society/2481940 |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-16 |title=Syrian Refugees in Somalia Enrich Culture, Contribute to Economy |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_syrian-refugees-somalia-enrich-culture-contribute-economy/6207092.html |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref>

According to Demographia, Mogadishu has a population of around 2,425,000 residents {{As of|2017|04|lc=y}}. It is the 210th largest city in the world by population size. The urban area occupies {{cvt|91|km2}}, with a population density of around {{cvt|26800|PD/km2}}.<ref name="Dwua">{{cite web |title=Demographia World Urban Area |edition=13 |date=April 2017 |url=http://demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |publisher=Demographia |access-date=20 December 2017 |archive-date=13 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013155105/http://demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[UNFPA]] assisted the Ministry in the project, which is slated to be finalized ahead of the planned plebiscite and local and national elections in 2016.<ref name="Sgtlpcaote">{{cite news |title=SOMALIA: Gov't to launch population census ahead of 2016 elections |url=http://www.warqabad.com/somalia-govt-to-launch-population-census-ahead-of-2016-elections/ |access-date=17 February 2015 |agency=RBC Radio |archive-date=21 September 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140921154130/http://www.warqabad.com/somalia-govt-to-launch-population-census-ahead-of-2016-elections/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
Mogadishu is home to a number of scholastic institutions. As part of the government's urban renewal program, 100 schools across the country are scheduled to be refurbished and reopened. Compulsory education lasts 15 years, Primary and middle school is financed by the state and free of charge in public schools, between the ages of 7 and 19, and by 2015 enrollment of children in this age range was nearly 55%. Secondary or high school education is not mandatory but required in order to then progress to [[universities]].<ref name="Noidpauim"/>

[[File:Mogauniv1.jpg|thumb|The [[Mogadishu University]] main campus]]

The [[Somali National University]] (SNU) was established in the 1950s, during the trusteeship period. In 1973, its programmes and facilities were expanded. The SNU developed over the next 20 years into an expansive institution of higher learning, with 13 departments, 700 staff and over 15,000 students. On 14 November 2013, the Cabinet unanimously approved a federal government plan to reopen the Somali National University, which had been closed down in the early 1990s. The refurbishing initiative cost US$3.6 million,<ref name="Ceptrsnu">{{cite news |title=Cabinet endorses plans to reopen Somali National University |url=http://horseedmedia.net/2013/11/14/cabinet-endorses-plans-reopen-somali-national-university/ |access-date=18 November 2013 |newspaper=Horseed Media |date=14 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212004845/http://horseedmedia.net/2013/11/14/cabinet-endorses-plans-reopen-somali-national-university/ |archive-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and was completed in August 2014.<ref name="Gfgrsnu">{{cite news |title=Federal government re-opens Somali National University |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=2609 |access-date=24 August 2014 |agency=Goobjoog News |date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=26 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326031158/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=2609 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Mogadishu University]] (MU) is a non-governmental university that is governed by a board of trustees and a University Council. It is the brainchild of a number of professors from the Somali National University as well as other Somali intellectuals. Financed by the [[Islamic Development Bank]] in [[Jeddah]], [[Saudi Arabia]], as well as other donor institutions, the university counts hundreds of graduates from its seven faculties, some of whom continue on to pursue [[Master's degrees]] abroad thanks to a scholarship programme. Mogadishu University has established multiple partnerships with several other academic institutions, including the [[University of Aalborg]] in Denmark, three universities in [[Egypt]], seven universities in [[Sudan]], the [[University of Djibouti]], and two universities in [[Yemen]]. {{As of|2012}}, MU also has accreditation with the Board of the Intergovernmental Organization EDU.<ref name="IOAHL">{{cite web |title=EDU Accreditation Status&nbsp;— Mogadishu University |url=http://edu.int/Mogadishu_University/ |publisher=Intergovernmental Organization for Accreditation in Higher Learning |access-date=10 March 2014 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204024833/http://edu.int/Mogadishu_University/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Hammar Jab Jab School.jpeg|thumb|left|The Hamar Jajab School in Mogadishu]]

In 1999, the Somali Institute of Management and Administration (SIMAD) was co-established in Mogadishu by incumbent president of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The institution subsequently grew into the [[SIMAD University]], with Mohamud acting as [[dean (education)|dean]] until 2010.<ref name="Spostpc">{{cite news |last=Mohamed |first=Mahmoud |title=Profiles of Somalia's top presidential candidates |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2012/08/17/feature-02 |access-date=21 August 2012 |newspaper=Sabahi |date=17 August 2012 |archive-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402163949/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2012/08/17/feature-02 |url-status=live }}</ref> It offers a range of undergraduate courses in various fields, including economics, statistics, business, accountancy, technology, computer science, health sciences, education, law and public administration.<ref name="SIMAD">{{cite web |title=SIMAD University&nbsp;— History |url=http://www.simad.edu.so/index.php/2013-02-17-10-19-35/history |publisher=SIMAD University |access-date=21 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205043455/http://www.simad.edu.so/index.php/2013-02-17-10-19-35/history |archive-date=5 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Benadir University]] was established in 2002 with the intention of training doctors. It has since expanded into other fields. Another tertiary institution in the city is the Zamzam University of Science and Technology and [[Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology]] . The Turkish Boarding School was also established, with the Mogadishu Polytechnic Institute and Shabelle University campus likewise undergoing renovations. Additionally, a New Islamic University campus is being built.<ref name="Noidpauim"/> In April 2014, Prime Minister [[Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed]] also laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the former meteorological school in Mogadishu.<ref name="Qsplfsfmsim">{{cite news |title=Somali PM lay foundation stone for rebuilding meteorological school in Mogadishu |url=http://goobjoog.com/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2229:somali-pm-lay-foundation-stone-for-rebuilding-meteorological-school-in-mogadishu&catid=128:education&Itemid=655 |access-date=9 May 2014 |newspaper=Qoobjoog |date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223428/http://goobjoog.com/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2229%3Asomali-pm-lay-foundation-stone-for-rebuilding-meteorological-school-in-mogadishu&catid=128%3Aeducation&Itemid=655 |url-status=live }}</ref> A new national Aviation Training Academy is likewise being built at the Aden Adde International Airport.<ref name="Rshpmasalfs">{{cite news |title=Somalia: H.E Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed lays foundation stone for the Aviation Training Academy at Aden Adde Airport |url=http://www.raxanreeb.com/2014/04/somaliah-e-prime-minister-abdiweli-sheikh-ahmed-lays-foundation-stone-for-the-aviation-training-academy-at-aden-adde-airport/ |access-date=25 April 2014 |newspaper=Raxanreeb |date=23 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425055500/http://www.raxanreeb.com/2014/04/somaliah-e-prime-minister-abdiweli-sheikh-ahmed-lays-foundation-stone-for-the-aviation-training-academy-at-aden-adde-airport/ |archive-date=25 April 2014}}</ref> This is the first of its kind.

City University was established in 2012 with the aim of providing instruction and research. The college is staffed by an accredited Master's-level faculty, and governed by a board of trustees consisting of academics and prominent entrepreneurs. City University's syllabus features a curriculum and foundation programs in English. Its campus includes physical and digital libraries, as well as IT and scientific laboratories. The university is a member of the Somali Research and Educational Network, and is authorized as a degree-granting institution by the national Ministry of Education Directorate of Higher Education and Culture.
Other tertiary institutions in the capital include [[Zamzam University of Science and Technology]]. In 2012, Zamzam foundation started agricultural training school declared its purpose to be “rebuilding food production system of the country and accelerate its yield, while promoting income generation for low-income families”. The School conducted 22 training programs during that period. in 2013 the Agricultural training school became Zamzam University of Science & Technology (ZUST). the first classes for the bachelor's degree September 2014, followed by the faculty of Medicine in 2015. Currently the ZUST has six faculties and centre for graduate studies. The permanent campus of the university is located in the KM11 Weydoow Mogadishu.

== Culture ==
[[File:Somalia National Museum under renovation, February 2020.jpg|thumb|[[National Museum of Somalia|Somalia National Museum]] under renovation, February 2020]]
Mogadishu is the cultural heart of Somalia, hosting numerous important national institutions, landmarks, and scholastic centers.

=== Landmarks and institutions ===
The city is home to significant historical and cultural landmarks. The [[Arba'a Rukun Mosque]], built circa [[Anno hegirae|AH]]&nbsp;667 (1268–69&nbsp;CE), is one of the oldest Islamic places of worship in the capital. The [[Mosque of Islamic Solidarity]], built with funds from the [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] government, is the largest masjid in the [[Horn of Africa|Horn]] region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/somalia/mogadishu/attractions/masjid-of-islamic-solidarity/a/poi-sig/1550993/355325|title=Masjid of Islamic Solidarity {{!}} Mogadishu, Somalia |website=Lonely Planet|access-date=21 July 2025}}</ref> The [[Mogadishu Cathedral]] was built in 1928 by the colonial authorities in [[Italian Somaliland]] in a [[Norman architecture|Norman]] [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic]] style; it was severely damaged during the civil war but remains an important landmark.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/mar/18/mogadishu-cathedral-somalia-renaissance|title=Story of cities #10: the cathedral of Mogadishu – a home for turtles and the homeless|last=Kassam|first=Al-jazeera|website=The Guardian|date=18 March 2014|access-date=21 July 2025}}</ref>

Key cultural institutions are also based in the city. The [[National Museum of Somalia]], originally established in 1933, was rebuilt and officially reopened in 2020 after being destroyed in the civil war.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/federal-republic-somalia-reopens-its-national-museum-mogadishu|title=Federal Republic of Somalia reopens its National Museum in Mogadishu|website=UNESCO|date=1 July 2020|access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref> The nearby [[National Library of Somalia]] has also undergone extensive renovation with the aim of preserving the nation's literary and historical records.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_somalias-national-library-reopens-offering-haven-book-lovers/6198083.html|title=Somalia's National Library Reopens, Offering Haven for Book Lovers|newspaper=Voice of America|date=21 August 2021|access-date=21 July 2025}}</ref>

===Sport===
[[File:2012 01 12 MGD Stadiums e (8394616568).jpg|thumb|The [[Banadir Stadium]] being renovated]]
[[Mogadishu Stadium]] was constructed in 1978 during the Barre administration, with the assistance of Chinese engineers. The facility was mainly used for hosting sporting activities, such as the [[Somalia Cup]] and for [[Association football|football]] matches with teams from the [[Somalia League]]. Presidential addresses and political rallies, among other events, were also held there.<ref name="Drproc">''Daily report: People's Republic of China'', Issues 53–61, (National Technical Information Service: 1986)</ref> In September 2013, the Somali federal government and its Chinese counterpart signed an official cooperation agreement in Mogadishu as part of a five-year national recovery plan in Somalia. The pact will see the Chinese authorities reconstruct several major infrastructural landmarks, including the Mogadishu Stadium.<ref name="Sgcosca"/>

The [[Banadir Stadium]] and Konis Stadium are two other major sporting facilities in the capital. In 2013, the [[Somali Football Federation]] launched a renovation project at the Konis facility, during which artificial football turf contributed by FIFA was installed at the stadium. The Ex-Lujino basketball stadium in the [[Abdiaziz District|Abdulaziz District]] also underwent a $10,000 rehabilitation, with funding provided by the local Hormuud Telecom firm.<ref name="Mltfrss">{{cite news |title=Mogadishu looks to future, renovates sports stadiums |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/01/04/feature-02 |access-date=24 January 2014 |newspaper=Sabahi |date=4 January 2013 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204012352/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/01/04/feature-02 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, the municipal authority oversaw the reconstruction of the [[Banadir Stadium]].<ref name="Noidpauim"/>

National sporting bodies have their headquarters in Mogadishu. Among these are the Somali Football Federation, [[Somali Olympic Committee]] and [[Somalia national basketball team|Somali Basketball Federation]]. The [[Somalia national Taekwondo team|Somali Karate and Taekwondo Federation]] is likewise centered in the city, and manages the [[Somalia national Taekwondo team|national Taekwondo team]].<ref name="Wtfs">{{cite web |title=Somalia |url=http://www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/africa/item/899-somali-karate-and-taekwondo-federation |publisher=World Taekwondo Federation |access-date=8 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110153933/http://www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/africa/item/899-somali-karate-and-taekwondo-federation |archive-date=10 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Transportation==
===Road===
[[File:Mogadishu1d.jpg|thumb|right|Newly constructed roads and buildings in Mogadishu (2015)]]
Roads leading out of Mogadishu connect the city to other localities in Somalia as well as to neighbouring countries. The capital itself is cut into several grid layouts by an extensive road network. In October 2013, major construction began on the 23-kilometer road leading to the airport. Overseen by Somali and Turkish engineers, the upgrade was completed in November and included lane demarcation. The road construction initiative was part of a larger agreement signed by the Somali and Turkish governments to establish Mogadishu and Istanbul as sister cities, and in the process bring all of Mogadishu's roads up to modern standards.<ref name="Smrgmnug">{{cite news |last=Jibril |first=Dahir |title=Mogadishu roads get much needed upgrades |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/10/03/feature-02 |access-date=24 January 2014 |newspaper=Sabahi |date=3 October 2013 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204012355/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/10/03/feature-02 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the treaty, the [[Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency]] (TIKA) launched a citywide cleaning project in conjunction with the municipal cleaning department. The initiative saw around 100 rubbish collection vehicles and other equipment operated by TIKA clean the city's roads, with the Benadir municipality taking over operation of the cleaning project in March 2015.<ref name="Gthcpim">{{cite news |title=Turkey Halts Cleaning Project in Mogadishu |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=11420 |access-date=7 March 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=7 March 2015 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152357/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=11420 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2012–2013, Mogadishu's municipal authority in conjunction with the British and Norwegian governments began a project to install solar-powered street lights on all of the capital's major roads.<ref name="Atfos"/><ref name="Mmrsliomr">{{cite news |last=Adam |first=Ali |title=Mogadishu Municipality resumes solar light installations on major roads |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/02/20/feature-02 |access-date=24 January 2014 |newspaper=Sabahi |date=20 February 2013 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204012525/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/02/20/feature-02 |url-status=live }}</ref> With equipment imported from Norway, the initiative cost around $140,000 and lasted several months. The solar panels have helped to improve night-time visibility and enhance the city's overall aesthetic appeal.<ref name="Mmrsliomr"/>
[[File:2013 09 01 Mogadishu Taxi Company 017 (9656572232).jpg|thumb|right|Mogadishu taxis]]
[[Minibus]]es are the most common type of [[public transportation]] in Mogadishu. The next most frequently used public vehicles in the city are [[auto rickshaw]]s (''bajaj''). They number around 3,000 units and come in various designs. The auto-rickshaws represent a lower cost alternative to taxis and minibuses, typically charging half the price for the same distance, with flexible rates. Due to their affordability, capacity to negotiate narrow lanes and low fuel consumption, the three-wheeled vehicles are often appealing investment opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs. They are generally preferred for shorter commutes.<ref name="Gartptim">{{cite news |title=Auto-rickshaws transform public transport in Mogadishu |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=11867 |access-date=17 March 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402201213/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=11867 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In June 2013, two new taxi companies also started offering road transportation to residents. Part of a fleet of over 100 vehicles, Mogadishu Taxi's trademark yellow cabs offer rides throughout the city at flat rates of $5. City Taxi, the firm's nearest competitor, charges the same flat rate, with plans to add new cabs to its fleet.<ref name="Ntcpmtmr">{{cite news |last=Jibril |first=Dahir |title=New taxi companies offer peace of mind to Mogadishu residents |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/06/14/feature-02 |access-date=24 January 2014 |newspaper=Sabahi |date=14 June 2013 |archive-date=25 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225050301/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/06/14/feature-02 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2014, the Benadir administration launched a citywide street naming, house numbering and postal codes project. Officially called the House Numbering and Post Code System, it is a joint initiative of the municipal authorities and Somali business community representatives. According to former Mayor Mohamed Ahmed Nur, the initiative also aims to help the authorities firm up on security and resolve housing ownership disputes.<ref name="Bolmssssenp"/> In March 2015, the Benadir administration likewise launched a renovation project on the Hawo Asir-Fagah major road in Mogadishu. The government-public partnership aims to facilitate vehicle access in the area. According to Karaan district commissioner Ahmed Hassan Yalah'ow, the reconstruction initiative will also make the road all-weather resistant and is slated to be completed shortly.<ref name="Gbarhafrim">{{cite news |title=Benadir administration reconstructs Hawo Asir-Fagah road in Mogadishu |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=12235 |access-date=27 March 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=27 March 2015 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402123603/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=12235 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Air===
During the post-independence period, [[Aden Adde International Airport|Mogadishu International Airport]] offered flights to numerous global destinations.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} In the mid-1960s, the airport was enlarged to accommodate more international carriers, with the state-owned [[Somali Airlines]] providing regular trips to many major cities.{{sfn|Instituto di Zoologia|1966|p=342}} By 1969, the airport's many landing grounds could also host small jets and DC 6B-type aircraft.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
[[File:Somali Airlines 6O-SBN FRA 1984-8-16.png|thumb|right|A [[Somali Airlines]] [[Boeing 707|Boeing 707-338C]] in flight (1984). The Mogadishu-based national carrier was relaunched in late 2013.]]
The facility grew considerably in size in the post-independence period after successive renovation projects. With the outbreak of the civil war in the early 1990s, Mogadishu International Airport's flight services experienced routine disruptions and its grounds and equipment were largely destroyed. In the late 2000s, the [[K50 Airport]], situated 50 kilometers to the south, served as the capital's main airport while Mogadishu International Airport, now renamed Aden Adde International Airport, briefly shut down.<ref name=airwaysv14i7>{{cite journal |last=Schmitz |first=Sebastain |year=2007 |title=By Ilyushin 18 to Mogadishu |journal=Airways |volume=14 |issue=7 |pages=12–17 |issn=1074-4320}}</ref> However, in late 2010, the security situation in Mogadishu had significantly improved, with the federal government eventually managing to assume full control of the city by August 2011.<ref name="Asdilr"/>

In May 2011, the Ministry of Transport announced that SKA-Somalia had been contracted to manage operations at the re-opened Aden Adde International Airport over a period of ten years.<ref name="Smnssemaaia">{{cite news |title=Somalia: SKA Effectively Manages Aden-Adde International Airport |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201211110269.html |access-date=9 January 2013 |newspaper=Shabelle Media Network |date=10 November 2012 |archive-date=10 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310233531/http://allafrica.com/stories/201211110269.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Among its first initiatives, worth an estimated $6 million, SKA invested in new airport equipment and expanded support services by hiring, training and equipping 200 local workers to meet international airport standards. The company also assisted in comprehensive infrastructure renovations, restored a dependable supply of electricity, revamped the [[Baggage handling system|baggage handling]] facilities as well as the arrival and departure lounges, put into place electronic [[check-in]] systems, and firmed up on security and work-flow. Additionally, SKA connected the grounds' Somali Civil Aviation and Meteorological Agency (SCAMA) and immigration, customs, commercial airlines and [[Somali Police Force]] officials to the internet.<ref name="Smnssemaaia"/> By January 2013, the firm had introduced [[shuttle bus]]es to ferry travelers to and from the passenger terminal.<ref name="Smnsthpossama">{{cite news |last=Eng. |first=Maalik |title=Somali travellers heap praise on SKA services at Mogadishu airport |url=http://shabelle.net/12149/ |access-date=9 January 2013 |newspaper=Shabelle Media Network |date=8 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115051959/http://shabelle.net/12149/ |archive-date=15 January 2013 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
[[File:Aden Abdullah Airport.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Aden Adde International Airport]]]]
In December 2011, the Turkish government unveiled plans to further modernize the airport as part of Turkey's broader engagement in the local post-conflict reconstruction process. Among the scheduled renovations were new systems and infrastructure, including a modern control tower to monitor the airspace.<ref name="Tctsdmfim"/> In September 2013, the Turkish company Favori LLC began operations at the airport. The firm announced plans to renovate the aviation building and construct a new one, as well as upgrade other modern service structures. A $10 million project, it will increase the airport's existing 15 aircraft capacity to 60.<ref name=Aksam>{{cite news |title=Somali'ye Türk firma havalimanı yapacak |url=http://www.aksam.com.tr/newsdetail.asp?Newsid=162839&cid=guncel&title=somaliye-turk-firma-havalimani-yapacak |access-date=11 January 2014 |newspaper=Aksam |archive-date=12 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112034114/http://www.aksam.com.tr/newsdetail.asp?Newsid=162839&cid=guncel&title=somaliye-turk-firma-havalimani-yapacak |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2015, a new, state-of-the-art terminal was opened at the airport.<ref name="Gpresv">{{cite news |title=Press Release: Erdogan's Somalia Visit |url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=9308 |access-date=26 January 2015 |agency=Goobjoog |date=25 January 2015 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118163629/http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=9308 |url-status=live }}</ref> Featuring modern passenger facilities and a [[Facade|glass façade]], it will enable the airport to double its number of daily commercial flights to 60, with a throughput of around 1,000 passengers per hour.<ref name="Atfos"/>

As of January 2015, the largest airline services using Aden Adde International Airport include the Somali-owned private carriers [[Jubba Airways]], [[Daallo Airlines]], and [[African Express Airways]], in addition to UN charter planes, [[Turkish Airlines]],<ref name=Tctsdmfim>{{cite news |last=Khalif |first=Abdulkadir |title=Turkish carrier to start direct Mogadishu flights in March |url=http://www.africareview.com/News/-/979180/1328594/-/gn8xfvz/-/index.html |newspaper=Africa Review |date=16 February 2012 |access-date=26 June 2012 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910175221/http://www.africareview.com/News/-/979180/1328594/-/gn8xfvz/-/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> The airport also offers flights to other cities in Somalia, such as [[Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport|Galkayo]], [[Berbera Airport|Berbera]] and [[Hargeisa International Airport|Hargeisa]], as well as to international destinations like [[Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport|Djibouti]], [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]],<ref name=McGinley2010>{{cite news |last=McGinley |first=Shane |title=Dubai's SKA signs deal to manage Mogadishu airport |url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/dubai-s-ska-signs-deal-manage-mogadishu-airport-370050.html |newspaper=Arabian Business Publishing Ltd |date=29 December 2010 |access-date=2 October 2011 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910173521/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/dubai-s-ska-signs-deal-manage-mogadishu-airport-370050.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Atatürk International Airport|Istanbul]].<ref name="Tctsdmfim"/>

In July 2012, Mohammed Osman Ali (Dhagah-tur), the General Director of the Ministry of Aviation and Transport, also announced that the Somali government had begun preparations to revive the Mogadishu-based national carrier, Somali Airlines.<ref name="Lstrnaaty">{{cite news |title=Somalia to revive national airline after 21 years |publisher=Laanta |date=24 July 2012 |url=http://laanta.net/2012/07/24/somalia-to-revive-national-airline-after-21-years/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141102150005/http://laanta.net/2012/07/24/somalia-to-revive-national-airline-after-21-years/ |archive-date= 2 November 2014 |access-date= 3 November 2012 |url-status= dead}}</ref> The first new aircraft were scheduled for delivery in December 2013.<ref name="Tlasaicb">{{cite news |title=The long awaited Somali Airlines is Coming Back! |url=http://www.keydmedia.net/en/news/article/the_long_awaited_somali_airlines_is_coming_back/ |access-date=20 November 2013 |newspaper=Keydmedia Online |date=20 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231315/http://www.keydmedia.net/en/news/article/the_long_awaited_somali_airlines_is_coming_back/ |archive-date=2 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

There is another international airport under construction, [[New Mogadishu International Airport]].

===Sea===
[[File:Aerial view of the port of Mogadishu.JPEG|thumb|right|The [[Port of Mogadishu]] serves as a major national seaport.]]
The [[Port of Mogadishu]], also known as the Mogadishu International Port,<ref name="Towotmip">{{cite web |title=The Official Website of the Mogadishu International Port |url=http://www.mogadishoport.com/pages/ |publisher=Mogadishu Port |access-date=1 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203010313/http://www.mogadishoport.com/pages/ |archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> is the official [[seaport]] of Mogadishu. Classified as a major class port,<ref name="Icsti">{{cite web |title=Istanbul conference on Somalia 21&nbsp;– 23 May 2010 – Draft discussion paper for Round Table "Transport infrastructure" |url=http://www.somalitalk.com/2010/may/istambul/transport.pdf |publisher=Government of Somalia |access-date=31 August 2013 |archive-date=19 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619064427/http://www.somalitalk.com/2010/may/istambul/transport.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> it is the largest harbour in the country.<ref name="Adctrmp">{{cite news |last=Khalif |first=Abdulkadir |title=Djibouti and China to rebuild Mogadishu port |url=http://www.africareview.com/News/Djibouti-and-China-to-rebuild-Mogadishu-port/-/979180/1880672/-/t3o1wqz/-/index.html |access-date=1 December 2013 |newspaper=Africa Review |date=12 June 2013 |archive-date=19 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619094759/http://www.africareview.com/News/Djibouti-and-China-to-rebuild-Mogadishu-port/-/979180/1880672/-/t3o1wqz/-/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

After incurring some damage during the civil war, the federal government launched the Mogadishu Port Rehabilitation Project,<ref name="Towotmip"/> an initiative to rebuild, develop and modernize the port.<ref name="Adctrmp"/> The renovations included the installation of Alpha Logistics technology.<ref name="Noidpauim"/> A joint international delegation consisting of the Director of the [[Port of Djibouti]] and [[China|Chinese]] officials specializing in infrastructure reconstruction visited the facility in June 2013. According to Mogadishu Port manager Abdullahi Ali Nur, the delegates along with local Somali officials received reports on the port's functions as part of the rebuilding project's planning stages.<ref name="Adctrmp"/><ref name="Cddvmptpr">{{cite news |title=Chinese-Djiboutian delegation visits Mogadishu port to plan reconstruction |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2013/06/13/newsbrief-04 |access-date=1 December 2013 |newspaper=Sabahi |date=13 June 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011402/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2013/06/13/newsbrief-04 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2013, the Port of Mogadishu's management reportedly reached an agreement with representatives of the [[Iran]]ian company Simatech Shipping LLC to handle vital operations at the seaport. Under the name Mogadishu Port Container Terminal, the firm is slated to handle all of the port's technical and operational functions.<ref name="Adctrmp"/>

In October 2013, the federal Cabinet endorsed an agreement with the Turkish firm Al-Bayrak to manage the Port of Mogadishu for a 20-year period. The deal was secured by the Ministry of Ports and Public Works, and also assigns Al-Bayrak responsibility for rebuilding and modernizing the seaport.<ref name="Pshim">{{cite news |title=Holidays in Mogadishu |url=http://www.portstrategy.com/news101/insight-and-opinion/the-strategist/holidays-in-mogadishu |access-date=4 April 2014 |newspaper=Port Strategy |date=5 March 2014 |archive-date=7 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407092412/http://www.portstrategy.com/news101/insight-and-opinion/the-strategist/holidays-in-mogadishu |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2014, the federal government officially delegated management of the Mogadishu Port to Al-Bayrak. The firm's modernization project will cost $80 million.<ref name="Shomsttc">{{cite news |title=Somalia hands over Mogadishu seaport to Turkish company |url=http://diplomat.so/2014/09/21/somalia-hands-over-mogadishu-seaport-to-turkish-company/ |access-date=22 September 2014 |agency=Diplomat.so |date=21 September 2014 |archive-date=1 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001054403/http://diplomat.so/2014/09/21/somalia-hands-over-mogadishu-seaport-to-turkish-company/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Railway===
There were projects during the 1980s to reactivate the {{cvt|114|km}} [[Mogadishu–Villabruzzi Railway|railway]] between Mogadishu and [[Jowhar]], built by the Italians in 1926 but dismantled in [[World War II]] by British troops. It was originally intended that this railway would reach [[Addis Ababa]].{{sfn|Robertson|1977|p=29}} Only a few remaining tracks inside Mogadishu's harbour area are still used.

==Media==
{{main|Media in Somalia}}

Mogadishu has historically served as a media hub. In 1975, the [[Somali Film Agency]] (SFA), the nation's film [[Regulatory agency|regulatory body]], was established in Mogadishu.{{sfn|Bakr|Labib|Kandil|1985|p=25}} The SFA also organized the annual Mogadishu Pan-African and Arab Film Symposium (Mogpaafis), which brought together an array of filmmakers and movie experts from across the globe, including other parts of Northeast Africa and the [[Arab world]], as well as Asia and Europe.
[[File:2013 11 07 Radio Mogadishu C.jpg (10795923906).jpg|thumb|[[Radio Mogadishu]] analog-to-digital machine]]
In addition, there are a number of radio news agencies based in Mogadishu. [[Radio Mogadishu]] is the federal government-run public broadcaster. Established in 1951 in [[Italian Somaliland]], it initially aired news items in both [[Somali language|Somali]] and [[Italian language|Italian]].<ref name="Billboard">''World radio TV handbook'', (Billboard Publications., 1955), p.77.</ref> The station was modernized with Russian assistance following independence in 1960, and began offering home service in Somali, [[Amharic language|Amharic]] and [[Oromo language|Oromo]].{{sfn|Blair|1965|p=126}} After closing down operations in the early 1990s due to the civil war, the broadcaster was officially re-opened in the early 2000s by the Transitional National Government.<ref name="Stnglrm">{{cite web |url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportID=25342 |title=SOMALIA: TNG launches "Radio Mogadishu" |publisher=IRIN |date=24 August 2001 |access-date=23 January 2014 |archive-date=27 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927145408/https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/report/25342/somalia-tng-launches-%E2%80%9Cradio-mogadishu%E2%80%9D |url-status=live }}</ref> Other radio stations headquartered in the city include [[Mustaqbal Radio]], [[Shabelle Media Network|Radio Shabelle]], Radio Bar-Kulan, Radio Kulmiye, Radio Dannan, Radio Dalsan, Radio Banadir, Radio Maanta, Gool FM, Radio Xurmo, and Radio Xamar, also known as Voice of Democracy.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20131219051254/http://www.mustaqbalradio.com/ Mustaqbal Radio]}}{{pb}}[http://www.bar-kulan.com/listen-live/ Bar-Kulan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406093817/http://www.bar-kulan.com/listen-live/ |date=6 April 2013 }}{{pb}}[http://www.kulmiyenews.com/ Radio Kulmiye] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620134417/http://www.kulmiyenews.com/ |date=20 June 2013 }}{{pb}}[http://radiodanan.net/ Radio Dannan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113010939/http://radiodanan.net/ |date=13 November 2013 }}{{pb}} [http://www.dalsanradio.com/ Radio Dalsan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403075003/http://www.dalsanradio.com/ |date=3 April 2013 }}{{pb}} [http://www.radiobanadir.com/ Radio Banadir] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207014726/http://www.radiobanadir.com/ |date=7 December 2013 }}{{pb}}[http://www.radiomaanta.com/ Radio Maanta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219034933/http://radiomaanta.com/ |date=19 December 2013 }}{{pb}} [http://www.goolfm.net/ Gool FM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125210323/http://www.goolfm.net/ |date=25 November 2013 }}{{pb}} [http://www.xurmo.net/ Radio Xurmo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216041113/http://www.xurmo.net/ |date=16 December 2013 }}{{pb}} [http://www.xamarradio.com/ Radio Xamar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219035548/http://www.xamarradio.com/ |date=19 December 2013 }}</ref>

The Mogadishu-based [[Somali National Television]] (SNTV) is the central government-owned broadcaster. On 4 April 2011, the Ministry of Information of the [[Transitional Federal Government]] officially re-launched the station as part of an initiative to develop the national telecommunications sector.<ref name="Atyspinats">{{cite news |title=After 20 years, Somali president inaugurates national TV station |url=http://gantdaily.com/2011/04/04/after-20-years-somali-president-inaugurates-national-tv-station/ |access-date=6 April 2013 |newspaper=AHN |date=4 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816213931/http://gantdaily.com/2011/04/04/after-20-years-somali-president-inaugurates-national-tv-station/ |archive-date=16 August 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> SNTV broadcasts 24 hours a day, and can be viewed both within Somalia and abroad via terrestrial and satellite platforms.<ref name="Slntv">{{cite web |url=http://vlex.cn/vid/somalia-launches-national-tv-268406422 |title=Somalia launches national TV |publisher=Vlex.cn |access-date=10 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201152445/http://vlex.cn/vid/somalia-launches-national-tv-268406422 |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Somali popular music enjoys a large audience in Mogadishu, and was widely sold prior to the civil war.<ref name="Smuwmb">{{cite web |url=http://www.africanews.com/site/list_message/28604 |title=Somalia: Musicians undaunted with music ban |publisher=Africanews.com |date=21 June 2010 |access-date=25 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329061406/http://www.africanews.com/site/list_message/28604 |archive-date=29 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> With the government managing to secure the city in mid-2011, radios once again play music. On 19 March 2012, an open concert was held in the city, which was broadcast live on local television.<ref name="Apsassnlrmdm"/> In April 2013, the [[Waayaha Cusub]] ensemble also organized the Reconciliation Music Festival, the first international music festival to be held in Mogadishu in two decades.<ref name="Mmfhcmpsow">{{cite web |title=Mogadishu music festival helps city move past sounds of war |url=http://www.ficdc.org/cdc3221?lang=fr |publisher=Fédération internationale des coalitions pour la diversité culturelle |access-date=11 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202175420/http://www.ficdc.org/cdc3221?lang=fr |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Isws">{{cite web |title=Somali Webchat Series |url=https://conx.state.gov/event/somali-webchat-series-falis-abdi/ |publisher=IIP CO.NX |access-date=11 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421100225/https://conx.state.gov/event/somali-webchat-series-falis-abdi/ |archive-date=21 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Mogadiscio also includes the headquarters of ''[[Bilan Media]]'', a Somali newspaper composed exclusively of women, founded in 2020 with the support of the [[United Nations Development Programme]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-24 |title=Somalie : « Bilan », le premier média 100 % féminin qui brise les tabous |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2023/10/24/somalie-bilan-le-premier-media-100-feminin-qui-brise-les-tabous_6196202_3212.html |access-date=2024-07-20 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr}}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!-- Reserved for actual citizens of Somalia that are from Mogadishu, notable in a Somalian context. Per [[WP:NLIST]], "entries must have the same importance to the subject as would be required for the entry to be included in the text of the article according to Wikipedia policies, guidelines (including WP:Trivia sections)". -->
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|*[[Hassan Sheikh Mohamud]], President of Somalia
*[[Sharif Aydurus|Sharif 'Aydarus Sharif Ali Al-Nudari]], famous scholar of Islamic and Somali history and pan-Islamic leader
*[[Shaykh Sufi]], [[19th century]] scholar, poet, reformist, astrologist
*[[Hawa Abdi]], physician, social activist
*[[Yasmine Allas]], actress, writer <!-- still a Somali citizen? -->
*[[Faisal Jeylani Aweys]], taekwondo practitioner
*[[Ayub Daud]], footballer
*[[Cristina Ali Farah]], author, intellectual <!-- still a Somali citizen? -->
*[[Hassan Abshir Farah]], MP, former Prime Minister of Somalia, former Mayor of Mogadishu
*[[Ali Mohammed Ghedi]], former Prime Minister of Somalia
*[[Iman (model)|Iman]], model, actress, entrepreneur <!-- still a Somali citizen? -->
*[[K'naan]], musician <!-- still a Somali citizen? -->
*[[Rageh Omaar]], journalist <!-- still a Somali citizen? -->
*[[Diriye Osman]], writer, visual artist <!-- still a Somali citizen? -->
*[[Fatima Siad]], model
*[[Ladan Osman]], poet
*[[Sa'id of Mogadishu]], [[14th century]] Islamic scholar, traveler
*[[Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed]], former Prime Minister, President of Somalia
*[[Mustafa Mohamed]], long-distance runner <!-- still a Somali citizen? -->
*[[Mohamed Nur]], former Mayor of Mogadishu
*[[Musse Olol]], engineer, social activist
*[[Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke]], former Prime Minister of Somalia
*[[Samia Yusuf Omar]], athlete who died while trying to cross the Mediterranean sea as a migrant in order to attend the [[2012 Summer Olympics]].
*[[Yasmin Warsame]], model <!-- still a Somali citizen? -->
*[[Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke]] Former Somali Prime Minister 
*[[Said Abdullahi Deni]] President of [[Puntland]] State of Somalia 
*[[Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf]] Former President of [[International Court of Justice]]
*[[Ayaan Hirsi Ali]], Dutch citizen. Former politician and member of the Dutch parliament, activist
*[[Saba Anglana]], Italian citizen. Singer, actress
*[[Zahra Bani]], Italian citizen. Javelin thrower
*[[Elisa Kadigia Bove]], Italian citizen. Actress, activist
*[[Mo Farah]], English citizen. Distance runner
*[[Abdi Nageeye]], Dutch citizen. Long-distance runner
*[[Ilhan Omar]], American citizen. U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district<ref>{{CongBio|O000173}}</ref>
*[[Linda Suleiman]], [[orthopaedic]] surgeon
}}

==Twin towns – sister cities==
Mogadishu is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:
*{{flagicon|Kazakhstan}} [[Almaty]], Kazakhstan.
*{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Ankara]], Turkey<ref name="Gmatca">{{cite web |title=Twin Cities of Ankara |url=http://www.ankara.bel.tr/en/foreign-relations-department/sister-cities-of-ankara?mobile=1 |publisher=Greater Municipality of Ankara |access-date=12 October 2014 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116113534/https://www.ankara.bel.tr/en/foreign-relations-department/sister-cities-of-ankara?mobile=1 |url-status=live}}</ref> .
*{{flagicon|QAT}} [[Doha]], Qatar<ref>{{cite web|title=Mungaab seeks Doha's help in reviving Mogadishu|url=https://somaliagenda.com/mungaab-seeks-dohas-help-in-reviving-mogadishu/|publisher=Somali Agenda|date=2014-11-13|access-date=2021-05-07|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228092857/https://somaliagenda.com/mungaab-seeks-dohas-help-in-reviving-mogadishu/|url-status=live}}</ref>.
*{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Konya]], Turkey<ref>{{cite web|title=Konya and Mogadishu Signed Sister City Protocol|url=https://www.tdbb.org.tr/?p=18697&lang=en|publisher=Union of Turkish World Municipalities|date=2022|access-date=2024-01-26|archive-date=22 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222050125/http://www.tdbb.org.tr/?p=18697&lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref>.
*{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} [[Medina]], Saudi Arabia.
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Saint Paul (city)|Saint Paul]], Minnesota<ref>{{cite web |last=Melo |first=Frederick |url=https://www.twincities.com/2019/05/10/st-paul-mn-adds-a-new-sister-city-mogadishu |title=St. Paul adds new sister city, Mogadishu. About a dozen others have that designation |work=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] |date=10 May 2019 |access-date=15 June 2025}}</ref>.

== Notes ==
{{Noteslist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
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*{{cite book |last=Rutter |first=Jill |title=Supporting Refugee Children in 21st Century Britain: A Compendium of Essential Information |url=https://archive.org/details/supportingrefuge0000rutt |url-access=registration |year=2003 |publisher=Trentham Books |isbn=978-1-85856-292-6}}
*{{cite book |last=Sachs |first=Moshe Y. |title=Worldmark encyclopedia of the nations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xclWAAAAMAAJ |year=1988 |publisher=Worldmark Press |isbn=978-0-471-62406-6}}
*{{cite book |last=Seddon |first=David |title=A Political and Economic Dictionary of Africa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zys7iZLGM8gC&pg=PA476 |date=15 April 2013 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-135-35555-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Shinnie |first=P.L. |title=The African Iron Age |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z5497hNCclIC |year=1971}}
*{{cite book |last=Subrahmanyam |first=Sanjay |title=The Career and Legend of Vasco Da Gama |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AA3bu058pI4C |date=29 October 1998 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-64629-1}}
*{{cite book |last=Venter |first=Al J. |title=Africa Today |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r6QEAQAAIAAJ |year=1975 |publisher=Macmillan South Africa |isbn=978-0-86954-023-7}}
*{{cite book |last=Versteegh |first=Kees |title=Encyclopedia of Arabic language and linguistics |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OWQOAQAAMAAJ |year=2008 |publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-14476-7}}
*{{cite book |last=Wiles |first=Peter John de la Fosse |title=The New Communist Third World: An Essay in Political Economy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lgMOAAAAQAAJ |year=1982 |publisher=Croom Helm |isbn=978-0-7099-2709-9}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
*[http://mogadishuimages.tumblr.com/ Mogadishu today]
*[https://mogadishuimages.wordpress.com/ Mogadishu in the past]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120118024340/http://www.mogadishucity.net/ Benadir Regional Administration] at Mogadishucity.net
*{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Mukdishu}}

{{Somalia topics|state=expanded}}
{{List of African capitals}}
{{Capitals of Arab countries}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mogadishu| ]]
[[Category:1st-millennium establishments in Africa]]
[[Category:Ajuran Sultanate]]
[[Category:Capitals in Africa]]
[[Category:Indian Ocean]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Somalia]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 1st millennium]]
[[Category:Banaadir]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in Africa]]
[[Category:Cities in Somalia]]
[[Category:Cities built on a grid]]