Somali International University Concludes Its 13th Annual Cultural Week with a Celebration of Somali Heritage
Mogadishu, Somalia — Somali International University (SIU) successfully concluded its 13th Annual Cultural Week (SIUCW2026) at the University's Main Campus, reaffirming its commitment to preserving Somali cultural heritage, promoting national identity, and encouraging student participation in cultural and educational activities.
The annual event brought together students, university leadership, faculty members, and distinguished cultural figures to celebrate Somalia's rich traditions, history, and cultural values. Throughout the week, students demonstrated their creativity, teamwork, and understanding of Somali heritage through various cultural exhibitions, performances, and competitions.
Celebrating Somali Traditions
During the Cultural Week, students showcased various aspects of traditional Somali life, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the customs and practices that have shaped Somali society for generations. The exhibitions highlighted traditional Somali hospitality, the Somali traditional house (Aqal Soomaali), traditional household utensils and tools, customary marriage ceremonies, traditional justice and conflict resolution systems, the installation of traditional community leaders, traditional games, and different forms of Somali poetry and oral literature.
These activities provided valuable educational experiences, enabling students to strengthen their connection to Somali heritage while promoting the importance of preserving cultural traditions for future generations.
Faculty Cultural Competition
A major highlight of the event was the cultural competition featuring three faculties of Somali International University: the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Technology (FECT), the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE), and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
Each faculty demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and dedication through presentations reflecting different aspects of Somali cultural heritage.
Following the evaluation, the Faculty of Business and Economics and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences jointly secured first place, while the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Technology achieved second place.
The winning faculties and outstanding individual participants received financial awards and trophies presented by Somali International University in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the event.
Distinguished Guests and Judges
The Cultural Week was enriched by the participation of prominent Somali poets and cultural representatives. Members of the Somali Poets' Council served as judges for the cultural competitions, contributing their expertise and knowledge of Somali traditions and literature.
Additionally, senior Somali poets and the Director of the Dhaxalreeb Center visited the event venue, demonstrating their support for initiatives aimed at preserving and celebrating Somalia's cultural heritage.
The University Administration expressed its sincere appreciation to the Somali cultural representatives for dedicating their valuable time, expertise, and efforts to the successful implementation of the 13th Annual Cultural Week.
Closing Remarks
The event officially concluded with remarks delivered by Dr. Mohamed Ali Ismail (Dacwo), Vice Chancellor of Somali International University, who expressed his appreciation and congratulations to the participating students, faculties, organizers, and distinguished guests for their valuable contributions to the success of the Cultural Week.
The successful conclusion of SIU's 13th Annual Cultural Week reflects the University's continued dedication to fostering cultural awareness, strengthening students' sense of national identity, and integrating cultural heritage into the broader university experience.
Through initiatives such as Cultural Week, Somali International University continues to provide students with opportunities to develop their talents, demonstrate leadership and teamwork, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of Somalia's rich cultural identity.