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| # El Ayo
**Ceelaayo**
عيلايو
**Town**
Historic structures in El Ayo.
El Ayo
Show map of Sanaag
El Ayo
Show map of Somaliland
Coordinates: 11°14′44″N 48°53′33″E / 11.24556°N 48.89250°E / 11.24556; 48.89250
**Country** [Somaliland](/Somaliland)
**Region** [Sanaag](/Sanaag)
**District** [Las Khorey](/Las_Khorey_District)
**Time zone** [UTC+3](/UTC%2B3) ([EAT](/East_Africa_Time))
El Ayo ([Somali](/Somali_language): Ceelaayo, [Arabic](/Arabic_language): عيلايو), also known as El Ayum, is a coastal town in the eastern [Sanaag](/Sanaag) region of [Somaliland](/Somaliland). The town is situated along the Gulf of Aden, a strategic location that has historically facilitated maritime trade and cultural exchanges. El Ayo is renowned for its ancient ruins, rock art, and its role in the early spread of [Islam](/Islam) in the region. The town's name, derived from the Somali language, reflects its deep-rooted cultural and historical significance.
## History
### Ancient Times
El Ayo is part of a network of ancient settlements in Somalia, each with its own unique historical narrative. Approximately one mile from the town lie the ruins of an old city, believed to be the remnants of a civilization that once thrived in the region. These ruins, though not extensively studied, offer a glimpse into the architectural and societal structures of early inhabitants.
Between El Ayo and [Las Khorey](/Las_Khorey) lies [Karinhegane](/Karinhegane), a site renowned for its numerous [cave paintings](/Cave_painting) depicting both real and mythical animals. Each painting is accompanied by inscriptions, collectively estimated to be around 2,500 years old. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the beliefs, practices, and artistic expressions of the ancient inhabitants. Around 25 miles from Las Khorey lies [Gelweita](/Gelweita), another significant rock art site, further enriching the region's archaeological landscape.
The rock art at Karinhegane shares a distinctive style with the [Laas Geel](/Laas_Geel) cave paintings, suggesting a cultural or artistic continuity across the region. Additionally, the plain between the coast adjacent to El Ayo and an inland ridge is dotted with numerous small- to medium-sized [cairns](/Cairn), further attesting to the area's historical significance.
Eastern Somaliland is home to numerous such archaeological sites, with similar structures found at [Haylan](/Haylan), [Qa’ableh](/Qa%E2%80%99ableh), [Qombo'ul](/Qombo%27ul), and [Maydh](/Maydh). However, many of these ancient structures remain unexplored, and their proper exploration could shed further light on local history and facilitate their preservation for future generations.
El Ayo was also an early hub of [Islam](/Islam) in the region, with the religion spreading through [maritime enterprise](/Maritime_history_of_Somalia). The town's coastal location made it a crucial point for the dissemination of Islamic teachings and cultural practices.
### British Somaliland
During the period of [British Somaliland](/British_Somaliland), the coastal settlements in the area, including El Ayo, gradually declined. This decline was primarily due to the development of modern port facilities in places such as [Berbera](/Berbera) and [Djibouti](/Djibouti), which drew maritime traffic away from the traditional coastal settlements. Additionally, the British moved their administrative centers to the cooler inland areas, further contributing to the decline of coastal towns.
### After the Somali Civil War
Since 2008, [al-Shabaab](/Al-Shabaab_(Somalia)), which was previously active in southern Somalia, has moved into the area. In northern Somalia, it is believed to be based in the mountainous areas around [Bosaso](/Bosaso) and El Ayo. The presence of al-Shabaab has had significant implications for the security and stability of the region.
In February 2012, a ship that had sunk off the coast of El Ayo was found on the coast of Cadcado, 70 kilometers from [Las Qoray](/Las_Qoray). This incident highlighted the challenges and dangers associated with maritime activities in the region.
In November 2013, a [major cyclone](/Deep_Depression_ARB_01_(2013)) hit the El Ayo area, causing significant damage to coastal boats and approximately 100 sheep. The cyclone underscored the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
In February 2016, the Puntland Navy arrested an arms smuggler based in El Ayo. This operation was part of broader efforts to combat illegal activities and enhance security in the region.
According to a July 2017 report, there is a constant flow of illegal migrants from Somalia's northern coast to [Yemen](/Yemen) on the other side of the river. However, El Ayo is considered an unpopular route due to the presence of an airport and a [Puntland Maritime Police Force](/Puntland_Maritime_Police_Force) base along the road. This has led to increased surveillance and security measures in the area.
In August 2018, the [Puntland Security Force](/Puntland_Security_Force) provided supplies to El Ayo, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to support and stabilize the region.
In December 2019, the surrounding area, including El Ayo, experienced flooding. This natural disaster highlighted the need for effective flood management and infrastructure development to mitigate the impact of such events.
In October 2020, Puntland security forces seized a boat belonging to an arms smuggler based off the coast of Rascaley, El Ayo, and Cadcad. This operation was part of a broader crackdown on illegal activities and the smuggling of arms in the region.
In January 2021, the Somaliland government attempted to conduct voter registration in preparation for elections in the Sanaag region, including El Ayo. However, the government of Puntland announced that it would oppose the attempt with force, leading to tensions and potential conflicts in the area.
In March 2021, the Puntland Maritime Police Force conducted a crackdown along the northern coast of Somalia, including El Ayo, seizing 10 boats and arresting their crews for [illegal fishing](/Illegal_fishing) by [Yemenis](/Yemen). This operation aimed to protect the region's marine resources and combat illegal fishing practices.
In August 2021, Puntland security forces attacked Al-Shabaab, which was based in the nearby mountainous region of El Ayo and other areas, and destroyed their strongholds. This operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and enhance security in the region.
## See Also
- [Haylan](/Haylan)
- [Qa’ableh](/Qa%E2%80%99ableh)
- [Qombo'ul](/Qombo%27ul)
- [Maydh](/Maydh)
## Notes
- ^ Ali, Ismail Mohamed (1970). *Somalia Today: General Information*. Ministry of Information and National Guidance, Somali Democratic Republic. p. 295.
- ^ a b Hodd, Michael (1994). *East African Handbook*. Trade & Travel Publications. p. 640. [ISBN](/ISBN_(identifier)) 0844289833.
- ^ a b Ali, Ismail Mohamed (1970). *Somalia Today: General Information*. Ministry of Information and National Guidance, Somali Democratic Republic. p. 295.
- ^ "Rock Art Sites of Somaliland". CyArk. Archived from the original on 29 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
- ^ Chittick, Neville (1975). *An Archaeological Reconnaissance of the Horn: The British-Somali Expedition*. pp. 117–133.
- ^ Yusuf, Jama. "Maakhir: knowledge and civilization home of Somalia". Somali Voice. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
- ^ Somaliland Centre for Peace and Development (December 1999). "A Self-Portrait of Somaliland: Rebuilding from the Ruins". p. 13. [CiteSeerX](/CiteSeerX_(identifier)) 10.1.1.111.1820.
- ^ LANDINFO (2020-04-07). "Somalia: The security situation in northwestern Somalia (Somaliland)" (PDF). Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "Maydadka tahriibayaal ku geeriyooday xeebaha Ceelaayo oo la helay". daljir.com. 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
- ^ "Duufaano Culus oo ku dhuftay Deegaanka Ceelaayo ee Gobolka Badhan ee Somaliland". Somali diaspora news. 2013-11-12. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "Puntland: Iska hor-imaad ka dhacay Ceelaayo Bari". Garowe online. 2016-02-13. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ Research & Evidence Facility (2017-07-25). "Migration Between the Horn of Africa and Yemen" (PDF). Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "Ciidamadda PSF oo qalab waxbarasho geyaay degaanka Ceelaayo (dhegayso)". daljir. 2018-08-16. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
- ^ "Guddoomiyaha Badhan oo ka Hadlay Khasaare ka Dhashay Roobab ka Da'ay Deegaanka". Beegso news. 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "Ciidamada Puntland Ee PSF Oo Qabtay Doonyo Iyo Saxiimado Wadey Hub Sharci Darro Ah". Horseed media. 2020-10-24. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "Puntland oo ka hortimid qorshaha Somaliland ee diiwaangalinta Gobolka Sanaag". Muqdisho online. 2021-01-11. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "Puntland: Doonyo loo qabtey kalluumeysi sharci darro ah". Garowe online. 2021-03-15. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "Ciidanka Puntland oo duulaan ku qaaday Alshabaab iyo macluumaad la soo bandhigay". puntlandtimes.ca. 2021-08-29. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
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