Zeila is a historic coastal town located in Somaliland’s Awdal region, renowned for its strategic position along the Red Sea. For centuries, it was one of the most prominent ports on the Somaliland coast, serving as the region’s principal emporium. Through Zeila, goods from the Horn of Africa were exported across the world, while a variety of imports arrived from foreign lands. Although much of the old city has vanished due to the passage of time and past conflicts, its historical significance remains clear. Some scholars believe Zeila may have been the ancient harbor of Avalites, described in the first-century Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, and it is mentioned in numerous Arab manuscripts dating back to the ninth century AD. A Bustling Medieval Port and Cultural Hub During its peak, Zeila’s port was a thriving center of trade, exporting hides, incense, ambergris, and tortoise shell. The town even had a functioning bridge, which facilitated commerce and transportation. After a brief period of absence from Arab records, Zeila reemerged at the end of the seventh century, coinciding with the rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. This resurgence marked the beginning of Zeila’s continued importance as a coastal hub, connecting Somaliland to international trade networks and contributing to its rich cultural and historical legacy.
