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People: Sharmarke Ali Saleh
Location: Sagallo Tadjoura Region Djibouti

Sharmarke Ali Saleh

leading 19th century Ottoman-Somali statesman, captain, and merchant
Years: 1775 - 1861

Sharmarke Ali Saleh (Somali: Sharma'arke Cali Saalax; c. 1775 – May 25, 1861) was a leading 19th century Ottoman-Somali statesman, captain, and merchant. He was given the nickname "African Rothschild" due to his immense wealth. He was one of the richest men living on the African continent at that time and also the 'Political Boss of the Somali coast', a title which is a testament to his political influence in the region He was the governor and ruler of Zeila and Berbera between 1841 and 1861, and for a time was known as the richest man along the Somaliland coast. His descendants would go on to become the traditional leaders of the Musa Arreh sub-clan of the Habr Yunis clan.