DNA, explained in Somali
The science of heredity — cells, genes and mutation — told in clear Somali, with new scientific terms coined where none existed.
Second edition · 2026
Isirka DNA ee Soomaalida
The DNA Ancestry of the Somali People
The first book in Somali on the genetic ancestry of the Somali people — where we come from, what our DNA reveals, and what unites us. By a professor of medical genetics.
Prof. Dr. Abdimajid Nur OsmanProfessor of Medical Genetics · Author
221Pages
7Chapters
SomaliLanguage
Second edition2026
Research-basedPeer-reviewed science
32 free pagesFlip-book preview
25+
Peer-reviewed articles
23
Years in clinical genetics
18
Journals he reviews for
2016–22
Somali genome research
2026Second edition
About the book
Where do the Somali people truly come from?
Written by a professor of medical genetics who led genome-wide research on the Somali population, the book explains — in clear, accessible Somali — where the Somali people come from, what their DNA reveals about ancient migrations across Africa and beyond, and what science says about clans, lineage and identity.
“Loo hibeeyey aabbayaashii iyo hooyooyinkii Soomaalidu ka farcantay”
- Humanity and DNA
- Migrations
- What kind of DNA do Somalis have?
- The future of Somali DNA
Discover the book
ISBN 978-9914-37-415-5
What you'll discover
Science that tells our story
Two decades of genetic research, distilled into a clear, compelling read for every Somali — at home and in the diaspora.
Out of Africa and back
Follow ancient human migrations, the Bantu expansion and the return to Africa that shaped the peoples of the Horn.
Built on real research
Draws on peer-reviewed genome studies of the Somali population carried out by the author between 2016 and 2022.
Clans, lineage and truth
Do Somali clans differ genetically? Is DNA inherited only from the forefathers? The evidence may surprise you.
A look at the future
How emigration, environment, famine and food toxins may shape the next generations of Somali DNA.
What unites a nation
Beyond genetics: what a people, a nation and a state are — and what binds Somalis together.
Inside the book
Table of contents
7 chapters and 221 pages — from the building blocks of DNA to the future of the Somali nation. Chapters marked Free preview can be read right now.
01
Free preview
Aadanaha iyo DNA
Humanity and DNA
A plain-language foundation in heredity: what DNA is, how it is passed on, how humans differ, and how DNA is used in …
- Gudbinta dhaxalka noolaha2
- Hidde-side mise dhaxal-side?3
- DNA-du waxay ku dhex jirtaa unugga5
- + 6 more sections
02
Full book
Kala guur
Migrations
The great human journeys — out of Africa, the Bantu expansion, the back-migration into Africa and the peoples of the Horn.
- Afkaar gurracan40
- Hanashadii aadanaha ee qaaradaha kale47
- Isku fidintii qowmidda Baantuuga ee Afrika52
- + 3 more sections
pp. 37–74 · 38 pages
03
Free preview
Waa noocee DNA-da Soomaalidu?
What kind of DNA do Somalis have?
The heart of the book: research on Somali genomes, blood types, whether clans differ genetically, and what is inherited beyond the paternal …
- Nasro iyo xanuunkeedii75
- Cilmi-baarisyo dhan u janjeera81
- Cilimi-baaris Soomaali leedahay86
- + 4 more sections
04
Full book
Mustaqbalka DNA ee Soomaalida
The future of Somali DNA
Demographic change, emigration and immigration, autism among Somalis in the West, and how environment, famine and toxins affect heredity.
- Isbeddel demogaraafi123
- Qax (emigration)126
- Xaaladda autism iyo Soomaalida galbeedka136
- + 5 more sections
pp. 123–160 · 38 pages
05
Full book
Mustaqbalka qowmiyadda Soomaalida
The future of the Somali nation
What a people, a nation and a state are — what has divided the Somali nation, and where Somali nationhood may be …
- Habaab161
- Waa maxay qowmiyad, qaran iyo dowlad?169
- Maxaa kala qaybiyay qowmiyadda Soomaalida?176
- + 2 more sections
pp. 161–200 · 40 pages
Read every chapter
All 7 chapters, references and index — 221 pages in print.
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Flip through the first pages
Open the interactive reader and turn real pages — the introduction, the contents and selected chapters, exactly as they appear in print.
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PhD in MedicineLinköping University
Cabdimajiid Nuur Cismaan
Meet the author
Prof. Dr. Abdimajid Nur Osman
A professor of medical genetics and inherited disease, with 23 years at Linköping University Hospital and pioneering genome research on the Somali population.
25+Peer-reviewed articles
23Years in clinical genetics
18Journals he reviews for
2016–22Somali genome research
The research behind the book
Peer-reviewed science
BMC Medical Genomics
Cross-ethnic analysis of common gene variants in hemostasis show lopsided representation of global populations in genetic databases
Read the paperScientific Reports
Genome-wide analyses disclose the distinctive HLA architecture and the pharmacogenetic landscape of the Somali population
Read the paperJournal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis
Prevalence of common hereditary risk factors for thrombophilia in Somalia and identification of a novel Gln544Arg mutation in coagulation factor V
Read the paperFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
Platelet pathogen reduction technologies alter the microRNA profile of platelet-derived microparticles
Read the paperQuestions
Frequently asked
Everything you need to know about the book, the preview and ordering.
Still curious?
Send us a message — questions about the book, bulk orders or speaking invitations are welcome.
Contact usWhat language is the book written in?
The book is written in Somali (af-Soomaali). Where a scientific term is new, the English equivalent is given in brackets — for example dhalanrogid (mutation).
Do I need a science background to read it?
No. The first chapter is a gentle foundation in genetics written for every reader, so the later chapters on Somali DNA are easy to follow.
Is this a political book?
No. The author is a geneticist, not a politician. The final chapter discusses Somali nationhood, but the aim is to share what science says about Somali origins and what unites the Somali people.
What is new in the second edition?
Spelling has been standardised (for example “danbe” instead of “damme”), chapters one and four have been revised, and typing errors have been corrected.
Can I read part of the book before ordering?
Yes — open the free preview to flip through the opening pages and selected chapters in the online reader.
How do I order a copy?
Use the order form on the book page or in the mobile app. We will contact you by phone or email to confirm the price, payment and delivery.
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