Saturday 19-April 2025 {HMC} The number of international students in Türkiye has grown sixfold over the past decade, reaching more than 336,000 and generating an estimated $3 billion annually through tuition fees and living expenses, a recent report has revealed.

According to the latest study by the International Student Associations Federation (UDEF), students from 204 countries and regions are currently pursuing education across various Turkish institutions.

Of the total, around 14,500 benefit from the Türkiye Scholarships program, while the majority fund their studies independently.

The top five cities hosting the largest number of international students are the metropolis of Istanbul, the central city of Eskişehir, the capital Ankara, the northern city of Karabük and the eastern province of Erzurum.

By nationality, the most represented students came from Syria, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Afghanistan and Somalia.

Among the 336,000 students, Syrians make up over 60,000, about 18 percent of the total, growing 34-fold from just 1,785 in the 2013–14 academic year and marking the sharpest rise in student numbers.

There has been a notable increase in female enrollment as well. In 2013–14, there were just 14,752 female foreign students in Türkiye, compared to over 142,290 in the 2023–24 academic year, representing a 72.5-fold increase.

Türkiye ranks 10th globally in international student numbers. The top four host countries worldwide are the United States with 1.13 million, Canada with 842,000, the United Kingdom with 758,000 and Australia with 437,000.

In terms of institutions, Karabük University hosts the highest number of international students, with 11,558 students enrolled, with Atatürk University in Erzurum following suit.

Fifteen universities in Türkiye now enroll over 5,000 foreign students, according to the report.

This surge has significantly bolstered the country’s education sector and contributed to soft power gains in diplomacy.

Graduates of Turkish universities have increasingly risen to influential roles in their home countries, including positions as ministers, deputy ministers, rectors and politicians. Among them is Syria’s current Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, an alumnus of Istanbul’s Sabahattin Zaim University, a notable example of how Türkiye’s educational outreach is shaping the region’s political elite.

The report emphasizes that alumni play a key role in promoting the Turkish language, influencing positive public perception of Türkiye and challenging prejudices abroad.

SOURCE

Somalia’s revival as a tourism destination marks a journey from conflict to reclaiming its lost identity as a country blessed with natural wealth, cultural richness, and a resilient population.

Saturday 19-April 2025 {HMC} It’s a sunny Friday afternoon, and Liido Beach in the Somali capital of Mogadishu is buzzing.

The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean gently lap the shore as visitors swim, laze around or play on the golden sands. The medley of sights and sounds makes for a classic beach vibe that is at once inviting.

Gone are the days when foreign faces on Liido Beach would draw wary glances from the locals. Now, barely anyone pauses at the sight of visitors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East thronging this happening area of town.

Liido represents what Somalia seeks to be – a nation that has put its past behind it to reclaim its rightful place on the global map.

Chequered history

For decades, Somalia was defined by internal turmoil and how the world perceived it.

Foreign visitors to the country were limited to African Union peacekeepers, diplomats, aid workers, expatriate professionals, and United Nations personnel.

It hardly mattered how anyone from outside wished to experience Somalia; security requirements and restricted movement overshadowed that.

This East African country of stunning beaches, historical landmarks, bustling markets, and rich cuisine and culture has since rebuilt its image as a tourism destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.

Each month now sees dozens of international travellers booking trips online and freely exploring Somalia’s many splendours.

It’s not just about reviving tourism but also a reconnection, healing of wounds, and enabling the world to see Somalia from a new perspective.

Monica, a seasoned international traveller, recounts her discovery of Somalia as one full of surprises.

“Somalia is filled with beautiful places, steeped in history and embellished with natural wonders. The locals welcomed us warmly, always smiling. The tour was genuinely amazing,” she tells TRT Afrika.

Another visitor recalls his private two-day trip as being an appetiser for more.

“My guide, Ahmed, was superb—smooth airport connections and rich, authentic experiences through markets, historic mosques, and a beautiful and expansive coastline,” he says.

Changing narrative

Once upon a time, Somalia’s tourism star shone brightly.

From the 1960s to the 70s, Mogadishu lived up to the epithet “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, charming global travellers.

Bustling port towns, bountiful wildlife parks with varied flora and fauna, and pristine beaches drew visitors seeking adventure and authenticity.

Civil unrest cast a shadow over this legacy, shuttering hotels, silencing markets, and obscuring the country’s natural wonders.

It wasn’t until late 2017 that Somalia hit the comeback trail, joining the United Nations World Tourism Organisation as its 157th member.

By 2019, Somalia’s ministry of information, culture, and tourism launched the ambitious National Tourism Policy with a vision to be the destination of choice for travellers worldwide by 2030.

This is no idle dream. Security is steadily improving, investor-friendly policies are reshaping the landscape, and members of the Somali diaspora are returning to their roots, bringing much-needed capital, innovation and hope.

“Somalia is demonstrating its readiness for global tourism through strategic investments in infrastructure, aggressive promotion of its stunning coastline, and dedicated capacity-building efforts,” Daud Aweis, the country’s minister of information, culture and tourism, tells TRT Afrika.

“We are reshaping the narrative and showcasing our country’s untapped potential and remarkable resilience.”

Diverse attractions

Somalia’s 637,000 sq km topography encompasses extraordinary biodiversity – from Sanaag’s mist-shrouded forests to acacia-studded savannas and spectacular marine ecosystems.

Sanctuaries like the Daallo Forest and the Gacan-Libaax National Park have rare treasures such as the Somali wild ass and the Dibatag antelope.

Lag Badana, one of several regions promoting eco-tourism, is worthy of a million Instagram reels. Sa’ad ad-Din island is another fascinating destination beckoning adventurers to explore its coral reefs and untouched white sands.

Somalia’s cultural heritage is just as wondrous. The mysterious cave paintings of Laas Geel, nearly 7,000 years old, offer glimpses into human evolution.

Historic port towns like Zeila and the ruins of Gondershe speak of ancient trade networks and scholastic links. Architectural marvels like the Masjid al-Qiblatayn whisper stories of faith and pride.

The restored National Museum, monuments like Daljirka Dahsoon and Dhagaxtuur, and the Arba’a Rukun and Ali Jimale mosques are among the other treasures worth exploring.

Architects of revival

Somalia’s resurgence as a tourism destination is driven by entrepreneurs like Omar Muhudin Abdulle, founder of the “Visit Mogadishu” initiative.

“We are changing narratives by fostering connections between Somalia and the world,” Omar, whose curated tours embody the newfound spirit of Somali tourism, tells TRT Afrika.

Digital pioneers such as Said Fadhaye of “Explore Somalia” and the late Hodan Nalayeh have also played a role in unveiling the country to the world.

“Collaborations with travel influencers, bloggers, and journalists are helping rewrite Somalia’s narrative, replacing stereotypes with authentic experiences and compelling stories,” says Aweis.

Strategic tourism zones in Jazeera, Liido, Berbera, and Zeila fuel economic momentum. According to SOMINVEST projections, Somalia’s tourism industry will grow by an impressive 6.8% annually, outpacing regional averages.

Air connectivity has also surged, breaking decades-long isolation. Turkish Airlines’ 2012 Istanbul-Mogadishu route opened the door, prompting other international and regional airlines to follow suit.

Somalia’s successful reclaiming of its airspace management and partnership with the International Air Transport Association affirm confidence and growth potential.

The hospitality industry is booming with nearly 500 hotels and over 850 restaurants nationwide. “Strengthened security and growing prosperity have made Somalia a prime travel destination, complete with affordable food, modern transport and world-class hospitality, including two new upcoming five-star hotels,” says Ambassador Fathudin Ali Mohamed.

The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency has eased the process of getting tourist visas, while the Somali Institute of Tourism and Hospitality is rolling out trained professionals to run the industry.

Mogadishu’s first-ever Somali Travel & Tourism Expo in 2024 was a milestone, uniting stakeholders to chart the industry’s future.

Although Somalia is still some way from rivalling established African destinations like Kenya and Tanzania, the runway for growth is clear.

As minister Aweis puts it, “Tourism is no longer a dream—it’s an investment opportunity. We are rebuilding from the ground up, and the world is starting to notice.”

By Nuri Aden

Saturday 19-April 2025 {HMC} In a small stadium tucked behind bullet-scarred buildings in the Somali capital, an intense game of soccer is underway.

The crowd roars as Sayid Ali feints, spinning past an opponent for a breakaway. His fancy footwork is all the more remarkable given the fact that he is doing it all on only one leg.

Mr. Ali, like all of the players on the pitch, is an amputee. He lost his right leg four years ago when he was hit by a stray bullet in a gunfight between Somali forces and Al Shabab militants not far from the stadium where he plays now.

Why We Wrote This

In a country devastated by violent conflict, a group of athletes who have lost limbs is finding hope and community in soccer.

For the last quarter century, Somalia has been at war with itself. Long-running clan conflicts and fighting between the government and Islamist militants have left a devastating imprint on society. Today, the country has an estimated 2 million people living with disabilities – more than 10% of the population – including many who have lost limbs in explosions and other attacks.

Survivors often live in despair and isolation. Before Mr. Ali lost his leg, for instance, he was one of the best soccer players at his school, and dreamed of going pro. Afterward, he assumed he would never play his beloved sport again. That is, until a neighbor told him about amputee soccer, a game purpose-built for his changed body.

In recent years, dozens of other amputees here have had the same experience, finding joy and community in the sport. It gives them a space to come together and alleviate their traumas, and to “rediscover … their former selves,” says Gedi Saciid, a psychologist and amputee soccer fan.

Playing by new rules

Two years ago, Abdiaziz Kediye, a former player in the Somali Premier League, traveled with a Somali team to a tournament in Tanzania. There, he saw a group of amputees playing soccer, and immediately, the sport piqued his interest. His own soccer career had come to an end in 2011 when he was badly wounded in a firefight between the army and Islamist militants. So many Somali athletes had been wounded this way, he knew, and many had lost limbs. Amputee soccer could be their second chance.

When Mr. Kediye returned home, he recruited Abshir Ali Shiimeey, an amputee and a passionate football fan, and together, the two men set about starting their own league in Somalia.

Amputee soccer looks a lot like regular soccer, with the difficulty level cranked up to 10. Players dribble, pass, and sprint down a basketball-sized field on their crutches – no prosthetic limbs allowed. “Outfielders may have two hands but only one foot,” state the World Amputee Football Federation’s official rules. “Goalies may have two legs, but only one hand.”

But strict though the rules are around who can play, players say the sport often frees them from thinking about their disability. “When I have the ball, my enthusiasm for the game makes me forget that I have lost a leg,” says defender Abdi Mohamed, who was wounded in a roadside bombing 10 years ago.

For referee Hussein Abdalla, amputee soccer has been a way for him to return to a sport he loved. Before he lost his leg in an explosion, he dreamed of playing for Somalia’s national soccer team. “Like everyone, I had big ambitions in life,” he says. “Unfortunately that hope was shattered.”

Then amputee soccer gave him a second chance with the sport, and a new community of people who understood exactly what he has been through. They have been through it, too.

Defying limitations

Today, Somalia’s amputee soccer league has four teams, and the tournament Mr. Ali starred in in early March drew a full house. Around 75% of Somalia’s population is under the age of 30, and most of the audience that weekend were young people. For them, attending these games is one of the few recreational activities available in the city, and not one without risk. Terrorist attacks on crowded public spaces still occur periodically in Mogadishu.

“I’m conscious that an incident could occur at any time,” says Yusuf Sahal, a recent graduate. Like many young Somalis, he worries not only about terrorist attacks, but also about his future in a country where unemployment is high and many jobs are secured through personal connections, rather than through qualifications.

Sometimes he thinks the only solution is to try the perilous journey to reach Europe. “This has become our everyday reality,” he says. Watching amputee soccer is a brief escape from those worries.

Also in the stands was Hassan George, who played goalkeeper for Somalia’s national soccer team in the 1980s. For him, watching the teams play felt like stepping into a time machine.

“Sometimes the hype of the game is so big that I’m in the moment as if I’m playing again myself,” he says. “The game is lively and enjoyable, making me feel as if I am fully immersed in the moment.”

SOURCE csmonitor

By Mohamed Sheikh Nor 

Saturday 19-April 2025 {HMC}  The United States is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the capture of Khadra Issa, a Dutch citizen of Somali descent accused of orchestrating attacks and recruiting for the Islamic State group (ISIS).

U.S. authorities describe Issa—also known by the alias Ummu Qaqaa Somalia—as a senior ISIS operative linked to suicide bombings and targeted killings. She is believed to have played a key role in spreading the group’s ideology and recruiting new members, particularly during ISIS’s expansion in Syria.

“She must be held accountable,” the U.S. Department of State said in a statement Thursday, appealing to the public for information on her whereabouts. Issa has been added to the global most-wanted list under the Rewards for Justice program.

Investigators also allege that Issa was involved in the concealment of kidnapped children. In 2019, she reportedly took custody of two American minors, Yusuf and Zahra Shikder, after their mother was killed in a U.S. airstrike targeting ISIS in Syria. The children were relocated to an undisclosed location, and their current status remains unknown.

Issa, who is believed to use multiple aliases, has not been seen publicly for several years. Her case has attracted international attention not only because of the extent of her alleged involvement with ISIS, but also for what it reveals about the global radicalization networks involving members of the Somali diaspora.

Analysts say her profile reflects a troubling trend: foreign nationals of Somali origin—often multilingual, mobile, and tech-savvy—being used to recruit and serve as key communicators within extremist networks.

Although ISIS has lost most of its territorial control in Syria and Iraq, remnants of the group continue to pose security threats globally. The U.S. and its allies remain committed to dismantling these networks and bringing operatives like Issa to justice.

Saturday 19-April 2025 {HMC}  The Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing of the Federal Government of Somalia, Dr. Elmi Mahmoud Nur, held a high-level meeting in Nairobi with World Bank officials overseeing Somalia programs. The working visit focused on strengthening and expanding the ongoing Somalia Urban Resilience Project (SURP II) and other reconstruction initiatives funded by the World Bank.

The meeting served as a preliminary engagement ahead of further discussions aimed at accelerating the implementation of the NAGAAD project and extending its reach to additional regions in Somalia that have not yet benefited from the program.

The session concluded on a positive note, with Minister Elmi reaffirming the federal government’s strong commitment to nationwide reconstruction. He emphasized that all federal member states will have equal access to international aid and development opportunities.

“We are determined to ensure that every region of Somalia benefits equally from global support and reconstruction efforts,” said Dr. Elmi.

Saturday 19-April 2025 {HMC} Voter registration continued this morning in three additional districts of Somalia’s Banadir region, as residents prepare to participate in the country’s upcoming elections.

Residents of Xamarweyne, Shibis, and Boondheere turned out early to register at designated centers, marking another step forward in the historic electoral process. The registration process had earlier begun in Shangaani district, the first in Banadir to launch the exercise.

Crowds of enthusiastic citizens gathered at registration centers, many expressing joy at the opportunity to vote—for the first time in over 50 years.

The expansion of voter registration is viewed as a significant milestone in Somalia’s path toward democratic governance, reflecting increased political participation across the capital.