Arabic: شعار أرض الصومال), was introduced on 14 October 1996 along with the flag of Somaliland, when it was approved by the National Conference. It was introduced by Abdullahi Abdi Omar (Jawaan)
.
Description
The emblem consists of an equally balanced scales symbolising
freedom between the people of Somaliland, an olive branch symbolising peace amongst the people of Somaliland, a yellow background representing the bright, beautiful culture and people of Somaliland. The Islamic calligraphy above the scales reads the Bismillah which if translated into English means In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. This is to symbolize that Islam
Article 7: The Flag, the Emblem and the National Anthem
2. The emblem of the nation shall consist of a coffee coloured falcon with (the words), in Arabic language, “
Allahu Akbar” (God is great) inscribed on its breast. Below the eagle are two hands shaking, and a set of scales hang above it and come down on both of its sides. The falcon (and the scales and hands) are in turn surrounded on both sides and below by two strands of green leaves intertwined at the base, and with the Arabic Bismillah
inscribed at the top gap between the two leaves.
Note that the
Allahu Akbar was removed from the emblem due to unknown reasons[when?] and a golden image was replaced in its place. Also, the color of the Bismillah
was adapted; from a brown color to a red color.
British Somaliland emblems
1903 - 1950
When the British annexed and occupied the area that encompasses Somaliland in 1903, they established a protectorate and made it part of the British Empire. The British developed a flag for the region and also an emblem. The emblem featured a white disc with an image of a Kudu, one of the main antelopes in Somaliland. The emblem was also featured on the flag.
1950 - 1960
During 1950, the emblem of
Royal Crown between the horns - all in natural colouring, on the "wreath of the colours." i.e. gold and green - forming the Crest
.
Trust Territory of Somalia on July 1, 1960, to form the Somali Republic