Taleh

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Taleh (also Taleex) is a historic town in the Sool region of northeastern Somalia. With a population of about 4,400 in 2007, it sits in the Nugaal Valley and is part of a region that has seen long-running political and security changes.

Taleh is best known as the capital of the Darawiish, the Dervish movement that fought against colonial powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Dervish built a fortified complex there between 1909 and 1910, making Taleh the heart of their resistance for several years. The Taleh complex is the largest set of Dervish forts in the area and includes several key structures, such as the main fortress Silsilat, along with Dar Ilaalo and Taleh itself, as well as other forts like Falat. Earlier forts existed at Halin (destroyed in 1902) and Illig/Eyl (built in 1903).

Taleh became the Dervish capital after Eyl, in part because of its central location in Dhulbahante territory. The forts at Taleh and the surrounding area were described in British and other sources as bastions of the Dervish, which were ultimately overwhelmed by British military actions. In 1919–1920, British air power and ground forces attacked the forts, and Taleh fell in early 1920, marking the decline of the Dervish movement.

In modern times, Taleh has faced ongoing political and security challenges as the region has experienced drought, conflict, and shifting control between different Somali authorities. Local attempts at governance have included councils and meetings, with various actors from Somaliland, Puntland, and the local Khatumo movement playing roles in the town’s status.

Taleh has limited public services; there is no hospital in town, and residents often travel to nearby Las Anod or Garoowe for medical care. The town also has educational institutions, including eight primary schools in the Taleh District, such as Kalad, Labas, Aroley, and Halin.