| Las Khorey Laasqoray لاس قُرَي |
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| View of Las Khorey | |
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Las Khorey
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Somalia |
| Region | Sanaag |
| District | Las Khorey |
| Time zone | East Africa Time (UTC+3) |
Las Khorey (also known as Laasqoray) (Somali: Laasqorey, Arabic: لاسقُرَى Lāsqoray) is an ancient coastal city in the Sanaag region, a territory disputed by the Puntland and Somaliland administrative regions of Somalia. In July 2007, the district became part of the Maakhir autonomous region of Somalia. It has archaeological sites as well as ancient historic buildings, though most of these sites have yet to be fully explored.
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Las Khorey is about 500 years old. It was the former headquarters of the Warsangali Sultanate, also known as the Maakhir Coast Sultanate.
Among the city's many historical landmarks is the palace Sha’a, which was the seat of many Sultans. However, due to a lack of interest by previous local governmental administrations in ensuring its preservation, the castle has aged considerably and become too dangerous to use. Many old houses in the city have also experienced similar neglect.
Las Khorey is a city that is booming and experiencing a period of rapid growth as new small factories are being created and opened, including a fish factory. As with other cities and districts in the Sanaag region, Las Khorey's commercial and labor sectors were neglected by several of Somalia's various federal administrations, with the town's population count consequently plummeting. However, this trend appears to be reversing, as many people have begun working in the city's new factories. Another reason for the growth in population is that after the civil war broke out, Somalis from the Warsangali sub-clan of the Darod began migrating back to their traditional strongholds in northern Somalia, including Las Khorey.
The city is also surrounded by a mountain range referred to locally as Cal Madow, which reportedly has valuable but as yet unexploited mineral deposits. This is in addition to the area's overall unique natural habitat.
Las Khorey has green mountains to its east known as Cal Madow. The Cal Madow mountain range is considered a world-class exploration area, with a petroleum system identical to and formerly contiguous with those within the Republic of Yemen.
Las Khorey boasts white beaches and crystal clear sea water flanked by an abundant reef. When not at the beach, visitors can also visit coffee shops where khat is available, or an internet café. In addition, there are many hotels and guest houses ready to accommodate tourists.
The best period during which to visit the city is between September and May, as this coincides with the rainy season and the heat in the summertime is generally unbearable for outsiders. On the outskirts of the city one can find mountains and grasslands, complete with wildlife and unique trees. All of this serves to create a panoramic view.
Horn Relief, an organization founded by Somali environmentalist Fatima Jibrell, is re-developing the 400 year old port in Las Khorey with the aim of creating immediate employment for local residents. Over the long-term, this effort is intended to help restore import and export opportunities to Somalia's northern coastal region, and thus also help rebuild communities and livelihoods.
This project is being undertaken with strong and ongoing support from all stakeholders, and will involve partnerships with government and social and cultural authorities jointly.
In addition, this infrastructure and governance project involves collaboration between the communities in and around Las Khorey and the private sector, including traders in the northern hinterland. It is hoped that this will stimulate new trade and infrastructural investments in the Las Khorey area.