EL ALI (Arabic) / CEEL CALI (Somali) / SHIID-BIROOD (local name)
"Ali's Well" "Ali's Well" "Iron Stone"

A candidate for UNESCO and International Union of Geological Sciences heritage recognition?

Status Information - Research Notes - Updated 04.24.2025

	An object of "World Cultural and Natural Heritage Significance" A "National Treasure" of Somalia.		"Probably no other meteorite has been so intimately connected with the life and fate of so many people..." V. Buchwald.
"El ALi is among the tenth largest meteorites in the world, and among the second or third largest meteorites in Africa. Its massiveness is of world natural significance and its finding made headlines across the globe for the three new minerals it brought to Earth. Its world cultural significance, however, is even greater: it is the world's premier example of a meteorite cold-forged to remove coin-sized flakes or blades of iron metal, to inset into bone or wooden handles, to manufacture cutting tools. Since El Ali's impact on this planet some 2000 years ago, Its entire surface has been relentlessly hammered by local inhabitants prior to the iron age, It could be said that Somalia's iron age began with El Ali."			Project Name: SHIID BIROOD, THE IRON STONE OF EL ALI. A proposal to UNESCO to place EL ALI and its IMPACT SITE on SOMALIA's tentative list of world cultural and natural heritage sites (dated 29 January 2025)
UNESCO Somalia's Tentative World Heritage List (scroll down). Somalia submits its first Tentative List for natural sites 2024: Bushbushle National Park, Lower Juba, Jubaland State. 2024: Hobyo Grass and Shrubland, Mdug, Galmudug State, 2025: Mogadishu Secondo-Lido Lighthouse. UNESCO Tentative Lists of Properties Intended for Nomination. Criteria for selection to be in the World Heritage List. El Ali qualifies under criteria i, ii, iii, iv, vii, viii. (NG) Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convntion. Permanent Delegate of the Federal Republic of Somalia to UNESCO (November 2024) Permanent Delegations to UNESCO: Nr Ahmed M. Hagi Ali. Ironbridge Gorge, UK - UNESCO, World's first cast iron bridge.		SOMALIA Country Profile UNESCO Conversation Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972. UNESCO Historic Visit by Director-General of UNESCO to Somalia 2020. UNESCO Museum Development and Monuments Conservation 1988. UNESCO Somalia Develops National Strategy for Culture 2020 UNESCO First Consultations to implement World Heritage Sites in East Africa 14 June 2021 United Nations Somalia - Livelihood Baseline Analysis 2011. UNESCO Somalia Who's Who 2021 UNESCO Illicit and Stolen Cultural Property		SOMALIA'S IRON AGE BEGAN WITH EL ALI a PowerPoint presentation For a PC: Right Click / Save Link As Click to view on OneDrive
OWNERSHIP OF PREVIOUSLY UNOWNED PROPERTY: Yale Law School - Possession as the Origin of Property 1985 Yale Law School - Accession and Original Ownership 2009.		U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES ON METEORITES: Collection of Meteorites on Public Land 2012 Rock Hounding Pollicy 2014		METEORITICAL SOCIETY Law of Ownership and Control of Meteorites 2001 Relationship to the Government of Oman 2007, p.1 S ociety cannot adjudicate legal disputes 2010, Ethics p.7.

Donations for research and documentation are greatly appreciated.

All material Copyright © by Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein, Ali Hassan Egeh, Jibril Mohamed, Nick Gessler, Chris Herd and other contributors.
Website created and maintained by Nick Gessler since 17 July 2021. http://people.duke.edu/gessler
JJohn Wiley
"Somalia: the Forgotten Story," video by Al Jazeera.

AN ODE TO EL ALI
Oh meteorite, El Ali by name, Of massive weight and ancient fame, The eighth or ninth largest on this Earth, With evidence of human worth.	Since times of old, it's been in use, An artifact of great repute, Found in Somalia, now for sale, Who'll buy it? Who'll prevail?	Shall it be sliced for baubles, small, To market souvenirs for all? Or shall it be conserved with care, For world heritage, beyond compare?	Let's seek a buyer wise and just, To keep it whole, for future trust, And for Somalia, might we pray, To have it back, some future day.

Currently in the Somali Media (click)

"No object will be acquired without assurance that good title can be transferred."
from the collection policy of the J. Paul Getty Museum specializing in Art.

Currently in the English Media (below):

Armed Conflict Location & Event Data - Somalia

"An Ode to El Ali"
(443,993 full text views.)

"The Proof is Out There". Season 4, Episode 18. (Audience ~588,000.)
Did scientists studying a 15-ton meteorite discover new minerals that are proof of an alien civilization?
https://www.history.com/shows/the-proof-is-out-there

Audio segment on El Ali is here.

Visitor details at bottom of page. (1286 visiors from 82 countries.)

Why EL ALI is of World Cultural Heritage Significance:

THERE ARE TWO ELEMENTS OF EL ALI'S WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE:

1. It's historic significance, as recounted by the peoples of the El Ali community reaching back for several generatins in their traditional songs, poems, dances, and stories.
2. It's prehistoric significance, as the beginning the meteoritic Iron Age some 2000 years ago, a local precursor of the smelted Iron Age in Africa, Current research is outlined below:

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE: We look forward to learning more from the El Ali community. Until then, Fadumo Yusuf has written this introduction: The Flavors of Buraanbur – Somali Poetry & Dance Style.

PREHISTORIC SIGIFICANCE: A PowerPoint introduction by Nick Gessler'sentitled SOMALIA’S IRON AGE BEGINS WITH EL ALI.may be viewed on OneDrive.

The methods used by prehistoric Somalis and Greenlanders to remove coin-sized flakes of iron from massive meteorites is called cold-forging. It is a method that is familiar to neigher modern industrial cold-forgingis factories nor to today's artisinal blacksmiths. Industrialists and blacksmiths begin their work with portable sized stock shapes such as bar, plate, round, square, pipe, sheet and channel, By contrast, our prehistoric ironsmiths worked with non-portable, immovable, mild-steel masses to remove flakes of about five grams each, with hammers of stone basalt, cobbles imported from great distances.

There is a dirth of literature on this process and the techniques used are largely unknown in the production of steels. However, folds, curls, ridges, scrolls, lips, rolls, rims, edges, and margins are routinely recognized as collateral and unwanted defects caused by repeated excessive hammering on mild steel during during heavy use. Prominent examples are well known on the heads of cold chisels and hand hammers as well as on railroad tracks.

We can learn much more about EL ALI's prehistoric past by studying what we know about Greenland's Cape York "Woman" and "Dog" meteorites which have been studied by archaeologists affiliaed with the University of Copenhagen, the Natural History Museun of Denmark, the National Museum of Denmark, and the Greenland National Museum. Archaeology that could be done at the impact site of EL ALI could tell us more...THE CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE INNAANGANEQ METEORITE.

Draft Somali Provisional Constitution of 1 August 2012: Article 31: Language and Culture.

The state shall promote the positive traditions and cultural practices of the Somali people, whilst striving to eliminate from the community customs and emerging practices which negatively impact the unity, civilization and well-being of society.

The state shall collect, protect and preserve the country's historic objects and sites, whilst developing the know-how and technology that shall enable the fulfilment of such an obligation. *

The state shall promote the cultural practices and local dialects of minorities.

The rights mentioned in this Article shall be implemented in accordance with the fundamental rights recognized in this Constitution.

* To conform to current UNESCO practice, Item 2 should be modified to read: (NG)
The state shall collect, protect and preserve the country's prehistoric, protohistoris, historic and other natural and cultural heritage objects and sites, whilst developing the know-how and technology that shall enable the fulfilment of such an obligation.

Somali Constitutio from the government website.

Draft Somali Constitution held at University of Nottingham.

Why EL ALI is of World Natural Heritage Significance:

Wikipedia's "Largest Meteorites on Earth."

Africa's 2nd Largest Meteorite.

EL ALI received worldwide media attentio for bringing three new minerals to Earth. Other meteorites have also brought us new mionerals with Allende having brought us 26.

8th Largest Individual from a Unique Fall.

Wikipedia still lists EL ALI as the 8th largest different meteorite from a distinctly differnet meteorite fall. (CapeYork adn Campo del Cielo are each listed twice, and Aletai is listed thrice.) EL ALI's weight was measured on a commercial scale. How were the weights of the others determined?

11th Largest Individual from any Fall.

Wikipedia now lists EL ALI as the 11th largest individual meteorite, even counting those from the same fall. (CapeYork adn Campo del Cielo are each listed twice, and Aletai is listed thrice.) EL ALI's weight was measured on a commercial scale. How were the weights of the others determined?

EL ALI brought 3 new minerals to Earth: Elaliite, Elkinstantonite, Olsenite.

EL ALI's arrival on Earth is 14C radiometrically dated at circa 2000 BP. Further dating by 10B, 14C, 22Na, 26Al, and 41C is in process.

Publications, presentations and media coverage in English:

https://biea.ac.uk/the-world-of-iron-at-10/	SOMALIA’S IRON AGE BEGINS WITH EL ALI. - N. Gessler, A. A. Hussein, A. H. Egeh. EL ALI is the world’s most significant culturally modified meteorite. It is also the world’s 9th largest, and the bearer of 3 new minerals from space to Earth. El Ali could be proclaimed an object of world cultural and natural heritage significance, a tribute to the innovation and creativity of the prehistoric peoples of Somalia. EL ALI is a 15.15-tonne “IAB Iron Complex” meteorite, which landed 2-3,000 years ago. It was ripped from its impact site by heavy equipment in 2020, trucked 300 km to Mogadishu, seized and then released for export to Zhenjiang, China, where it is now for sale. In 2021 it was officially published in the Meteoritical Bulletin by our team of Somali, Canadian and US researchers. 17 minutes from 16 videos show EL ALI in situ, unearthed, and displayed. These images reveal that its entire exposed surface bears evidence of extensive, intensive, and prolonged removal of flakes of meteoritic iron by cold forging. EL ALI has been mined-for-metal to make knives and points. A similar discovery was made 200 years earlier, at Cape York in Greenland. Iron imposes a unique subsistence calculus on any society that embraces it. Whether smelted or mined from meteorites, it transforms one’s way of life. The ethnohistory of the Cape York provides a context for EL ALI. In 1818, Captain James Ross wrote of the Inuit: “Each of the natives was provided with a kind of knife, made of small pieces, or plates of iron, which were set close together in a groove made in a piece of narwhal’s horn: the end piece was riveted, but the others were kept in their places merely by being driven tightly into the groove. Very diligent enquiry was set on foot as to where they found the iron of which these knives were made; but all we could learn from them was, that they met with it near the shore, at some distance from this place… They procure the iron… from a mass of native iron, distant… about a day’s journey eastward of this place… Their only object, in coming so far from their own country… is to procure some of this iron, which they break off with some difficulty by means of stones, and then beat out into small plates of which the knives are made. Thus far their description agrees so well with what we find these rude instruments to be, that I think there cannot be any doubt of the truth of what they related,” Seventy tonnes of basalt were carried 50 km for use as hammers and the meteoritic flakes were traded, found in archaeological sites 2500 miles away. Cape York’s mined meteorites weigh only 4 tonnes. In the back-dirt at EL ALI’s impact site are many basalt hammerstones. Traditions and claims of ownership await translation from over 10 Somali media. The Ministry of Mines’ offers to support a scientific excavation. Three Meteoritical Society presentations and other evidence are available at: https://people.duke.edu/~ng46/El-Ali/
.pptx and .mp4 presentations Los Angeles 13-18 August 2023	https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/metsoc2023/technical_program/?session_no=605
Click to view with OneDrive		SOMALI FOLKLORE - A TALE OF THE EL ALI METEORITE A. A. Hussein, Almaas University, Mogadishu, Somalia. rector@almaas.edu.so https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/metsoc2023/pdf/6056.pdf Abstract - #6056 Introduction: In June 2020, a team of artisinal miners were in search for opal minerals and were prospecting in West Hiiraan, in El Ali and Buq Aqable area. The team belonged to a small-scale company called Kuraim. As they scoured the bushland in the search of opal, they spent weeks and left no rock unturned. However, their effort paid off when they spotted a huge brown rock with metallic lustre. The rock was different from the sandstone/limestone rocks that dominated the area. It was very dense, magnetic, with unusual shape – rounded with potholes and partly immersed in a small impact crater. One of the miners recognized the rock as a meteorite, and took a sample for a laboratory chemical and mineralogical analysis from the massive rock. It was a very difficult job to chop off small pieces from it. The result was a find of 15.15 tonne meteorite, that was moved away in September 2022 to Mogadishu.
*Double Click to view Vdeo*		WHAT THE LOCAL PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE EL ALI METEORITE. A. H. Egeh, Almaas University, Mogadishu, Somalia, egeh@almaas.edu.so. https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/metsoc2023/pdf/6057.pdf Abstract - #6057 Introduction: In the past, the El Ali meteorite was not unknown to the locals; rather it was one of their most important landmarks in the area. Its cultural heritage significance was the elephant in the room. El Ali has been a symbol for the local people for a long time and was known as “Shiid-birood,” which means the iron stone (because of its properties of resonance and its ductility). Eventually, the name was given to the area surrounding it.1 The characteristics of the El Ali meteorite’s (Shiid-birood’s) environment include: plants do not grow up around it for a distance of about 10 meters, and it is surrounded by black rocks that appear as a burnt stones.2 Past familiarity with this stone is evidenced by local stories saying that “during the colonization period, the Italians tried to take it, but they couldn’t due to its heavy weight and to the locals who were against it.”2 At sunset, the stone appears in the shape of an animal, and the livestock fear it and run away from it. People describe it as looking like a horse, and the local children play on it and ride it like a horse.
Right Click / Save Link As Click to view on OneDrive		SOMALIA’S IRON AGE BEGINS WITH EL ALI. N. Gessler, Duke University (retired), nick.gessler@duke.edu https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/metsoc2023/pdf/6011.pdf Abstract - #6011 Introduction: El Ali, a 15 metric-ton iron meteorite, was found in Somalia in 2020. It’s cultural context and physical characteristics were reported in 2021.1 El Ali is now for sale in China with an asking price of $4,000,000. Concerns were raised about El Ali’s future in 2023.2 Two centuries ago the Inuit use of cold-forging to mine the meteoritic boulders at Cape York was discovered. Their surfaces share a common attribute with El Ali; Their many concave facets reveal intense, extensive, and prolonged hammering. At Cape York the harvested iron was reworked into knives on those same rocks, attested to by those who did the mining. Iron imposes a unique subsistence calculus on any society that embraces it. Whether smelted from ores or mined from meteorites, its production is expensive. There is every reason to expect that the like Cape York irons, the El Ali meteorite was used to fashion knives.
Click to view with OneDrive.		THE MINERALOGY OF THE EL ALI IAB IRON: CONDITIONS OF FORMATION Christopher D.K. Herd , Andrew J. Locock , Radhika Saini , and Chi Ma https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/metsoc2023/pdf/6143.pdf Abstract - #6143 Introduction: The El Ali meteorite is a 15.2-ton iron meteorite from Somalia, originally known by camel herders and others in the region as “Nightfall.” Further insights into the history of this significant meteorite are provided in this meeting. The meteorite belongs to the IAB Complex, a group that spans a diversity of bulk compositions and that is typified by silicate or other inclusions. IAB irons may have formed by melting due to impact heating on a porous chondritic body. Detailed study of phosphate inclusions in El Ali revealed the occurrence of at least three new minerals. Analysis by EPMA (University of Alberta) and by SEM-EBSD (Caltech) on specimen MET11814/2-1/EP1 of the University of Alberta Meteorite Collection revealed the occurrence, and enabled the description of: elaliite (Fe2+8Fe3+(PO4)O8, IMA 2022-087), elkinstantonite (Fe4(PO4)2O, IMA 2022-088), and olsenite (KFe4(PO4)3, IMA 2022-100). Details of elaliite and elkinstantonite can be found in LPS LIV Abstract #2220; olsenite is described in LPS LIV Abstract #1883. Here, we discuss the origin of these minerals and the implications of their occurrence for the petrogenesis of the El Ali meteorite.
Radiometric Age Dating - Terrestrial Age of Meteorites - by Timothy Jull Mineralogy, geochemistry and classification of the new Smolenice iron meteorite from Slovakia		1/3/2023 Summary by N. Gessler: Radiometric analyses by Dr. Timothy Jull, University of Arizona. Initial sub-samples of 3.22 and 5.88 grams from UCLA specimen #1 provided radiometric dating that tentatively established the age of the fall of El Ali at less than 2 to 3 thousand years. This means that the meteorite would have been available for use by people back into the Iron and Bronze Ages. A new sample #2 with a mass of 17.5 grams is arriving soon. Age estimates and other data will be generated from further analyses of radioactive Carbon (14C), Beryllium (10B) , Calcium (14C) and Aluminum (26Al) isotopes. 10/25/2024 Update by T. Jull: The sample was run as "Nightfall" (R4080): 14C (dpm/kg) = 3.5+-0.1. Terrestrial age is estimated using a saturated activity of ~4 dpm/kg to be < 2000 yr. I can probably refine some of this, but this assumes a relatively small object (which El Ali isn't). However, it's the best I have at the moment. I went through the files I have on my laptop and the backup USB stick and didn't find any other new information. Since some of this was done during COVID, it's possible I have other information on my computer in Tucson. I don't think any work was done on 41Ca or 10Be at Vienna, but I can ask. I can also ask the Bratislava colleagues if there was ever any 26Al result.
Official entry in the Meteoritical Bulletin (based on the info avaukabk at the time)		National Geographic Press Release	University of Alberta Release Meteoritical Bulletin Entry	Limited Edition Coffee Cup

Panoramic Images Merged from Casual Video Frames

Video 3 - El Ali in situ in Hiiraan. Composite view.

Credit Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein. Note the thousands of culturally transported rocks nearby.

Video 3 - El Ali in situ in Hiiraan.
Composite view showing multifaceted side.

Credit: Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein. Note the thousands of culturally transported rocks nearby.

Video 6 - El Ali prepared for storage in Mogadishu.
Composite view showing its right side multifaceted face.

Credit: Nicholas Gessler. El Ali in Mogadishu on 24 April 2021. A composite of 16 detailed video frames of its above-ground right multifaceted face. Detail shows smooth hammered surfaces as well as layering along the right diagonal edge and numerous linearly deformed pits illustrating cultural alteration and removal of metal by cold forging..

Cape York 3-ton individual called "the Woman," Courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

Utilized as a source of meteoritic iron removed by cold forging, and as an anvil for its manufacture into sharps (knives and points), by the Inuit of Greenland. It shows the same polished crowns used as anvils and the same multi-facted sites of cold forging as El Ali. Both were also surrounded by piles of hammerstones.

EL ALI is currently the meteorite most
"intimately connected with the life and fate of so many people..."

The Cape York meteorites of Greenland were first recognized as being the world's most culturally significant.

200 years ago, witnessed accounts detail that they were cold-forged by the Inuit people to remove coin-sized iron blades to make cutting tools.
Early accounts and recent analyses of the Cape York meteorite site and meteorites give us insights into the intensive, extensive and prolonged
cultural use of EL ALI by the prehistoric peoples of Somalia during the last 2000 years. Further studies would provide more details.

Cape York: Captain John Ross: Exploring for the North-West Passage. London: J. Murray. 1819

Second voyage in search of a north-west passage,
in the years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833

The Arctic Career of
Captain Sir John Ross

Library holdings of the 1819 publication.

Library holdings of the 1935 publication.

Inuit accounts of mining iron from the Cape York meteorites.

Inuit accounts of mining iron from the Cape York meteorites.

Cape York: Illustrations from Robert Peary (1898).

Northward Over the Great Ice, v2 (1898)

The Cape York "Woman" iron meteorite surrounded by a massive ring of hammerstones. We would expect to find an analogous assemblage of hammerstones at the El Ali / Ceel Cali impact site, and we have..

Sketch for a proposed diorama of the Cape York "Woman" iron meteorite being harvested for iron. The basaltic hammerstones were brought from 50 miles away.

METEORIFACTS
Inuit knives made from coin-sized flakes of the Cape York "Woman" meteorite. Traded well into Canada.

The Cape York "Woman" meteorite being moved on rollers to the ship.

Size comparison of the three Cape York meteorites collected by Robert Peary.

Peary's ship ramming packed ice.

EL ALI: 18 Videos in situ at its impact site, its travels, and some analyses:

Sequence ID Number	Tracking point cloud & camera path.	Tracking point cloud & camera path.	DISCRIPTION	SPECS
#1	Static camera, no parallax.		Chiseling a sample at the impact site. Credit: Global Resources Static camera	12.6 MB 30 fps 640 w 352 h 225,280 pixels 1 min 19 sec 79 sec 2,370 frames
#2	Static camera, no parallax.		Cutting a sample in Mogadishu. Source: Global Resources Static camera	10.2 MB 30 fps 640 w 352 h 225,280 pixels 0 min 52 sec 52 sec 1,560 frames
#3	Meshroom: 174 frames, every 10th frame.		In situ at the impact site. Credit: Abdulkadir. Good tracking shot. 1,740 frames	2.3 MB 30 fps 352 w 640 h 225,280 pixels 0 min 58 sec 58 sec
#4	Meshroom: 960 frames, every 3rd frame.	Meshroom: 960 frames, every 3rd frame.	Good coverage at Mogadishu. Credit: Abdulkadir Good tracking shot. 3,296 frames	7.8 MB 30 fps 480 w 848 h 407,040 pixels 1 min 36 sec 96 sec
#5	Meshroom: 3340 frames, every 3rd frame.	Meshroom: 3340 frames, every 3rd frame.	Pulled from the dirt at the impact site. Credit: Nick Gessler Good tracking shot. 10,020 frames	37.2 MB 30 fps 640 w 352 h 225,280 pixels 5 min 34 sec 334 sec
#6	A detailed composite of 16 video frames of EL ALI's most faceted face. Two pans.	No point cloud available.	Detailed panning shots in Mogadishu. Credit: Nick Gessler Suitable for Photoshop Photomerge. 1,320 frames	9.0 MB 30 fps 640 w 352 h 225,280 pixels 0 min 44 sec 44 sec
#7	Chaotic, no easily discernible parallax.		In chains on crane in Mogadishu Credit: Nick Gessler Chaotic 2,670 frames	13.5 MB 30 fps 640 w 352 h 225,280 pixels 1 min 29 sec 89 sec
#8	Confined, partial parallax.		In container in Mogadishu Credit: Nick Gessler Dark, confined space. 760 frames	9.8 MB 20 fps 1072 w 1920 h 2,058,240 pixels 0 min 38 sec 38 sec
#9	Meshroom: 660 frames, every 10th frame.		In situ at impact site. Credit: Abdulkadir Good tracking shot. 660 frames	0.9 MB 30 fps 272 w 480 h 130,560 pixels 0 min 22 sec 22 sec
Subtotal of section above			24,396 frames	13 min 10 sec
#10
Vid-11:: At the borehole of the town of EL ALI	El Ali Borehole		At the borehole (well) from which EL ALI took its name. 390 frames	2.35 MB 30 fps 368 w 672 h 247,296 pixels 0 min 13 sec 13 sec
Vid-12: At the borehole of the town of EL ALUI	El Ali Borehole		At the borehole (well) from which EL ALI took its name. 930 frames	5.58 MB 30 fps 368 w 672 h 247,296 pixels 0 min 31 sec 31sec
Vid-13: At the impact site. Look for dark hammerstones..	#13 Shiid-birood (griinding metal). Vid-13: A clip of one of many classic hammerstones at the impact site of EL ALI.		The EL ALI meteorite impact site showing hammerstones. 1,770 frames	10.5 MB 30 fps 368 w 672 h 247,296 pixels 0 min 59 sec 59 sec
Vid-14: At the impact site. Look for ark hammerstones.	Shiid-birood (grinding metal)		The EL ALI meteorite impact site showing hammerstones. 1,770 frames	10.7 MB 30 fps 368 w 672 h 247,296 pixels 0 min 59 sec 59 sec
Vid-15: The landmark stone called Afeelaha.	Afeelaha		Afeelaha, a companion road marker used to sharpen knives. 390 frames	2.38 MB 30 fps 368 w 672 h 247,296 pixels 0 min 13 sec 13 sec
Vid-16: The landmark stone called Afeelaha.	Afeelaha		Afeelaha, a companion road marker used to sharpen knives. 1,170 frames	7.0 MB 30 fps 368 w 672 h 247,296 pixels 0 min 39 sec 39 sec
Vid-17: Sample being removed at impact site.			Removing a sample from EL ALI at its impact site. 9,600 frames	29.2 MB .30 fps 352 w 640 h 5 min 20 sec 320 sec
Vid 18: ELALI in its container on arrival in China.	The meteorite is reportedly still awaiting sale in Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.		The meteorite in its shipping container on arrival at Yiwu, Zhejiang, China. 610 frames	10.4 MB 21.02 fps 1072 w 1920 h 29 sec 29 sec
	JADE TYCOON Large Image Large Imnage Cropped and Edited	Direct link to YouTube 3 seconds long https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsg08TaPTMI		3 sec
Subtotal of videos 1-16			6,420 frames	3 min 34 sec
TOTAL			30,816 frames	16 min 44 sec

* Pans are excellent for creating composite panoramas. Tracking shots are excellent for creating 3D stereo imagery.

EL ALI: Images from Global Resources Ltd. Credit: Global Resources Ltd.

Video #1
Removal of a few grams.
1m19s

Video #2
Removal of a few kilos.
0m62s

Image A
EL ALI unearthed in Hiiraan.

Image B
EL ALI unearthed in Hiiraan.

Image C
EL ALI unearthed in Hiiraan.

Image D
EL ALI unearthed in Hiiraan.

Image E
EL ALI unearthed in Hiiraan.

EL ALI: Images from Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein, Rector, Almaas University, Mogadishu. Credit: Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein.

Eng. Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein.
Rector
Almaas University, Mogadishu.
Facebook page.

El Ali vicinity nomadic camel herders.

Image F
In situ. Note the hammered surface and culturally transported rocks (manuports) surrounding it.

In situ. Red/Cyan stereo anaglyph (limited depth).

In situ. Note the hammered surface and culturally transported rocks (manuports) surrounding it.

Image H
In situ. Who is this?.

Image I
Six etched slices. Probably shown being cut in Video #2.

Image J
Weighbridge certificate. 12/08/2020
(12 August 2020).
Mass Mass Estimage.pdf

Image K
In situ. Note the hammered surface and thousands of culturally transported rocks (manuports).

Image L
In situ. Note the hammered surface and thousands of culturally transported rocks (manuports).

Image M
In situ. Note loose rocks and hammered surface and the thousands of culturally transported rocks (manuports).

Image N
Mogadishu. Showing the buried underside. Note the odd whorl.

Abdulkadir Facebook Post:
"a National Treasure for the National Museum of Somalia?

Abdulkadir Facebook Post:
On the deep history of the stone...

https://www.facebook.com/abdulkadirabiikar.hussein.7

Filte: 2022.12.01 9:26 a.m.

Abdulkadir Facebook Post:
On two new minerals discovered...

Video #3. El Ali in situ.
0m 58s

Video #4. El Ali in Mogadishu.
1m 36s

Video #9. El Ali in situ
0m 22s

EL ALI: Images from Ali Hassan Egeh, Vice-Rector, Almaas University, Mogadishu. Credit: Ali Hassan Egeh.

Eng. Ali Hassan Egeh
Vice-Rector
Almaas University, Mogadishu.
Facebook page.

Vid-11: At the borehole of the town of EL ALI

Vid-12: At the borehole of the
town of EL ALUI

Vid-13: At the impact site of the meteorite. Look for dark hammerstones.

Vid-13: A clip of one of many classic hammerstones at the impact site of EL ALI.

Vid-14: At the impact site of the meteorite. Look for dark hammerstones.

Vid-15: The landmark stone called Afeelaha.

Vid-16: The landmark stone called Afeelaha.

EL ALI: Images from Christopher D. K. Herd. Credit: Christopher D. K. Herd

Chris Herd

Image R
Mogadishu. Note hammered surface.

Red/Cyan stereo anaglyph (limited depth).

Image S
Mogadishu. Note hammered surface.

EL ALI: Images from Anonymous sources. Credit: Nicholas Gessler

Video #5 In situ. Pans back and forth. Good source for a composite. 5m44s	Mogadishu. Close-up from video.. 24 April 2021.	Video #6 Mogadishu. Excellent detail. 24 April 2021 0m44s	Video #7 Mogadishu. Unloading. 1m29s	Video #8 El Ali in Shipping Container 0m38s
Image O Mogadishu. Beauty shot. 24 April 2021.	Image P Weighbridge certificate. 12/08/2020. (12 August 2020).	Image Q In situ. Note loose rocks.	Vid-17: Sample being removed at impact site.	V-d 18: ELALI in its container on arrival in China.

Currently in the Somali Media.

"No object will be acquired without assurance that good title can be transferred."
from the collection policy of the J. Paul Getty Museum specializing in Art.

The stone was acquired by Abdikarim Farasle, Abdi Shigshigow, Noor Hassan,
Abukar Murasade and Faqi Qubeys of the Kureym Mining and Rocks Company in 2020.
The meteorite is reportedly still awaiting sale in Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.

Funding for the translations of Somali media interviews posted below was provided by the Meteoritical Society, Six-West Media's "The Proof is Out There," and others.
Translations linked via "ENGLISH #N" were by Jibril Mohamed.

Videos from the Somali Media

Aired	ID	Station	sequence number	Notes
2020.02.23	1	2020.02.23 aired Somali Cable London Stone taken from the Ceel Ali area (Google) Dhagax laga soo qaaday Deegaanka Ceel Cali 5:12 duration 315k views 511 comment 1.2M followers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=539735773558662	23 February 2020: MP Dahir Jesow. ENGLISH #1 2https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=539735773558662 1) Somali Cable: "Dhagax laga soo qaaday Deegaanka Ceel Cali" (Stone taken from the Ceel Cali area) With Member of Parliament MP Dahir Amiin Jesow.	SEARCH
2020.02.26	2	2020.02.26 aired Maracadde Show INFORMATION: What is the STONE that the Somali government has in its possession & its price? (Google) XOG: Muxuu yahay DHAGAXA Dowladda Soomaaliya Gacanta ku dhigtay & Qiimahiisa ? 10::07 duration 69,254 views 788k subscribers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgFl90wCbfs	26 February 2020.: MP Dahir Jesow: ENGLISH #2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgFl90wCbfs 2) Youtube: "What is the stone held by the government of Somalia & its value?" MARACADDE SHOW: 60k views, 84 comments, all 3 years old, all archived and translated by Google..	SEARCH
2023.07.11	3	2023.07.11 The Al Shabaab leader of Hiran region, Abdiasis Guuleed, was captured by Galjecel's supporters and is being held in Jowhar City. Guuleed is the man who bought the stone that was dug up from Ceel Ali and took it away and killed the sons of Galjecel. Amiirkii gobolka hiiraan ee Al Shabaab Cabdicasiis Guuleed oo aay macaawisleeda Galjecel Qabteen kuna xeran Magaalada Jowhar. Guuleed waa Ninkii gatay Dhagaxii Ceel Cali laga qoday lagana soo qaday kuna dilay wiilashii Gaaljecel. https://www.facebook.com/dahir.jesow 5:23 duration https://www.facebook.com/dahir.jesow/videos/1420758382052710	11 July 2023:: MP Dahir Jesow, ENGLISH #3 https://www.facebook.com/dahir.jesow/videos/1420758382052710	SEARCH 3) Note: Ceel Cali is not mentioned in this interview (NG). Click for legible enlargement.
2020.02.25	4	2020.02.25 KNN Kulmiye News Network IS THE STONE FOUND IN ÇEEL ALI GOLD OR A PEARL? (Google) DHAGAXA LAGA HELAY CEEL CALI MA DAHAB BAA MISE LUUL? 11:19 duration 3.1k views 276k subscribers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB46J_2LPoU	25 February 2020 Link from HANAHR 2. ENGLISH #4 (duplicate) HAGAXA LAGA HELAY CEEL CALI MA DAHAB BAA MISE LUUL?	HANAHR SEARCH
2020.04.19	5	2020.0419 aired KNN Kulmiye News Network WHAT HAPPENED TO THE STONE THAT WAS TAKEN FROM THE CEL CALI WELL? XAGUU KU DANBEEYAY DHAGAXII CEEL CALI LAGA SOO QAADAY? 3:55 duration 2689 views 19 comments 276k subscribers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqIlR937jI	19 April 2020: ENGLISH #5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqIlR937jI 5) Kulmeye News Network. "What happened to the stone tken from the well?	SEARCH
2020.02.24	6	2020.11.24 aired KNN Kulmiye News Network MP MARYAN "WE ARE AFRAID OF THE OTHER RESOURCES IN CEEL ALI" XILDHIBAAN MARYAN "CABSI AYAAN KA QABNAA KHEYRAADKA KALE EE CEEL CALI" 13.:06 duration 1.4k views 276k subscribers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=573XIvFfBe0	24 February 2020: MP Maryan Ahmed Haroun: ENGLISH #6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=573XIvFfBe0 6) Kulmeye News Network. MP Maryan Ahmed Haroun, Peoples Assembly, El Ali constituency, "We are afraid of other resources of El Ali."	SEARCH
2020.02.27	7	2020.02.27 aired SHTV Shabelle TV What is the explanation for the controversial stone in Ceel Ali? Dhagaxii Dooda Keenay Ee Ceel Cali Maxaa Lagu Macneynkaraa ? 5:52 duration 1593 views 145k subscribers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1453292584842644	Eg. Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein, 27 February 2020 ENGLISH #7 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1453292584842644 Shabelle TV: "What can be explained by the stone that brought the discussion of El Ali?	SEARCH
2022.11.19	8	2022.11.29 aired Goobjoog News "A precious mineral discovered in Somalia" explained by Dr. Abduka "Macdan qaali ah oo laga heley Soomaaliya" waxa sharaxaya Dr Cabduqa 9:01 duration 225 views 42 comments 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=856895102089452	Eng Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein, 29 November 2022 ENGLISH #8 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=856895102089452 Goobjoog Television Interview on El Ali	SEARCH
2022.11.30	9	2022.11.10 Eng Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussei HUDHUD1: "The stone was found near the village of El Ali in Hiiran and removed from the country. 0:46 duration ? or 7:00 duration? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbHNOp6Wydk&t=46s	Eng Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein,30 November 2022 ENGLISH #9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbHNOp6Wydk&t=46s HUDHUD1: "The stone was found near the village of El Ali in Hiiran and removed from the country." 7m0s	This video is not available SEARCH
2023.04.01	10	2023.04.01 Somali National Television The Ceel Ali meteorite and the interview with Layla Cadceed on SNTV. The interview was conducted by Abdulqadir Abiikar. (Google) Dhagaxa Rajamka (meteorite) ah ee Ceel Cali iyo Waraysiga Layla Cadceed ee SNTV. Waraysiga waxaa laga qaaday Cabdulqaadir Abiikar 12:04 duration 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=223876560222178&ref=sharing	Eng Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein,1 April 2023 ENGLISH #10 Somali National Television Interview on El Ali	SEARCH
2022.11.30	11	2022.11.30 aired BBC NWS SOMALI London What precious minerals have been found in Somalia? (G00gle) Waa maxay macdanta qaaliga ah ee laga helay Soomaaliya? Text only 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.bbc.com/somali/articles/cge59l7p24yo	30 November 2022. ENGLISH #11 https://www.bbc.com/somali/articles/cge59l7p24yo Translation by Google.	SEARCH
2020.03.05	12	2020.03.05 RTN SOMALI TV Rajo Television Network Deputy Dahir Jesow and the Ceel Ali District Administration spoke about the fighting that took place in the district. (Google) Xil. Dahir Jesoow iyo Mamulka Deeganka Ceel Cali oo ka hadlay Dagaal ka dhacay degamadaasi 4:26 duration 476 views 305k subscribers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Viy4tYIDsLs	5 March 2020 Dahir Jesow and others RTN TV. Rajo Talevision Network "RTN" its First Somali TV in Kenya Included in HANAHR link at left link from "CSHRDS 4." ENGLISH #12 "Xil. Dahir Jesoow iyo Mamulka Deeganka Ceel Cali oo ka hadlay Dagaal ka dhacay degamadaasi	CSHRDS HANAHR
2021.07.31	13	2021.07.21 SNT Somali National Television I joined Al-Shabaab so that I could have something with the gold found in El-Ali. (Google) "Waxaan Al-Shabaab ugu biiray si dhagaxii dahabka ahaa ee laga helay Ceel-Cali aan wax ugu yeesho." 17:25 duration 189K views 866k subscribers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCOvTA0jIvM	31 July 2021 Link from HANAHR 1 . ENGLISH #13 xaan Al-Shabaab ugu biiray si dhagaxii dahabka ahaa ee laga helay Ceel-Cali aan wax ugu yeesho. Caption reads, "I joined Al-Shabaab so that I could have something with the gold found in El-Ali." (NG) Our official analysis of EL ALI's gold content was 1.2 µg/g. Given El Ali's total mass of 15,000,000 grams, it contains 18 grams of gold, worth about $1530. (NG) 186K views 3 years ago	HANAHR
2020.02.20	14	2020.02.26 SBC Somali TV El Ali regional government sent an invitation to the head of government of Somalia. (Google) GUDOOMIYAHA DEEGAANKA CEEL-CALI OO BAAQ U DIRAY MADAXDA DOWLADA SOOMALIYA 3:17 duration 368 views 154k subscribers 2025.04.03 viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyKy5FfLS1g	26 February 2020 Link from HANAHR 3. ENGLISH #14 UDOOMIYAHA DEEGAANKA CEEL-CALI OO BAAQ U DIRAY MADAXDA DOWLADA SOOMALIYA EL-ALI REGIONAL GOVERNOR SENT AN INVITATION TO THE HEAD OF GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA	HANAHR
2023.02.04	15	3.1K views 1 year ago	4 February 2023 Link from HANAHR 4. ENGLISH #15 roos baadiyaha fog ee Ceel cali xili habeen ah laguna ciyaaray dhaanto cajiib ah < A wedding in the remote countryside of Eel Ali during the night with a wonderful dance	HANAHR
2016.02.23	16	29K views 8 years ago	23 February 2016 Link from HANAHR 5. ENGLISH #16 iidanka ceelcali saar ku soo bandhigay dagmada ceecali The army of El Ali Saar presented in the district of El Ali.	HANAHR
2022.06.14	17	983 views 2 years ago	14 June 2022 Link from HANAHR 6. ENGLISH #17 aarkii dagmada ceel cali caanka ku eheed waayo wayo allow u naxatiiso intii dhimatay wa waqti fog < In the district of El Ali, it is famous because it is not allowed to mourn those who died a long time ago	HANAHR
2022.11.30	18	2022.11.30 Wariyaha Muqdisho Stone exported from Somalia and became a rare mineral. (Google) Dhagax laga dhoofiyay soomaaliya oo noqday macdan naadir ah. GAROWE ONLINE Text only	from ENGLISH #18 https://garoweonline.com/en/fikradaha/warbixino/dhagax-laga-dhoofiyay-soomaaliya-oo-noqday-macdan-naadir-ah	Jibril Mohamed

Email from Geologist Fayssal Mezgouri,
with offices in Agadir, Morocco and China

Apparently, he is in charge of shipment from Mogadishu to China and sales.
Mr. Mezgouri was invited to provide more information, and agreed. (NG)

From the Horn Afrik News Agency for Human Rights (HANAHR)
publications and videos they referred to

3 June 2023

https://hanahr.net/somalia-el-ali-meteorite-in-the-light-of-history-and-culture/

The article above may be accessed from the link below:

>https://hanahr.net/chasing-the-stolen-meteorite-maxamed-dhicisows-fight-for-ceel-calis-lost-heritage/

31 July 2021
Link from HANAHR 1 . ENGLISH #13

xaan Al-Shabaab ugu biiray si dhagaxii dahabka ahaa ee laga helay Ceel-Cali aan wax ugu yeesho.

Caption reads, "I joined Al-Shabaab so that I could have 
something with the gold found in El-Ali." (NG)
Our official analysis of EL ALI's gold content was 
1.2  µg/g.  Given El Ali's total mass of 15,000,000 grams, 
it contains 18 grams  of gold, worth about $1530. (NG)
186K views  3 years ago

25 February 2020
Link from HANAHR 2. ENGLISH #4 (duplicate)

HAGAXA LAGA HELAY CEEL CALI MA DAHAB BAA MISE LUUL?

IS THE STONE FOUND IN A WELL GOLD OR PEARL?
3.1K views  4 years ago

26 February 2020
Link from HANAHR 3. ENGLISH #14

UDOOMIYAHA DEEGAANKA CEEL-CALI OO
BAAQ U DIRAY MADAXDA DOWLADA SOOMALIYA

EL-ALI REGIONAL GOVERNOR SENT AN INVITATION 
TO THE HEAD OF GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA
325 views  4 years ago

4 February 2023
Link from HANAHR 4. ENGLISH #15

roos baadiyaha fog ee Ceel cali xili habeen ah laguna
ciyaaray dhaanto cajiib ah <

A wedding in the remote countryside of 
Eel Ali during the night with a wonderful
dance 
3.1K views 1 year ago

23 February 2016
Link from HANAHR 5. ENGLISH #16

iidanka ceelcali saar ku soo bandhigay dagmada ceecali

The army of El Ali Saar presented in the 
district of El Ali. 
29K views  8 years ago

14 June 2022
Link from HANAHR 6. ENGLISH #17

aarkii dagmada ceel cali caanka ku eheed waayo wayo
allow u naxatiiso intii dhimatay wa waqti fog <

In the district of El Ali, it is famous 
because it is not allowed to mourn those 
who died a long time ago
983 views  2 years ago

From the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRDS).

On 27 October 2024, info@CSHRDS wrote:
These resources aim to underscore the gravity of the meteorite’s acquisition and its impact on the El Ali community. We are prepared to collaborate and provide further assistance in gathering documentation, particularly around the claims and narratives from the Indigenous people affected. Our goal is to support your ongoing research efforts to ensure that the meteorite’s cultural context and legacy are honored and safeguarded by bringing the meteorite in a safe country like USA where it should be placed in a museum (the income generated from itssits can be divided between the museum and the support to the community in El Ali) that is a notion we share with you. Best regards, Information Desk of the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRDS)

On 2 November 2024, info@CSHRDS wrote:
Thank you for your detailed message and the efforts you’re putting into the El Ali meteorite and its cultural heritage. I’ll address your questions and provide insights as best as I can.

1. Identities and Roles:
Abdikarim Farasle(fake name and really name remains unknown), Abdi Shigshigow (real name), Noor Hassan (real name), Abukar Murasade (fake name), and Faqi Qubeys (fake Name) are indeed connected with the El Ali meteorite but they are the businessmen who conspired and staged the robbery of the meteorite and most of them carry fake names; however, there is still ongoing debate regarding their exact roles and claims. Some have been described as kureym company adhoc founders, others as businessmen and others as alshabab members pretending businessmen, but these titles are not fully verified due to conflicting claims. Fayssal is another individual who claims to have found the meteorite, adding to the complexity Kureym Mining and Rocks Company: There have been claims that these individuals are affiliated with Kureym, potentially as owners or stakeholders. The company’s role in either selling or owning the meteorite remains murky, especially in light of local tensions and disagreements. The Somalia state officials were involved in like the president Abudllahi farmajo, prime minsiter (Ali Kheyre) and head of NISA (Fahad Yasin) in creating the adhoc mining company (kureym) and the export process.

2. Sale and Ownership Complications:
I agree that finding a buyer at the $5 to $10 million mark will be challenging. Lower price ranges, such as $1 or $2 million, may attract more interest, though, as you noted, buyers will be concerned about the risk of Somalia reclaiming ownership. The internal disputes among the sellers further complicate matters, as there’s a lack of clarity about who the rightful contact is. But here we can intervene and call for international rights groups to defend the right of ownership of the El Ali indigenous community and their full rights to benefit from any sell out and rent etc as they are the victims of the whole process and the corrupt Somalia state is only to violate their rights to preserve and benefit from their cultural heritage (imagine that El Ali community are denied any sort of access to any international humanitarian aid and development projects) therefore, we have to emphasize using the meteorite for their direct aid.

3. Government Involvement and Heritage Efforts:
As you suggested, engaging with Somali government officials and parliamentarians could provide some clarity and help in establishing a united stance on the meteorite. My contacts and I... have spoken with relevant figures, though the government’s response has been limited so far. This may change if there’s enough pressure for action in support of heritage preservation. Indeed, the El Ali site’s significance—especially given its prehistoric value—was largely unrecognized until recently. A government-led negotiation could be beneficial, though such a process would need careful consideration of the stakeholders involved. There may be a way to create a framework where everyone benefits, preserving both Somali heritage and the value of the meteorite. Especial consideration should given to the El Ali community representation and development as Somalia state officials are extremely corrupt but we can have Member Parliamentarians from El Ali on board to support us

4. Public Interest and Cultural Narrative:
Your idea to approach (high profile individuals and institutions) is worth exploring, even if the interest may be speculative. Additionally, the personal stories around El Ali... are precisely the kinds of narratives that can capture public interest. Publications... could indeed amplify awareness, perhaps creating broader support for heritage preservation.

5. Advice Moving Forward:
Given the internal disputes, it might be beneficial to work toward a centralized negotiation. I’ll continue coordinating with local contacts and government officials (El Ali MPs) to advocate for a cohesive approach and will update you on any developments as our main objective is to defend the rights of the indigenous community in El Ali and protect their cultural heritage). In the meantime, any media exposure or interest you can garner from institutions or individuals could help apply further pressure for a resolution.

Thank you again for your continued efforts. I’m here for any additional support or information you may need. Best regards, info@cshrds.org

Elipses "..." and parentheses "( )" indicate my own edits.. (NG)

31 August 2024
Link from "CSHRDS 1."

African Academy of Diplomacy Report:
"The EL ALI meteorite Heist: A Tale of Betrayal, Corruption, and Tradegy in Somalia."

Archival copy:

27 Octpber 2024 .
Link from "CSHRDS 2."

Videos of the meteorite EL ALI in situ where it landed.
"The El Ali Meteorite Violently Robbed by Al-Shabaab Terrorists - Video by Local Indigenous Community."

"El Ali Meteorite (16 tonne) was violently robbed by Al-Shabaab terrorists and inc collaboration with officials from the Government, they sold it to: 1. China and some fragmented parts of it to : 2. CANADA Alberta University 3. California Technology University in USA"

3 June 2023 .
Link from "CSHRDS 3."

Press release by Horn Africa News Agency for Human Rights (HANAHR). A different version of the posting two rows up at the left..

5 March 2020
Dahir Jesow and others RTN TV.
Rajo Talevision Network "RTN" its First Somali TV in Kenya
Included in HANAHR link at left link from "CSHRDS 4."
ENGLISH #12

"Xil. Dahir Jesoow iyo Mamulka Deeganka Ceel Cali oo ka hadlay Dagaal ka dhacay degamadaasi

Media found searchinig for "El Ali" or "Ceel Cali" on the Internet.
23 February 2020: MP Dahir Jesow. ENGLISH #1 2https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=539735773558662 1) Somali Cable: "Dhagax laga soo qaaday Deegaanka Ceel Cali" (Stone taken from the Ceel Cali area) With Member of Parliament MP Dahir Amiin Jesow. 311k views, 511 comments. 5 min 12 sec.	24 February 2020: MP Maryan Ahmed Haroun: ENGLISH #6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=573XIvFfBe0 6) Kulmeye News Network. MP Maryan Ahmed Haroun, Peoples Assembly, El Ali constituency, "We are afraid of other resources of El Ali." 1.4K views, 0 comments.13 min 07 sec.	25 February 2020. ENGLISH #4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB46J_2LPoU 4) Kulmeye News Network. "Is the stone found in a well gold or pearl?" 3K views, 3 comments.11 min 19 sec.	26 February 2020.: MP Dahir Jesow: ENGLISH #2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgFl90wCbfs 2) Youtube: "What is the stone held by the government of Somalia & its value?" MARACADDE SHOW: 60k views, 84 comments, all 3 years old, all archived and translated by Google..10 min 07 sec.
19 April 2020: ENGLISH #5https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqIlR937jI 5) Kulmeye News Network. "What happened to the stone tken from the well? 2.6K views, 19 comments.3 min 55 sec.	Hon Dahir Jesow Official Member of Parliament page. Dahir Jesow page (current) Jesow posted this video and explanation on 11 July 2023. (5m 23s) https://www.facebook.com/dahir.jesow/videos/1420758382052710 A screenshot of his posting may be seen to the frame to the right. >>>>> Dahir Jesow page (not current)	11 July 2023:: MP Dahir Jesow, ENGLISH #3 https://www.facebook.com/dahir.jesow/videos/1420758382052710 3) Note: Ceel Cali is not mentioned in this interview (NG). Click for legible enlargement.	30 November 2022. ENGLISH #11 https://www.bbc.com/somali/articles/cge59l7p24yo Translation by Google.
Eg. Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein, 27 February 2020 ENGLISH #7 Shabelle TV: "What can be explained by the stone that brought the discussion of El Ali? 5m52s 33m57s total.	Eng Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein, 29 November 2022 ENGLISH #8 Goobjoog Television Interview on El Ali 9m01s	Eng Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein,30 November 2022 ENGLISH #9 HUDHUD1: "The stone was found near the village of El Ali in Hiiran and removed from the country." 7m0s	Eng Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein,1 April 2023 ENGLISH #10 Somali National Television Interview on El Ali 12m 9s

El Ali Samples Received

Alberta: Sample from Video 1. 15.0 and 54.2 grams received.	Alberta: Sample as received.	Alberta: BSE image.	Los Angeles: Photo from Somalia: 19.23-gram sample from Video 1.	Los Angeles: 19.23-gram weathered surface.
Los Angeles: 19.23-gram cutting.	Los Angeles: 19.23-gram three slices.	Los Angeles: 19.23-gram etch A.	Los Angeles: 19.23-gram etch B.	Los Angeles: 19.23-gram d istribution
Los Angeles: 17.5-gram sample	Los Angeles: 17.5-gram sample.	Los Angeles: 17.5-gram video.	Los Angeles: 17.5-gram sample.	Los Angeles: 17.5-gram sample.
El Ali 17.5 gram sample - video

Maps and satellite imagery:

GPS Coordinates

4°17.281'N 4°17'17"N	44°53.893'E 44°53'58"E	Estimate by N. Gessler in the Meteoritical Bulleetin in D M Estimate by N. Gessler in the Meteoritical Bulleetin in D M S
4°17'17"N	44°53'53"E	Posted on MinDat by whom and likely copied from the Meteoritical Bulletin with 8 becomming 3.
4.2°N 4°12'0"N	44.983333°E 44°59'0"E	Cited by Fayssal 08-22-2023 in D Cited by Fayssal 08-22-2023 in D M S
4°17'1"N	44°53'51"E	Received from CSHRDS on 22 Jan 2025 likely derived from the above.
4.288115°N 4°17'17"N	44.898200°E 44°53'54"E	Google "Nature Preservr" 08-30-2023 posted by whom? in D Google "Nature Preserve" 08-30-2023 posted by whom? in D M S
4.28861N 4°17'19"N	44.89822E 44°53'5"4	Google "Photo of El Ali" 23-01-2025 posted by whom? in D Google "Photo of El Ali" 23-01-2025 posted by whom? in D M S

Somalia. Cities and towns.

Somalia: Administrative.

Hypothetical impact site (July 2023).

2016 Google Earth image of a nine hectare field.

Hypothetical impact site (July 2023)

2004 Google Earth image of a nine hectare field.

Google Earth imagery of assumed location of meteorite and the town of El Ali.

Google Earth imagery of assumed original location of meteorite. Note the changing sites of houses and fields between the years 2004 and 2018.

Google Earth 2004 imagery showing cultural features.

Google Earth 2018 imagery showing cultural features.

Map El Ali - Pixelated 11 April 2021 Maxar Satellite 40cm Imagery (SecureWatch access is being provided courtesy of MAXAR).

Map El Ali - Pixelate 11 April 2021 Maxar Satellite 40cm Imagery, portion showing town of El Ali and assumed location of the meteorite (SecureWatch access is being provided courtesy of MAXAR)..

In Google Earth imagery, note the frequent remains of domed houses and fenced areas..

Google Earth image of the town of El Ali.

UN OSHA Somalia Administrative Details Map closeup.
Entire map. .

EL ALI (Arabic) / CEEL CALI (Somali) / SHIID-BIROOD (local name) "Ali's Well" "Ali's Well" "Iron Stone"

A candidate for UNESCO and International Union of Geological Sciences heritage recognition?

Status Information - Research Notes - Updated 04.24.2025

An object of "World Cultural and Natural Heritage Significance"

A "National Treasure" of Somalia.

"Probably no other meteorite has been so intimately connected with the life and fate of so many people..." V. Buchwald.

UNESCO Conversation Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972.

UNESCO Historic Visit by Director-General of UNESCO to Somalia 2020.

UNESCO Illicit and Stolen Cultural Property

SOMALIA'S IRON AGE BEGAN WITH EL ALI a PowerPoint presentation

OWNERSHIP OF PREVIOUSLY UNOWNED PROPERTY:

U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES ON METEORITES:

METEORITICAL SOCIETY

Oh meteorite, El Ali by name, Of massive weight and ancient fame, The eighth or ninth largest on this Earth, With evidence of human worth.

Since times of old, it's been in use, An artifact of great repute, Found in Somalia, now for sale, Who'll buy it? Who'll prevail?

Shall it be sliced for baubles, small, To market souvenirs for all? Or shall it be conserved with care, For world heritage, beyond compare?

Let's seek a buyer wise and just, To keep it whole, for future trust, And for Somalia, might we pray, To have it back, some future day.

"No object will be acquired without assurance that good title can be transferred." from the collection policy of the J. Paul Getty Museum specializing in Art.

Currently in the English Media (below):

Why EL ALI is of World Cultural Heritage Significance:

Why EL ALI is of World Natural Heritage Significance:

Africa's 2nd Largest Meteorite.

8th Largest Individual from a Unique Fall.

11th Largest Individual from any Fall.

EL ALI brought 3 new minerals to Earth: Elaliite, Elkinstantonite, Olsenite.

Publications, presentations and media coverage in English:

https://biea.ac.uk/the-world-of-iron-at-10/

.pptx and .mp4 presentations Los Angeles 13-18 August 2023

.pptx and .mp4 presentations Los Angeles 13-18 August 2023

https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/metsoc2023/pdf/6056.pdf

https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/metsoc2023/pdf/6143.pdf

Official entry in the Meteoritical Bulletin (based on the info avaukabk at the time)

National Geographic Press Release

University of Alberta Release Meteoritical Bulletin Entry

Panoramic Images Merged from Casual Video Frames

EL ALI is currently the meteorite most "intimately connected with the life and fate of so many people..."

The Cape York meteorites of Greenland were first recognized as being the world's most culturally significant.

Cape York: Captain John Ross: Exploring for the North-West Passage. London: J. Murray. 1819

Inuit accounts of mining iron from the Cape York meteorites.

Inuit accounts of mining iron from the Cape York meteorites.

Cape York: Illustrations from Robert Peary (1898).

Cape York: Illustrations from Robert Peary (1898).

EL ALI: 18 Videos in situ at its impact site, its travels, and some analyses:

EL ALI: Images from Global Resources Ltd. Credit: Global Resources Ltd.

EL ALI: Images from Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein, Rector, Almaas University, Mogadishu. Credit: Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein.

Eng. Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein. Rector Almaas University, Mogadishu. Facebook page.

EL ALI: Images from Ali Hassan Egeh, Vice-Rector, Almaas University, Mogadishu. Credit: Ali Hassan Egeh.

EL ALI: Images from Christopher D. K. Herd. Credit: Christopher D. K. Herd

EL ALI: Images from Anonymous sources. Credit: Nicholas Gessler

Currently in the Somali Media.

Videos from the Somali Media

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Email from Geologist Fayssal Mezgouri, with offices in Agadir, Morocco and China

Apparently, he is in charge of shipment from Mogadishu to China and sales. Mr. Mezgouri was invited to provide more information, and agreed. (NG)

From the Horn Afrik News Agency for Human Rights (HANAHR) publications and videos they referred to

From the Horn Afrik News Agency for Human Rights (HANAHR) publications and videos they referred to

3 June 2023

EL ALI (Arabic) / CEEL CALI (Somali) / SHIID-BIROOD (local name)
"Ali's Well" "Ali's Well" "Iron Stone"

An object of
"World Cultural and Natural Heritage Significance"

SOMALIA'S IRON AGE
BEGAN WITH EL ALI
a PowerPoint presentation

Oh meteorite, El Ali by name,
Of massive weight and ancient fame,
The eighth or ninth largest on this Earth,
With evidence of human worth.

Since times of old, it's been in use,
An artifact of great repute,
Found in Somalia, now for sale,
Who'll buy it? Who'll prevail?

Shall it be sliced for baubles, small,
To market souvenirs for all?
Or shall it be conserved with care,
For world heritage, beyond compare?

Let's seek a buyer wise and just,
To keep it whole, for future trust,
And for Somalia, might we pray,
To have it back, some future day.

"No object will be acquired without assurance that good title can be transferred."
from the collection policy of the J. Paul Getty Museum specializing in Art.

.pptx and .mp4
presentations
Los Angeles
13-18 August 2023

.pptx and .mp4
presentations
Los Angeles
13-18 August 2023

Official entry in the
Meteoritical Bulletin
(based on the info avaukabk
at the time)

University of Alberta Release
Meteoritical Bulletin Entry

EL ALI is currently the meteorite most
"intimately connected with the life and fate of so many people..."

Eng. Abdulkadir Abiikar Hussein.
Rector
Almaas University, Mogadishu.
Facebook page.

Email from Geologist Fayssal Mezgouri,
with offices in Agadir, Morocco and China

Apparently, he is in charge of shipment from Mogadishu to China and sales.
Mr. Mezgouri was invited to provide more information, and agreed. (NG)

From the Horn Afrik News Agency for Human Rights (HANAHR)
publications and videos they referred to

From the Horn Afrik News Agency for Human Rights (HANAHR)
publications and videos they referred to

The article above may be accessed from the link below:

>https://hanahr.net/chasing-the-stolen-meteorite-maxamed-dhicisows-fight-for-ceel-calis-lost-heritage/