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Djibouti Lifestyle and Culture

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In Djibouti, the culture is as diverse and colorful as the mosaic of languages spoken – including Somali, Afar, Arabic, and French – and the mesmerizing ethnic combinations.

Ancient and Islamic rites are practiced within the day-to-day life and are punctuated with superstitious myths. It is important to comprehend what customs get along Djiboutians to avoid embarrassment once you are here!

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience and, should you choose Djiboutia, our RocApply tips and guides will enhance what will already be a wonderful trip.

Djiboutian culture is one of the most distinct and unique in Africa. An eclectic blend of the old and the new combined with the perfect mix of race and ethnicities work together to create a diversity that gives Djiboutia an extraordinary charm and a uniquely welcoming atmosphere.

In Islam, marriage is considered crucial and important to classifying society. People here marry relatively young, and it’s considered an achievement for the family and the bride.

As such, the wedding is celebrated in a festive style. In line with the precepts of the religion, polygamy is not unusual in Djibouti among Somali Muslims.

A man may marry as many as four women, as long as he can handle it. Afar people practice monogamy, and in remote areas, some of the girls marry when they reach about 17years.

Clitoridectomy and circumcision are heavily criticized all over the world, but it's a reality that they are part of the Djiboutians, Afar, and Arab tradition.

Practitioners believe that they strengthen social cohesion and fertility, and clitoridectomies are also thought to preserve their virginity and ensure the family’s dignity. These sensitive details should be approached with caution when addressing locals, especially women.

Did you know that tons of the legal narcotic leaf Catha edulis, or qat, are imported daily from neighboring Ethiopia? Qat is usually chewed by men, though some women chew it also, you may never see this in public.

In Djibouti City, you can buy it in many places downtown or on-street spots. Qat is thought to have aphrodisiac effects, as well as increase concentration and decrease appetite.

Most Djiboutians partake during late afternoons and on the weekends, but some people start as early as noon. Men organize huge indoor gatherings during which they can chew qat and talk for hours nonstop.

Families do not socialize with each other in Djibouti. Women rarely go out in public too. They will usually invite other women to their homes for tea and catchups.

Men usually come together in the streets every day between 1 and 2 pm to buy qat, which is like chewing tobacco in America. Their lives are pretty isolated seclusive.

 

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