Sharmarke Ali Saleh
| Haji Sharmarke Ali Saleh الحاج شرماركي علي صالح | |
|---|---|
| Emir of Zeila and Berbera | |
| Reign | 1810s–1830s (Influential native trader based in Berbera), 1845–1852 (Berbera rule), 1841–1855 (Zeila rule), 1857–1861 (2nd term rule of Zeila) |
| Predecessor | Mohamed el-Barr |
| Successor | Aboubakr Pasha |
| Successor | Shermake Ali Saleh |
| Born | c. 1775 Maydh, Isaaq Sultanate |
| Died | May 25, 1861 |
| House | Isaaq Sultanate |
| Religion | Sunni Islam |
Sharmarke Ali Saleh (Somali: Sharma'arke Cali Saalax; c. 1775 – May 25, 1861) was a leading 19th century Somali statesman, captain, and merchant. He was given the nickname "African Rothschild" due to his immense wealth. He was one of the richest men living on the African continent at that time and also the 'Political Boss of the Somali coast', a title which is a testament to his political influence in the region. He was the governor and ruler of Zeila and Berbera between 1841 and 1861, and for a time was known as the richest man along the Somaliland coast. His descendants would go on to become the traditional leaders of the Musa Arreh sub-clan of the Habr Yunis clan.