Shermarke Cali Saalax 1776-1861.
Xaaji Shermarke the most famous and most powerful Somali of the 19th century and the creator of the first Somali political entity emirate.Marston, Britain's Imperial Role, 125 and 473, Shirmarke is described as "the political boss of the coast"

Nothing is known about Sharmaarke generally till 1825. By that time he was an established trader at the coast ferrying goods as far as india and middle east. The bulk of his wealth came from slavery. Abyssinia provided most of the enslaved , particularly young girls & children .

From the earl11820s Sharmaarke dominated the trade in Berbera fair. In 1827 Sharmaarke appears as a witness in the H. Awal British treaty.The treaty was meant to resolve the Ann Mary piracy incident the issue wasn't resolved until 10 years later ending the blockade of Berbera.