Sharmarke Ali Saleh
| Haji Sharmarke Ali Saleh الحاج شرماركي علي صالح | |
|---|---|
| Emir of Zeila Emir of 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 | Abubakr Pasha |
| Born | c. 1775 Maydh, Isaaq Sultanate |
| Died | May 25, 1861 |
| Religion | Sunni Islam |
Sharmarke Ali Saleh (Somali: Sharma'arke Cali Saalax; c. 1775 – May 25, 1861) was a leading 19th century Somali ruler, 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 served as the governor of Zeila between 1841-1861 and ruled Berbera between 1845-1852.
For a time was known as the richest man along the Somali coast. His descendants would go on to become the traditional leaders of the Musa Arreh sub-clan of the Habr Yunis clan.