Dan
Significantly bigger than California and more than twice the size of the United Kingdom and this wedge of a country of 24 million on the Arabian Sea and running along the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula is troubled, to say the least – one of the world´s poorest countries and embroiled in a bitter, brutal civil war that makes it off limits to tourism for the moment. But it´s still well worth showcasing some of the wealth of historical, cultural, and natural riches Yemen has to offer – for example, five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And here´s a quick overview of eight of the most notable:
Capital Sana’a
At the foot of Yemen´s western mountains, this city of around 2.5 million is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited one (dating back more than 2,500 years), and it’s most notable for its old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricately adorned rammed-earth and mud-brick buildings rising as high as eight stories as well as mosques and vibrant markets; much of the quarter dates back to before the 11th century. Landmarks include the 17th-century Bab Al-Yaman (the gate into the old city), the Great Mosque (one of the oldest in the Muslim world, believed to have been built in the 630s), and the National Museum. Explore the souks for spices, jewelry, and traditional crafts, and admire the city's skyline from a rooftop café.
Socotra Island
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean" is 82 miles long, 26 wide, and is in fact the safest part of Yemen to visit, mostly untouched by the civil war. It boasts surreal landscapes (in fact, it´s been described as "the most alien-looking place on Earth"), including the iconic dragon's blood trees, as well as pristine beaches, deep canyons, and towering sand dunes. Socotra´s biodiversity is unmatched, with many species (like the aforemention dragon´s bloods) found nowhere else. The largest town is called Hadibu (pop. 8,500), and things to do include hiking in the Haghier Mountains, swimming in natural pools and pristine beaches, and camping under starry skies. It´s a 2½ -hour flight from Sana´a, and is only feasible to visit with an organized tour rather than independently.
Shibam
In the center of the country a 6½ -hour drive east of Sana´a, the "Manhattan of the Desert" (pop around 7,000) is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, an architectural marvel dating back to around 300 CE and famed for its mud-and-clay brick "skyscrapers" rising dramatically as high as 11 stories from the desert floor of the Wadi Doan valley. Walk through its narrow streets - taking note especially of its intricate wooden doors - and learn about its innovative urban planning.
Al Mukalla
Nine hours by road from Sana´a (6½ by air) and founded as a fishing village in 1035, this seaport (pop. 595,000) has an atmospheric old town and souk; the early-20th-century Qu´aiti sultan´s palace (now open to the public as a museum); and several historic fortresses such as the dramatically sited, early-18th-century Al-Ghwayzi. And the scenic nearby coast is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and quiet, pristine beaches.
A 2½ hour drive east of Sana´a, this city of 57,000 is home to the ruins of the great Sabaean Kingdom (bettter known to many as Sheba, as in the Queen of Sheba), which was a key hub of the ancient incense trade and held sway in southern Arabia from around 1,000 BCE to 275 CE) and is considered to be the cradle of Arabian civilization. These include the ruins of Awwan and Baran temples, reservoirs, palace complexes, and Marib Dam (above), a vast engineering marvel of antiquity.
Taiz
Some 4,600 feet up in the highlands near the country´s southeastern tip, 3½ hours from Sana´a, this city (pop. 941,000) dating back to at least the early 12th century was once a cultural hub and is known for historic mosques such as Ashrafiya, Mua´tabiya, and Mudhaffar; lively markets; "tower houses," the 12th-century Al-Qahira castle (above), and imposing and stunning views from the 9,862-foot summit of nearby Jabal Saber (although the steep road up is full of hairpin turns and switchbacks!). The National Museum of Taiz is also well worth a visit for its showcasing of local history, archaeology, art, culture, and traditions, as its the Taiz Cultural Center for its traditional performances.
Zabid
One of Yemen´s oldest settlements (founded in in the 3rd century BCE during the Sabaean Kingdom), this city on the plains four hours southwest of Sana´a became an important medieval center of Islamic education and culture and is home to historic mosques and traditional architecture, with landmarks including the Rasulid (also known as Al-Qasr) palace of the sultans, the 13th-century Al-Jamali Mosque, and the 8th-century mosque Al-Masjid Al-Kabir (aka the Great Mosque). Today it has a population of around 53,000 - and yes, this too is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although it´s also listed as "in danger" because of poor upkeep, modern construction, and damage from the civil war.
Tarim
Set amid stunning desert landscapes of the Hadramawt Valley with its soaring cliffs, lush palm groves, and ancient mud-brick buildings, this town of 60,000, located 7½ east of Sana´a and less than an hour from Sibam, was founded in the 7th century and became a center of Sufism, known for its numerous mosques, ancient market, opulent late-19th and early-20th-century palaces. One landmarks not to miss is the imposing white 15th-century Al-Muhdhar Mosque.
And Finally...
The above video is a look at what it´s like in Yemen today. Eye-opening indeed.
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