The Ancient City of Taiz
Located in the southwestern highlands of Yemen, the city of Taiz is near the town of Mocha, set at the foot of Mount Saber. This city has held significant strategic importance in central Yemen, which has fostered growth in trade and commerce, establishing it as the third-largest cultural hub in the country.
It is noteworthy that Taiz has been ruled by several dynasties, including the Sulayhid and Ayyubid dynasties, during which it became the Ayyubid treasury’s headquarters and a prominent bastion. However, the city truly flourished during its golden age from 1229 to 1454 AD when it served as the capital of the Rasulid dynasty. During this period, magnificent palaces, mosques, religious schools, and various other historic structures were constructed.
The Old City of Sana’a
The city of Sana’a, historically the capital of northern Yemen, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back over 2,500 years. It emerged as a central hub for the spread of Islam during the 7th and 8th centuries.
Importantly, Sana’a boasts numerous archaeological, historical, and religious landmarks, including the Great Mosque, the historic city wall, and traditional bathhouses. The city is bordered by Amran to the north, Dhamar to the south, Ma’rib and Al-Jawf to the east, and Al-Hudaydah to the west.
The Historical City of Zabid
Zabid is one of the coastal cities located in the Tihamah region of western Yemen, renowned for its historical and archaeological significance. It features a remarkable fortified circular structure with four resilient gates. Zabid served as Yemen’s capital from the 13th to the 15th century and played a crucial role in the spread of Islam during the early years of the Hijra. Moreover, it is home to the Islamic University, which attracts numerous students from around the globe to pursue knowledge and various fields of study. Zabid is also celebrated for its architectural heritage, as evidenced by the remains found in the area.
Dar al-Hajar Palace
Dar al-Hajar Palace is one of Yemen’s most stunning and unusual historical buildings, perched atop a natural rocky promontory. Constructed in the 1930s in Middle Eastern architectural style under the rule of the Islamic leader Yahya Muhammad Hamid al-Din, the palace represents a magnificent example of Yemeni architecture. Today, it has been renovated into a unique museum that allows visitors to explore its kitchens, storage rooms, and meeting areas, all interconnected by winding stairs within the five-story structure.