Yemen’s Heritage Sites on the World Heritage List
The Old City of Sana’a
Sana’a, the capital of Yemen, stands as one of the highest capitals in the world, situated at an elevation of 2,300 meters above sea level. This historic city is renowned for its unique architectural artistry, characterized by intricately designed multi-story buildings, ancient mosques, and public bathhouses, with the total count reaching 103 mosques and 14 bathhouses. Such heritage led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its confines lies the Great Mosque, recognized as one of the oldest mosques in the city, tracing its origins back to the 7th century AD. It is believed to have been constructed during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and features remarkable designs reflecting Byzantine architectural styles, underscoring its historical significance.
The Ancient City of Shibam
The history of Shibam, perched on the edge of the Hadhramaut cliff, dates back to the 16th century BC. Encircled by fortified walls, this captivating city is distinguished by its impressive tall buildings, offering a living example of vertical urban architecture. For this reason, it is often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Desert.” Its strategic location in southern Arabia places it along flourishing trade routes known for the lucrative spice and incense trade.
The Historical City of Zabab
Zabab holds a distinctive historical and archaeological significance as one of the coastal cities in the Tehama region of western Yemen. Its location at the confluence of rivers and fertile floodplains, coupled with fortified walls, enhances its prominence. The city is supplied with water via extensive canal systems. Notably, the first mosque was constructed in its center, making Zabab home to the largest congregation of mosques in the area, totaling 86, some of which date back to the Bani Rasul dynasty that primarily influenced the city’s architecture.
The city is characterized by its narrow alleys, which offer visitors unique visual experiences. The resemblance in building styles reflects traditional Arabian architecture manifested in its design. Furthermore, Zabab made significant contributions to the spread of Islam, beginning with the establishment of the Old Zabab Mosque in 820 AD, continuing with the founding of an Islamic university that drew numerous students from various countries, imparting essential religious teachings.
Other Notable Archaeological Sites in Yemen
Yemen is home to a wealth of significant archaeological sites, including:
- The Al-Mahwit Graves: Featuring hundreds of rock tombs dating back to the Paleolithic era, alongside preserved mummies and artifacts.
- Al-Hudaydah: Includes seven clusters of massive rocks reaching heights of 6 meters and weighing approximately 20 tons.
- Ancient Ma’rib: Once the capital of Saba, it holds relics that illustrate the development and prosperity of its civilization. The site includes rectangular columns from the era of Queen Bilqis and remains of the ancient city of Sirwah, a key center for the Saba Kingdom, surrounded by a formidable wall, along with the famous Ma’rib Temple.
- The Ma’rib Dam: An engineering marvel of the ancient world, it ranks among the oldest dams globally, measuring 580 meters in length and 4 meters in height, alongside numerous other dams illustrating the advancement of Arab civilization in the region.
- Baraqish: These ancient ruins date back to the 14th century and were later identified as the capital of the Ma’in Kingdom, abandoned in 1960, leaving behind walls standing 14 meters high.
- Dhofar: The ancient capital of Himyar features archaeological remnants of the city, including rock-cut tombs and fortified walls stretching 4 kilometers.
- Hijr – Sana’a: A fortified city from the medieval period, constructed with ornate houses on the precipice of the Haraz Mountains, offering stunning views.
- Kharibat – Hadhramaut: Nestled in the Dawan Valley, this scenic city exhibits traditional houses reflecting the image of ancient Yemeni dwellings.
- Jibla: A mountainous city that has preserved its beauty and architecture, harmonizing with the surrounding nature. It features intricately designed houses and mosques, including the Queen’s Palace, which contains 365 rooms and a water canal from the Middle Ages.
- Taiz: Once the capital of Yemen in the 12th century, the historic center of Taiz retains a collection of ancient ornate buildings, including the Governor’s Palace, constructed atop a rock reaching 450 meters in height.
- Sa’adah: This fortified city is known as the center of the Zaydi school of thought in Islam, housing 14 mosques, most of which date back to the medieval period, alongside a Zaydi cemetery with intricately carved stones.
- Thula – Dhamar: One of the most beautiful ancient cities, established by the Himyarite Kingdom, is encircled by walls rising to 6 meters and extending 2 kilometers, protecting approximately 600 ancient homes scattered throughout its narrow streets.
- Ghmdan Palace – Sana’a: Likely the world’s first skyscraper, rising to 20 stories or more, employing the architectural style used in constructing ancient Yemeni homes.
- Qal’at Sirah – Aden: A splendid fortress located on the edge of an island facing Aden’s port, with ruins dating back to the 11th century BC.
- Al-Aamiriya Mosque – Al-Bayda: Known for its exceptional decoration, the mosque features a rectangular shape adorned with six large domes and is distinguished by high-quality colorful murals embellished with geometric motifs.
- Al-Mahdar Mosque – Hadhramaut: Established in 1914, it is noted for its magnificent minaret, reaching a height of 53 meters, adorned with intricate designs.