Enjoy in the city of Sana’a, really a unique place, very different to the rest of the Middle East

Sana, San’a, Sanaa, or Sana’a – this city is the capital of Yemen and one of the most fascinating in the Arab world with it’s unique architecture and friendly inhabitants. Sana’a has been a major trading centre for south-eastern Arabia. Once a seat of government for the early Islamic caliphs, it is today the capital city of Yemen. The city’s name, Sana’a, meant “fortified place”.

Situated in a mountain valley at an altitude of 2,200 m, Sana’a has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years. In the 7th and 8th centuries the city became a major centre for the propagation of Islam. This religious and political heritage can be seen in the 103 mosques, 14 hammams and over 6,000 houses, all built before the 11th century. Tourists arriving in Sana’a aren’t interested in seeing the development, and the change that has taken place in Sana’a much as they’re interested in focusing their attention on the historic and ancient city of Sana’a.
Typical houses in Sana’a rise to as many as nine stories. Sana’a‘s many-storeyed tower-houses built of rammed earth add to the beauty of the site. The lower levels are usually built of stone, and the upper ones of lighter brick. The windows are outlined in white gypsum and have fan lights of alabaster or coloured glass held in gypsum tracery.
The old city has been inhabited for more than 2500 years and contains a wealth of intact architectural gems. It was declared a World Heritage City by the United Nations in 1984. The old city contains houses which are more than 400 years old, built of dark basalt stone and decorated with intricate frieze work. Surrounded by ancient clay walls which stand six to nine metres high, the old city boasts over 100 mosques, 12 hammams (baths) and 6500 houses. The old city wall is extremely well preserved.

The Great Mosque is the oldest and largest in Sana’a, and one of the oldest in the Muslim world, constructed in the lifetime of the Prophet. The layout is typical of early Islamic architecture, with an open, square courtyard, surrounded by roofed galleries.
The 1000-year-old Bab al-Yemen Market (means Salt Market), the imposing entrance to the Old City is divided into 40 different crafts and trades- such as spices, vegetables, corn, pottery, raisins, copper, woodwork and clothing.

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