Yemen · Pearl of Arabia
صنعاء
Yemen
3.0 Million
Yemen Highlands, 2,300m Elevation
UTC+3 (AST)
Sanaa, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, sits in a mountain valley at 2,300 meters elevation in the heart of Yemen. With origins stretching back more than 2,500 years, the city preserves an extraordinary architectural heritage that earned its Old City UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986. The distinctive tower houses, with their geometric patterns and stained-glass windows, create one of the most unique urban landscapes anywhere on Earth.
The Old City of Sanaa contains over 6,000 traditional multi-story houses built from rammed earth and burnt brick, featuring white geometric decorations known as "gypsum work" and intricate stained-glass "qamariya" windows. This distinctive architecture, maintained for centuries, represents a remarkable continuity of building tradition found nowhere else. The city's souks, mosques, and hammams complete a medieval Islamic urban environment of exceptional integrity.
Tragically, since 2015, Sanaa has been caught in Yemen's devastating civil war and humanitarian crisis, described by the UN as the world's worst humanitarian disaster. The conflict has damaged heritage sites and caused immense suffering. Despite these hardships, the city endures, and its people maintain hope for peace. The beauty and historical significance of Sanaa remain undiminished, awaiting the day when visitors can again safely experience this irreplaceable treasure of human civilization.
The UNESCO World Heritage Old City is a living museum of Islamic architecture, featuring over 6,000 unique tower houses built over 1,000 years. Walking the narrow streets reveals buildings decorated with intricate white gypsum patterns against brown brick, creating an unforgettable visual experience.
One of Islam's oldest mosques, built during the Prophet Muhammad's lifetime and expanded over centuries. The mosque features elements from various eras of Islamic architecture and contains columns reportedly brought from the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's palace.
The ancient salt market at the heart of the Old City contains labyrinthine alleys of shops selling spices, silver jewelry, jambiyas (traditional daggers), textiles, and handicrafts. The market's atmosphere has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The iconic "Gate of Yemen" provides the main entrance to the Old City. This impressive stone gateway, one of several original city gates, frames views into the historic quarter and serves as a symbol of Sanaa's heritage.
Housed in a restored traditional building, the museum presents Yemen's rich history from ancient South Arabian kingdoms (including Sheba) through Islamic civilization. Collections include inscriptions, statues, and artifacts spanning millennia.
Located in Wadi Dhahr outside Sanaa, this iconic building perched atop a rock spire served as a summer residence for Imam Yahya. Though damaged in the conflict, it remains one of Yemen's most photographed structures.
Before the current conflict, Sanaa's economy centered on government services, trade, and crafts. The souks produced silverwork, jambiyas, textiles, and other traditional goods. Qat cultivation and trade, while controversial, employed many. The war has devastated the economy, with millions facing food insecurity. International humanitarian organizations struggle to provide aid amid ongoing conflict. Despite catastrophic conditions, resilient Yemenis continue trading and working to survive.
Yemeni culture runs deep, with traditions stretching back to the ancient kingdoms of Sheba and Himyar. Poetry and song remain vital, with elaborate wedding celebrations featuring traditional music and dance. The afternoon qat-chewing session serves as a central social ritual. Distinctive dress includes the futa (skirt-like garment) for men and full covering for women. Yemeni cuisine features saltah (meat stew with fenugreek), flatbreads, and honey from renowned highland apiaries. Architecture represents perhaps Yemen's greatest cultural achievement - the distinctive building traditions have created one of the world's most remarkable built environments. Despite current tragedy, this rich heritage endures in the hearts of Yemenis at home and in diaspora.
Sanaa's history extends back to the ancient South Arabian kingdoms that controlled the lucrative incense trade routes. According to tradition, Shem, son of Noah, founded the city. Historical records confirm continuous habitation for at least 2,500 years. The city served as capital of various Yemeni states and converted to Islam during the Prophet Muhammad's lifetime, with the Great Mosque constructed under his direction. Medieval Sanaa flourished as a center of Islamic learning and craftsmanship.
The Ottoman Empire controlled Yemen twice (1538-1635 and 1872-1918), influencing architecture and administration. The Mutawakkilite Kingdom (1918-1962) kept Yemen isolated until a revolution established the Yemen Arab Republic. Unification with South Yemen in 1990 created modern Yemen with Sanaa as capital. Brief civil war in 1994 and decades of political instability followed. The 2011 Arab Spring protests led to transition, but the Houthi takeover of Sanaa in 2014 sparked the current devastating war pitting Houthi forces against Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognized government. Years of bombing, blockade, and ground combat have created catastrophic humanitarian conditions. The world's most spectacular living example of traditional Islamic urban architecture now faces an uncertain future, its ancient beauty scarred but not destroyed by modern conflict.
Bureau Chief 지원자는 물론, Sanaa를 방문하시는 모든 분들을 위해
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