Yemen, A rapidly changing
country!
Welcome again, you'll soon enjoy the sights and sounds of Sana'a, one of the oldest cities in the world.
Yemen, A rapidly changing
country!
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In Sana'a you would be standing on an elevation of about 7000 ft above sea level. Surrounded by mountains of basalt, and situated in a relatively flat plain, Sana'a remained one of the major cities in Yemen throughout history. 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. When I asked a friend of mine who visited Yemen about his impression of the new Sana'a, Andrew said it was ugly. He thought that the new buildings blemished the truly unique image Sana'a represents. In our visit we'll focus on the old and historic part of Sana'a.
An overview of the old town ( in the background, the Mountain of Nuqum hugging the city)
Yemen
is a mountainous country
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So you don't miss it, the part of Sana'a you might not be impressed with!
Though you may not be impressed with the modern part of Sana'a. I don't think you would want to miss the architectural effect and beauty of some of the new buildings.
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The Yemeni architecture is apparent not only in the old houses of historic Sana'a, but also in the new houses, and buildings which are still built today. Modern architecture in Yemen is still influenced by traditional architecture.The Yemeni architecture reflected the genius of the Yemeni people, and the variation in building styles from one region to another within Yemen attest to that fact.
The Manhattan of the desert (picture)
You still think these new buildings are ugly, and you want to go to the old city. I hear you!
That's Bab
Al-Yemen. It's the
gate to the old city.
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It's very crowded here, the old market is still inside, and many people come here for their shopping needs.
This is it, finally, I hope you're not too tired!
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The Market of Salt (Souq Almel7)
You've reached Bab Al-yemen, and you're about to enter one of the oldest cities in our world. Sanaa's status has earned it entitlement under a UN (UNESCO) program to restore and maintain its old and deteriorating sections.
This is the place if you want to buy some souvenirs, but do you have Yemeni Ryals.
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The note above is a 10 Riyal note. The average exchange rate is 122 Riyal per Dollar, as of today 2/21/97. The exchange rate is constantly changing.
The market (Souq) inside Sana'a "Alqadeemah" (old) is also known as Souq Al-melh (the market of salt). The explanation for the name can be understood from looking around you as you enter the "souq."
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The merchants in this section sell the spices. The rest of the souq (market) is divided into different sections. The jewelers are in one sections, the leather sellers and makers in one section, and the blacksmiths in a different sections. As long as you're here, don't forget to buy some yemeni raisins, trust me, the california raisins doesn't even come close!
Let's walk through Sana'a Alqadeemah
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The houses are several stories high, are nicely ornamented from the outside, and line the narrow streets of the old town.
Tired of walking, I know. Let's go to buy some things for you to take home. You can buy a Djambia
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The dagger or Djambia as it is locally known is one of the articles worn by yemeni males. Most yemenis wear it around their belts, as part of the traditional yemeni dress.
You could also buy some of these silver articles
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The Jewelry section in Souq Almelh has an interesting collection of Yemeni jewelery. Rings, Earrings, Necklaces could be bought. Precious stones could also be found in the market.
Looking at the old city from the outside is still a unique experience wouldn't you agree?
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The old city was also famous for it's green gardens.
How about leaving the narrow streets, and getting away from the old and new buildings, to see some rocks and mountains.
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Don't be scared! You wouldn't travel on that scary road, The roads in Yemen connecting cities and major towns are paved. But if your travel takes you to villages or remote, then meditate to overcome your fears, to reach those places. Make sure the driver's foot is on the brakes when going down too!
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In special occasions, people leave to the outskirts of the city and gather around to perform traditional dances. They dance to this beat (you can listen to the drums) by clicking here
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Outside of Sana'a the mountains and the terraces produce a scenery that is not matched anywhere else in the middle east.
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The Yemenis managed to settle not only in the valleys, but also on top of the high mountains.
You thought you wouldn't see houses again!
This is Yemen, the yemenis built everywhere even here and there!
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Have you seen enough?
Finally, I hope you enjoyed your visit. If you enjoyed it tell your friends, they wouldn't need to pay airline tickets! If not, send your comments and suggestions. Thanks for making the journey!
Please let me know what you think by e-mailing me click
here
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This site is designed by Shaker A. Alashwal, Please see the acknowledgement for credits to other contributors. This site is sponsored by the YAL .
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