Sanaa, One Thousand and One Nights

Sanaa, the capital of Yemen locates in the west of Yemen. Craggy, cleft and rocky landscapes surround the city. The mountains are part of the Central Highlands. Up to the present time, the capital is the largest city in Yemen. Taizz and Aden follow and are two other important Yemeni cities. The city of Sanaa has a very long history.

With around 2300 m the city is, even more, one of the highest capitals in the world. The climate in Sanaa compared to Aden is very pleasant. Due to the high elevation of the city the average temperature is relatively constant and raises not much. However, the sun is bright and strong. Although the city surrounds mountains, the environment is very dry. However, in the Central Highlands rain sometimes is possible.

The Bab Al-Yemen is more than 1000 years old and of course, a landmark for Sanaa. The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Even more, Yemen is also the land of skyscrapers.

A walk through the old city of Sanaa is amazing. Of course, we visit a historical city with unique architectural characteristics. Some of the oldest skyscrapers in the world have their home here. One of the gates to the centre of the old town is the Bab Al-Yemen (the Gate of Yemen). Many of the houses in Sanaa resembled ancient skyscrapers. All are built from clay bricks. Even if Shibam is famous for its skyscrapers, Sanaa can easily keep up indeed.

So far, not only Sanaa’s skyscraper turns me back in time. The Souq al-Milh is also part of the old city. The bazaar with spices, Arabic handcraft and its unique lifestyle reminds me of something. Indeed, the stories of “One Thousand and One Nights” came suddenly back into my mind.

Yemeni Desert and Central Highlands
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