Today is Yemen’s Unity Day, a day that celebrates the unification of North and South Yemen back in 1990. It was the day when the country became a unified republic and with it being such a notable occasion, to celebrate, we are taking a look at some of the country’s best historical spots that deserve a visit.
Sira Castle
Standing tall at a massive hilltop of Sira Island is the Sira castle, a huge 11th-century fortification that for years, acted as an impregnable wall against invaders. You’ll have to scale up the hilltop to reach the fort and once there, you will get to enjoy exquisite views of the Indian Ocean along the horizon, and on the other side, you can see the entire city of Crater District.
Al-Qahira Castle
Home to sweeping views of Taiz City is yet another hilltop architectural marvel known as Al-Qahira Castle. Dating back to pre-Islamic times, about 5000 to 6000 years ago, this special castle was mentioned in the writing of several travelers and historians including Ibn Battuta.
Old Walled City Of Shibam
Another impressive example of incredible historical architecture is the Old Walled City of Shibam. This 16th-century city is home to domineering large tower-like structures that rise out of a cliff and because of their special appearance, the entire area was given the nickname of ‘the Manhattan of the desert.’
Dar al-Hajar
Jutting out from across the valley of Wadi Dhar is Dar al-Hajar, a unique building that stands atop a large rock. To many, it is considered one of the greatest examples of Yemeni traditional architecture. Looking at the building, many assume that it is centuries old but it was in fact built in modern times, during the 1930s.
By visiting any of these structures, you will get a step closer to learning more about Yemen and its rich history.