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Yemen, Sana'a
San‘ā’
(sometimes spelled Sanaa or Sana'a) is the
capital of Yemen and the centre of San‘a’
Governorate. San‘a’ is located at 15.354722° N
44.20667° E and has a population of 1,747,627
(2004 census).
Geography
San‘a’ lies in the heart of Yemeni highlands on
a plateau at an altitude of 2200m surrounded by
several mountains, notably Jabal Nuqum and
Aiban. It has a cool and dry climate and in the
winter time light frost
is possible. Extreme recorded temperatures are
-3.0ºC and +34.4ºC. The city enjoys a fair
weather during the months of March and April and
then in late summer where afternoon showers are
common.
The city is around 320 km north of Aden.
Old City
The old, fortified
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. Efforts are underway to preserve some of
the oldest buildings, some of which are over 400
years old. Surrounded by ancient clay walls
which stand six to nine metres (20-30ft) high,
the old city boasts over 100 mosques, 12 hammams
(baths) and 6500 houses. Many of the houses look
rather like ancient skyscrapers – reaching
several stories high and topped with flat roofs,
they are decorated with elaborate friezes and
intricately carved frames and stained glass
windows.
One of the most popular attractions is Suq
al-Milh (Salt Market), where it is possible to
buy not only salt but also bread, spices,
raisins, cotton, copper, pottery, silverware,
antiques, and a host of other goods. The
majestic seventh century al-Jami'a l-Kabir (The
Great Mosque) is one of the oldest in the Muslim
world. Bāb al-Yaman "Yemen Gate" is an iconized
entry point through the city walls and is over
700 years old.
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