Taiz governOrate combines between overlooking the
Red Sea (Mokha and Dhebab) and occupying the plains and green basins of Al
Hujarya mountain chain, Mawya, Shar'ab and Mt. Habashi . Taiz is the third most
populated region of Yemen (population density: 196 people per km2). The
population is estimated at 2.2 million people
(2000) occupying an area of
10,677 km2. Taiz has 18 districts.
The city of Taiz (the capital of Taiz
governorate) occupies the green peaks of Mt. Saber . Taiz had played an
important role (luring the Islamic era. When Prophet Mohammed (MPBUH) appointed
Moa'adh Bin jabal as ruler of Yemen , he sent him to Al janad where it was his
headquarters. Al Janad is now a suburb of the city of Taiz . Taiz had been the
political capital for the Rassulyids dynasty for more than two hundred years.

Location:

To the south of Sana'a .

Weather:

cold in the winter with frequent frost between
November and January. Even in October and February, warm clothing is needed in
the early morning and evenings.

About:

It became prominent in later stages and flourished
on the northern slopes of Jebel Saber when it became the seat of the Rasulid
dynasty from 1226-1454 A.D. Ibn Batouta, the great Arab Traveler, described it
as one of the largest and most beautiful cities. Until recently, it was enclosed
in stone wall 13 meters high with guard towers and five gates. Only two of these
gates survive: Al Bab Al Kabeer and Bab Mousa. Parts of the wall still stand
around Al Dahia Fort. A large variety of fruits was grown around Taiz giving
rise to the description of Taiz as "Damascus of Yemen". The Rasubid schools and
Mosques of Taiz were well-known. Among those that still stand are Al Ashrafeyah
School (named after the Rasulid King Al Ashraf 1377-1400 A.D.) with its two
white Minarets standing among volcanic rocks at the foothills. Also stands Al
Modhafar Mosque and Al Mu'tabiya Dome which is beautifully decorated in
watercolors.Imam Ahmed had taken Taiz for the seat of his dynasty from
1948-1962. His memorabilia, especially gifts from other heads of state, are in
display at the Saalah museum.