Sana'a is the political and historic capital of
the Republic of Yemen . It is located in the central highlands of Yemen at an
elevation of 2200 meters above sea level. Sana'a has expanded over the last two
decades and occupies most of the Sanaa basin between Mt. Nugm and Mt. Ayban .
Sana'a enjoys sunny weather most of the year with moderate temperature during
the summer and cold during the winter.
The total area of Sana'a is 928 km2
with an estimated population of 1.5 million people (2000 estimates). It has the
highest population density of 1,579 per km2. The historic Old City of Sana'a
occupies the heart of the city with its unique architecture style and Great
Mosque (a landmark historic site). The Old City maintains various gardens.
mosques, hammams (Turkish baths) and open yards. UNESCO has enlisted the Old
City of Sana'a as a world heritage and declared it a preserved town.
|
|
Location
Sana'a lies in the
mid of the western mountainous chain which stretches from the far north of Yemen
to the south. It is surrounded by a number of Governorates: Amran to the north
and Dhamar to the south, Al Jowf and Marib to the east and Hodiedah to the west
and on the northwestern direction are the tow Governorates of Hajja and Mahwit.
|
|
Weather
The weather in Sanaa can be
cold in winter with frequent frost between November and January. Even in October
and February, warm clothing is needed in the early morning and evenings.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
History
Sanaa was one of several settlements that grew up on the
ancient incense trading routes from the south to the north. Sanaa - whose name
means "fortified" - was originally developed at least 3,000 years ago because of
its strategic position controlling a gap in the mountains of the highlands.
The world's first highrise houses were built here - six and seven storey
houses constructed of dark basalt stone and sundried mud bricks. Intricately
decorated with elaborate friezes, their windows are a complex infrastructure of
round and angular shapes, and with the panes, until recently, being made of
alabaster, they represent a unique architectural heritage. The rapid growth of
the last three decades - and the promise of continued further development - has
prompted the government to invite specialists from the United Nations to assist
in the conservation of these astounding buildings.
The old, walled city
contains a wealth of other architectural gems, including the Great Mosque, built
at the time of the Prophet Mohammed. The souk, a vast maze of narrow alley-ways
and winding streets, is one of the oldest in Arabia . |
|
 |
|
|
