Most important Historical and
Tourist Places in Al –Hodeidah Governorate:
Al-Hodeidah City:
It is one of the Yemeni ports
famous for the export of coffee beans during 7th 18th and
19th centuries. It was mainly reputed as a port for the export of
pearls extracted from the sea rocks. It has also a unique architectural design
characteristics of the coastal towns of the Red Sea like Al-Luhayya, Jeddah and
Aqaba.
The real boom for the city
didn’t begin until the construction of its modern port in the second half of 20th
century.
Today it is the capital of Al
–Hodeidah Governorate. The Yemenis call it “ Bird of the Red Sea “
Most important Tourist Sites:
They include the old town and
the spectacular fishing market. There are also a number of beautiful beaches
like Al-Katheeb Irj nearby to Hodiedah.
Al-Duraihimi Area:
It is 20km south of Al-Hodeidah city via an unpaved road crossing
Al-Mimlah (salt pan) covered with swarms of sea birds. AL –Duraihimi area is
considered one of the deltas of Wadi Siham characterized by its high palm trees
which amount to half a million palm trees. Some parts Duraihimi are covered with
coconut trees. It is also one of the handicraft centers where colorful textile
towels are produced. The scenic route via Al –Duraihimi area towards Bayt Al
–Faqih is one of the most beautiful roads in the Governorate. Duraihimi is a
recreational area for the people of Al- Hodeidah city especially in the season
of the date harvest during the first week of June which is interspersed with
parades of horse racing and camel racing and many other folklore and popular
dances, which express the sufficiency of Dates harvest to the inhabitants.
Bayt Al-Faqih
It is the second most important
town in the Governorate situated on the pilgrimage and trade route across Tihama
plain. It is 50 km south of Al-Hodeidah city on the modern Al-Hodeidah –Taiz
road.
The town of Bayt Al-Faqih was
named after the wise man Ahmed Ibn Al-Aujail who lived in the 7th AH
(13th century AD). This town is the center of Al-Zaaraneeq tribes
that attained fame in modern history. In the vicinity of Bayt Al-Faqih are
beautiful places such as Al-Tayef, 20km to the west, an old port used for the
export of salt, cereals and fish.
Most of the population of Bayt
Al-faqeeh work in the weaving industry renowned for the manufacture of
head-cloth, as well as silver and gold jewelry.
There are a number of fertile
wadis around Bayt Al-faqeeh such as
Wadi Al-Jah and Wadi Al-Lawiya. Palm trees, tobacco, cotton, Arabian Jasmine,
cereals and sesame are grown in this area. Bayt Al-Faqeeh is characterized by
its unique architectural design which uses red cooked bricks for building and
its facades are decorated with geometrical and botanical forms of high
aesthetically value.
Of its outstanding features is
the fortress located amid the town market in which the Friday beautiful souq of
Bayt Al-Faqih is held every week, it is important and one of the most beautiful
Tihama Souqs in general in the area to the south of Hodeidah. I t was
established in the early 18th century AD as a trading point for
coffee which the caravans used to carry either to Hodeidah Seaport or Mokha.
Also there were in the town the widest activity for the trade of the famed
Yemeni Coffee Traders from Egypt, Syria, Constantinople, Morocco, Iran, India
and Europe.
Zabid A Historical Glimpse:
Zabid used to be called Al
Haseeb in attribution to Al Haseeb Bin Abd Shams Bin Wayil Bin Al Ghawth, Bin
Saba. The new name prevailed it due to its existence in Wadi Zabid . Zabid is
located Tihamah Plain which made it a conjuncture point amongst the Tihamah
cities on one hand and the other Yemeni cities on the other hand. It is between
two Wadis from south Wadi Zabid and Wadi Rema’a from the north. It is located on
a medium hill of Wadi Zabid which made it moderate in air and less humid because
of its being away from the foothills by 25km and the sea by the same distance.
The temperature over there
might range between 30-33C in the Summer. Zabid in ancient times was settlements
for some tribes, the most important of which is the Ash’er tribe. It began to
rely on Grazing, then Agriculture. The existence of Wadi Zabid alongside the
city and the affluence of water which are of the necessary factors for any
population concentration made it persist.
The rainwater was not the sole
supply for this town but there were many fountains and small brooks from which
sweet water runs so as to meet the needs of the human being in addition to the
wells spread everywhere.
Zabid gate
Pre-Islamic Zabid:
There are spread about relics
all over town amongst of which is the archaeological site at the northern
direction of the city which is a hill with an area of 47sqkm known as the Kassar
Site in which there are some black pottery fragments which date back to the
Himyarite Era. The city needs an overall excavation so as to obtain results
through which we can trace the lost rings of the history of this city which was
of magnificent status during the Islamic Era.
Zabid mosque
Islamic Zaibid:
At the onset of the Islamic Era
Zabid was the main city of the Ash’er tribe to which the reverenced disciple Abu
Mousa Al Asharri belongs who came to the prophet peace be upon him the eighth
year Ah to announce his embrace of Islam. This was an opening for a new era for
Zabid, in the round from the city at its center there rose the ASH’ER MOSQUE
WHICH WAS BUILT BY Abu Mousa Al Ashaari during the 8th
year Ah till this town was adopted by Mohammed Bin Zayad, the founder of the
Zaiydite dynasty as his capital (819 AD-1018AD)
Zabid remained along the
Islamic era and the succession of the Islamic State reign a center of Knowledge
and civilizing enlightenment on the level of the Islamic World due to its
savants and religiously versed savants from all of the Muslim World till it was
dubbed as the “ abode of Savants, Jurisprudence, Good Doing, Fortune and Success
“ The proof for its knowledgeable and religious importance during the Islamic
Era is reflected by the 236 religious institution represented in mosques and
schools .
The other domains were also
made viable in civilization terms, architecture, industry, commerce,
agriculture, forts, fortresses, citadels, and walls etc. Zabid combined the
architectural splendors in many domains along the succession of its rule by the
different dynasty each of which added some of its special affinities in the
different domains. The most important dynasties which ruled Zabid and took it as
capital are:
1-
The Zyadite Dynasty.
2-
The Mahdite Dynasty.
3-
The Najahite Dynasty.
4-
The Sullahite Dynasty
5-
The Ayyubide Dynasty
6-
The Rasullide Dynasty
7-
The Tahiride Dynasty
The current Status quo of Zabid
Zabid is
about 100km south of Al-Hodeidah on the highway to Taiz, it sits in –between
mountain and sea flanked by two great wadis, Wadi Zabid to the south and Wadi
Rima’a to the north. It dates back to 204 AH (819 AD) the date of its foundation
by Prince Mohammad Ibn Ziyad on the orders of the Abbaside Caliph Al-Mamoun.
The town is
circular in shape but bigger in yore centered by the old souq. It was surrounded
by a wall of four gates; some of them are still remaining. They are:
1-
Bab of Al-Shabriq from the east.
2-
Bab of Al-Nakhi from the west or Gholayfiga by some.
3-
Bab of Al-Qartab from the south
4-
Bab of siham from the north.
The town was divided into 4
sections, each is inhabited by traders, scholars, dignitaries and artisans.
The town has 29 mosques and 53
Koran schools, the most famous of which are Al-Asha’ir mosque built by Abu Musa
Al-Asha’airi in the 8th year AH and Zabid’s Grand Mosque that dates
back to the year 798 AH (16th century AD) during the rule of Sultan
Amer Ibn Abdul Wahab Al –Tahiri. The two mosques were rebuilt and expanded
during successive periods of time.
The town of Zabid is one of the
most famous religious and scientific centers not only of Yemen, but also all
over the Islamic world. The first educators of Al-Azhar University of Egypt came
from Zabid. The schools OF Zabid taught the interpretations of all Islamic
sects; Shafie’, Maliki, Hanfi, Hanbli and Ismaeli Some of these schools, bearing
their original names, still stand. Another landmark of Zabid is the old souq
which wad divided into sections on the basis of the type of craft or product
sold the old souq is one of the most important sites of the town.
Zabid was a center for the
weaving –dyeing and tanning industries, The facades of houses tell a story of a
glorious past. The dazzling richly ornamented walls alters, pedestals, pillars
and wooden gates reveal the aesthetics aspects of architecture. The grandeur of
construction can be seen in the surviving structures Al Nassir Palace, Nassir
citadel and tower.
The private libraries of Zabid
still contain many rare manuscripts and books in various sciences. Algebra was
invented by a scholar from Zabid. There are a number of tombs of the followers
of Ismaeli sect visited by many people especially from India.
Since Zabid was a capital of
several successive Dynasties an important center from time to time: Several
locations around it were connected to it, among them.
Al-Faza Beach:
About 20 km to the west. It is
a beautiful natural port which was a resort for the King of the Rasulide dynasty
it lies in a fertile area between Wadi Zabid and Wadi Rima’ surrounded by high
palm trees and clean beaches where sweet water fountains are also available.
Al-Jarrahi Area
About 15km west of Zabid to the
south on Taiz road A weekly market is held there every Monday.
Hayys:
About 130km in the middle of
Al-Hodeidah-Taiz road and its market day in Sunday. It is an important center of
traditional industries and it is reputed for the manufacture of various pottery
utensils utilizing certain techniques for the production kinds of pottery to the
extent that coffee cups are called Haisi after the name of Hayys. Its
architectural style is like that of Zabid in that they are built of cooked mud
bricks as well as the external walls of houses are decorated and the houses are
plastered with gypsum.
Al –Khawkha
About 28km west of Hays along
the coast, linked by an unpaved road and is in –between the two outlets of Wadi
Zabid to the north and Wadi Rasyan to the South. Al-Khawkha is one of the
fishing villages on the Red Sea. Palm groves and Coconut trees decorate the
beautiful tourist beaches of Al-Khawkha . Once the water retracts after a few
centimeters of digging sweet water is found.
Northern Al-Hodeidah
Al-Uri Beach
It lies between the two deltas
of Wadi Surdoud in the north and Wadi Siham in the south about 35 k away.
It is a beautiful beach covered
with palm and coconut trees and a tourist resort for the people of Al-Hodeidah.
Az-Zaydiyah
Situated 50 km north
Al-Hodeidah on the asphalt road liking Hodeidah with Haradh. Az-Zaydiyah is
considered largest town northern Hodeidah whose houses are built of mud bricks.
Az-Zaydiyan citadel is the most
important site, dating back to the first Ottoman rule of Yemen. To the west lies
Ibn Abbas beach which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Az-Zaydia from Ibn
Abbas beach to Al-Khouba fishing port is one of the most beautiful scenic drives
provided that such a drive should take place during the ebb.
Az-Zydiya is an important
center for the manufacturing of silver and gold jewelry, pottery, swords and
Jambiyah. A variety of palm trees (Dawm) are grown there. From palm tree leaves
mats, baskets, hats and ropes. Cotton, Sesame and granaries are also grown here.
Al-Qanawis:
Al-Qanawis 20km north of
Az-Zaydiah, a small village built of mud bricks.
Az-Zuhra
Twenty-five km away from
Al-Qanawis a few kilometers past the watercourse of Wadi Mawr. An asphalt road
to the left leads to Az-Zuhra.
The region boasts hundreds of
round huts which are the finest examples you will find of Tihamite reed
architecture. The huts. May look primitive from a distance, but if you walk
inside the village and the houses you will be surprised of its interior beauty.
The floors and walls are completely surfaced with mud all the way up to the
domed ceiling. The walls are often painted with bright colors and lively motifs.
AL-Luhayya
About 60 km west of Az-Zuhra.
It is an old port which had its heydays from the 16th to the early 19th
centuries as an export terminal of coffee and pearls.
The few remaining houses
standing alongside the ruins of many others, remind the visitors of the city’s
past glory. A major attraction is the grand mosque built by Ottoman Turks in the
19th century, with its three big domes and 14 smaller ones in two
neat rows.
The region leading to
Al-Luhayya is among the most fertile in Yemen because it is the water shed of
Wadi Mawr. It grows cotton, tobacco, palm trees and granary.
Suq Al-Khamis
Known as Khamis Al Wa’azat
located about 40 km to the north-east of Al-Luhayya and Az-Zuhra is mid-way
there between and Wadi Al Khamis is considered an important trade market in the
area as it lies between Tihamah and the mountains. Thus it is a market for
Hajour, Ash-Sharafain and Hajjah and is held every Thursday morning and is known
as Souq Al ma’aras.
Hot Springs:
In Al-Hodeidah Governorate, a
number of hot springs are frequented by people in search of treatment for
dermatitis, rheumatism, digestive ailments and others. The most important spa is
Al-Sukhan. This small, modest spa at the foothill of Jabal Bura’ has a few hot
springs and was used by the Imams as a winter retreat.
It is located east Of Al
Mansouriyah which is 45 km away from Hodeidah to the south on Hodeidah Taiz
Highway and As-Sukhna baths are linked with Al Mansouriyah by an unpaved road of
25km to the east. The attractions are not limited to what has been provided for
only but there are many other tourist attractions and historical sites both on
the coastline and on the foothills.
The main mountains in
Al-Hodeidah Governorate:
-
Ra’as Mountain: it is on the southeastern direction
of Zabid and overlooks from its northern extremity on Wadi Zabid and from Its
southernmost on Wadi Nakhlah and is 2000 m above sea level.
-
Rakib Mountains: Located east of Wasab and it belongs
to Ash’er ( Zabid).
-
Bora’a Mountain: it is located to the east of
Hodeidah and is 2400 m above sea level. It is blessed mountain where coffee is
grown and its trees are always crop bearing and is overlooking the mineral baths
of A—Sukhna.
-
Al Dhamir Mountains (Chain of Mountains): Located to
the east of Bajil and extend from north of Bora to eastern Bajil.
-
Damn Mountains: to the west of Dhamir chain of
mountains and is centered by a big palm widely known a s Damn Plain extending
from Siham to Bajil.
-
Dahnah Mountains: A chain of mountains extending from
the east to the west north of Bajil town overlooking from the North on Surdoud
and from the south, Bajil . It is divided between itself and Bajil by the plain
known as “ Wadi Azzan”
-
Jabal Al sharif Fortress: it possesses the fortress
atop Sharif Mountain and is located to the southern direction of Bajil town.
-
Al Qimah Mountain: they are located east of Salif
25km away, they are plateaus known as Qimah mountains and are identical to
Saleef Mountains where there are the Salt Quarries: They are amounted by Gypsum
material whose material ids gypsum which widely used in Yemen.
-
The most important historical forts which are still
standing in Al-Hodeidah Governorate:
-
Zabid fortress, Bait Al Fakih fortress, Hodeidah
fortress, Az-Zaydiah fortress, Bajil fortress (Jabal Ash-Sharif).
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