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.
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.
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).