IBB GOVERNORATE
Hajjah is about 127km northwest of Sana’a.
Most of it is in the mountain range and the rest in the Tihama
coastal plain.
Climate:
The climate is moderate in the summer and cold
in the winter in the mountainous region, humid and hot in summer
and moderate in winter on the coastal plain.
The town of Hajjah:
The town of Hajjah is the center of the
Governorate. The town is on top of a mountain 1800 m above sea
level.
It is surrounded by the mountains of Al-Sharaqi
Maswar and Bait Adhaqa from the south and Kohlan mountain from
the east.
Hajjah overlooks areas of Bani Qays, Wadi Mawr
and Tihamah from the west, towering over Hajjah are the
mountains of Al –Shaghderah and Najrah from the southwest. The
mountains of Al-Dhafeer and Mabyan from the north and the
mountain of Maswar, (Tukhla) is considered one of the highest
peaks in Hajjah (3000m above sea level).
The town of Hajjah is among the most fortified
mountainous strongholds in Yemen. Imam Ahmed chose it as a
stronghold in the wake of the assassination of his father’ Imam
Yahya, in 1948. From there he led the tribes to restore the rule
of his father He also built Sa’dan Palace, safeguarded by Al-Kahirah
Citadel, Al –Dhaherayn and Numan. In its courtyard Imam Ahmed
executed many leaders of Yemen, following the Revolution of
1948. Those who were spread execution were incarcerated in the
terrible prisons of Nafi’ Washha and Al Kaherah.
The number of historical Citadels and
fortresses in Hajjah is more than that of any other Governorate
among of which are:
Kawkaban Hajjah-Qawdom, Mabyan, Al-Jahili, Al-Dhafeer
Al –Nasirah and Kuhlan Affar. Al-Dhafeer was reputed as
intellectual and Quranic school during the 9th and 10th
centuries AH (15 the and 16th Centuries AD). It is home for the
tombs of Imam Ahmed Ibn Yahya Al –Murtadha the author of the
authoritative books Al-Bahr Al-Zakkar and Al –Azhar and his
grandson Imam Sharaf Al-Deen Bin Shams Al –Deen Bin Ahmed Bin
Yehya Al-Murtadah
Kohlan Affar Citadel:
About 85km from Sana’a and 2500m above sea
level, it is one of the most fortified ancient Citadels in
Yemen. As evidenced by its foundations, fortifications,
defensive towers and cisterns for water supply for the
defenders. Imam Ahmed built a retreat in its grounds . This
citadel is the most ideal fortification in Hajjah
A weekly market is held on Monday in Kohlan
affar region.
Al-Kahira Citadel
It overlooks Hajja from the eastern side, it
was established during the first Ottoman rule of Yemen.
Ottoman influences are clearly visible in the
architecture of both the Citadel and the older houses of the
town. The Citadels a huge fenced structure naturally fortified
from all directions. It has only one entrance and many old water
cisterns during the rule of Imam Ahmed (1948-1962) the Citadel
turned into a dreaded prison. Today it is a tourist attraction.
The Tourist Mountainous Regions in Hajjah
Governorate:
“ AL-Sharafain Mountain Range:
It is a big range located to the north west of
Hajjah. They include the citadels of Al-Mahabesha, Shahil, Qufi,
Kohlan and Kohlan Al-Sharaf . They are fortified citadels 2500m
above sea level.
Washha Mountain Range
They are parallel to al-Sharafain mountain
range in the north. The most important peaks are Al-Muwashah,
Al-Qara and Qoushar mountains, with average altitude of 2500 m
above sea level.
The mountainous region around Hajjah province
with all its wadis, beautiful agricultural terraces and hanging
villages are all of a remarkable architectural style.
They are among the most beautiful places for
hiking, mountain climbing hanging bird and botanic watching.
The coastal plain of Hajjah:
With many points of interest to tourists, such
as the villages of thatched huts, along the Hajjah –Haradh road,
some of which are along Wadi Mawr . These villages and towns are
particularly beautiful as they are peculiar to the prevalence in
the mountainous area as the architecture material is of thatches
exactly like African –Style oval huts that are lavishly
decorated on the inside. The most beautiful of these villages
are in Abss Area.
Population Activity:
Most people of Hajjah Province work in
agriculture and cattle breeding. Hajjah is reputed for growing
coffee beans fruits and various cereals. The agriculture of
tobacco and palm trees is also common in the plains.
Handicraft Products:
There are many handicraft products in Hajjah
Province, mountains and plains alike, among them are
elaborately-made palm-straw rimless hats
(Khayzarn). These hats fetch high prices owing
to the long hours of labour needed to make each one. These hats
are chiefly made in Al-Mahabeshah, 70 km northwest of Hajjah.
Customs Traditional and Folk Arts:
The customs, traditional and daily lifestyle
show great diversity among the mountain and plain community and
from region to region. The diversity is in clothing, generally
Jambiah, Khayzaran hats and straw hats. Dance and music also
show the difference among these communities. That diversity can
best be seen in the weekly souq which form important tourist
destinations particularly on the coastal plain.
The most Famous Mountains and forts in Hajjah
Governorate:
- Hajjah Mountain (Kawkaban Hajjah Fort)
- Qadam Fort, Mabayan, Al Jahli, Al
Dhafeer and they are branches of Maswar Mountain in the northern
direction and the highest of them are the Sharaqi mountains
which rise 2500m above sea level. AL Jahli.
- Kohlan chain of Mountains : Qaidan
Mountain which is located to the west of Kohlan and holds
archaeological sites. It rises 2500 m above sea level.
- A’afar Mountain, it has got ancient
relics and a historical fort called Kohlan A’afar which
comprises of a castle and premises dating back to more than 40
years. As for the walls of the fort, it looks from their
foundation that they are old. It rises 2500 above sea level.
- Sharafain Chain of Mountains: it is a
big chain located to the northwest of Hajjah which there are the
western mountains of Hajoor. On those mountains there are many
forts, the most important of which are:
- Al Shahel Fort, Al Qawfl Fort, Kohlan
Al-Sharaf Fort, Al Miftah Fort, Aslam Fort. They are fortified
forts whose height is more than 2500 m above sea level.
- Washahah Chain of Mountains: they are
a group of Mountains paralleling Al Sharafain Mountains. From
the northern direction and they include Mawshah Mountains, Qarah
and Kishir. They are a chain of mountains southerly and westerly
of Mawshah . There are chains of mountains paralleling Washaha
and Al Mair extending till the territory of Khowlan Bani Aamir
in the northeast.