Old Sana'a The Beauty of Simplicity

About Old Sana'a

Old Sana'a is one of the most historical places in my home country (YEMEN). It is located in the middle of the capital city Sana'a. Previously Old Sana'a was considered to be a city, but since the population has increased and the city itself has gotten bigger and bigger, Old Sana'a is now considered to be just a neighborhood among the whole capital Sana'a.

(One of the neighborhoods in Old Sana'a)

Entrance

Old Sana'a is a huge place with lots of entrances, but the main and the most famous entrance is called BAB AL-YEMEN (YEMEN GATE). Not only is it considered to be a historical landmark, but it also is one of the most tourists attraction places around Yemen. The gate is designed as a castle and it has a wall that surrounds Old Sana'a city, which protected it from natural disasters and from invaders as well.

BAB AL-YEMEN (YEMEN GATE)

What is special about Old Sana'a?

If you can get some photos of Old Sana'a houses and buildings, you will notice that they all have the same traditional pattern. Houses there are built using basic traditional materials like mud and wood. No fancy materials, no modern blocks and bricks are being used, only what we call the Beauty of Simplicity.

(Example of the traditional style of buildings in Old Sana'a)

What can you find in Old Sana'a?

Old Sana'a is filled with narrow streets that were only designed for pedestrians. Several narrow streets will eventually meet at a central market. Each market has its own specific products. For instance, there is a market for food, and another one for gold and silver products, and a separated market for handicrafts and traditional clothes.

(Central Market of Clothes and Handicrafts)

(Traders Selling Food and Spices in Souk AL-Melh)

In the end, if one day you decided to travel to Yemen, make sure you pay a visit to Old Sana'a. You don't want to miss this opportunity!