Sa'dah
Government
Sa'da (also: sa'dah, Sadah, Saada (Arabic صعدة, DMG Sá ʿ da) ) is the capital of the province Sa'da in the northwest of Yemen. Sa'da lies at an altitude of around 1870 meters and forms a pure desert town.
During the rule of the Zaydi Saada had been 860 capital, 1918, the residence was however moved to Sanaa, where since the 17th century repeated Ottoman governors had resided.
Sa'da has a long tradition as a center and trade hub in northern Yemen and for the export of goods to Saudi Arabia. The caravan routes to the spice route led through the village. To the medieval, constructed from rammed earth around town, growing a bustling new town with typical Arabian circumstances streets of garage-like workshops and retail shops.
Between the 17th century and the emigration of most Yemeni Jews to Israel in the 20th century, a special Jewish influence on the Yemen and in the same measure can be anchored on Sa'da. As merchants and artisans, the Saadian Jews of the economy given (particularly in silver smithing ) of the city of a sustained recovery. Today, the tribes of the environment determine the fate of the city.
On Sundays there is weekly market. From rugs to silver handicrafts to electronic equipment, there are many merchandise.
Attractions
Very interesting is the old city wall from the 16th century. 5 km long, up to 10 m high and 3 m wide, it encompasses the historic old town. City gates ( should be particularly emphasized here the Bab Najran ) and occasional watchtowers, disrupt the bulwark.
The old town houses wait up to four storeys high - on buildings - are close together. The clay construction required for static reasons, that the houses are tapered toward the top. Stone construction is unknown in the city.
Other attractions include the Hadi Mosque and old - zayiditischer cemetery. At the highest point of the city of Qasr al Imam, where the ore to produce the well-known curved daggers ( Dschanbiya ) is obtained lies.
Sa'da is one of five cities in Yemen on the provisional UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Environment
Not far from the city, within easy walking distance, can be found at Araqiya, rock engravings from prehistoric times. Similar discoveries one makes about 15 km away in Al Khazain. There are also rock tombs.
About 25 km to the north there are the sandstone gullies of Umm Lailah ( Night Mother ). Scenic charm awaits in this almost deserted spots.
Aerial shots of the city are to this day dark slag heaps and medieval Eisenerzverhüttung in Saada recognize.
Political Problems
Since 2004 riots take place repeatedly in Sa'da.
Traffic
Sa'da has an airport, the Sadah Airport, IATA code SYE, ICAO code OYSH.
Famous people
- Yisrael Yeshayahu Sharabi -