×
A
A
A
Settings

Old City of Sana'a – an outstanding example of a homogeneous architectural ensemble, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yemen

Baku, November 14, AZERTAC

Situated in a mountain valley at an altitude of 2,200 m, the Old City of Sana'a in Yemen is defined by an extraordinary density of rammed earth and burnt brick towers rising several stories above stone-built ground floors, strikingly decorated with geometric patterns of fired bricks and white gypsum.
The ochre of the buildings blends into the bistre-colored earth of the nearby mountains.
Within the city, minarets pierce the skyline and spacious green bustans (gardens) are scattered between the densely packed houses, mosques, bath buildings and caravanserais.
As an outstanding example of a homogeneous architectural ensemble reflecting the spatial characteristics of the early years of Islam, the city in its landscape has an extraordinary artistic and pictorial quality.
Its many-storied buildings represent an outstanding response to defensive needs in providing spacious living quarters for the maximum number of residents within defensible city walls.
The houses of Sana'a, which have become vulnerable as a result of contemporary social changes, are an outstanding example of an extraordinary masterpiece, traditional human settlement.
Sana'a is directly and tangibly associated with the history of the spread of Islam in the early years of the Hegira.
The Great mosque of Sana'a, built in year 6 of Hegira, is known as the first mosque built outside Mecca and Medina.
The Old City of Sana'a has contributed to and played a major role in Yemeni, Arab and Islamic World history through the contributions of historical Yemeni figures including Al Hassan B. Ahmed Al Hamdany, Ahamed Al Razy and Al Shawkany.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the Old City of Sana'a is one of the oldest cities in the world, continuously inhabited for more than 2500 years.

Culture 2022-11-14 12:39:00