The
Rooftop of Arabia
Yemen is one of the oldest
continuously inhabited regions in the world and the country's history
dates from the very dawn of humankind. Set in the south of the Arabian
peninsula between the Arabian and the Red seas, Yemen contains a variety
of landscapes ranging from the vast emptiness of the desert to long, sandy
beaches, from fertile green valleys, to the barren summits of some of the
highest mountains in Arabia.
For thousands of years Yemen has formed an important link in both regional
and global trade routes. Spices, incense and gold have travelled through
the land, and the little coastal town of Mokha was for centuries the prime
centre of the world's coffee trade.
Modern Yemen was formed only in 1990, with the unification of the Arab
Republic of Yemen in the north and the Democratic People's Republic of
Yemen in the south. Sanaa is the political and Aden the centre of
commerce.
Shopping in Yemen is a delight and, as in much of Arabia, is conducted
primarily in the souks. The range of handicrafts is extensive and includes
jewellery, amber beads, leather goods, hand-woven cloth, traditional
weapons, brightly coloured cushions and ceramics, incense and
antiques, spices and, of course, Yemen coffee.
Visitors should note that a trip to Yemen should be considered an
experience of a way of life long since lost to many other parts of Arabia
and, consequently, total luxury and comfort cannot always be guaranteed.
Whilst we endeavour to provide the highest possible standards of service,
visitors may encounter the occasional unavoidable inconvenience. Please
also bear in mind that during the Holy Month of Ramadan, shopping and
business hours may change. |
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