Sanaa history

Sanaa is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history spanning more than 2,500 years. Its origins are shrouded in legend and confirmed by centuries of commercial and cultural flourishing.

Foundation and First Mentions

According to local legend, the city was founded by Shem, the son of the biblical Noah, and its ancient name was Azal. The first reliable written mentions of Sanaa date back to the 1st century CE. Historians believe that as early as the 2nd century, the Sabaean King Sha'r Awtar built the famous Ghumdan Palace here, and the city itself became an important center in the south of the Arabian Peninsula. In the 6th century, Sanaa was the capital of the Himyarite Kingdom and an arena of struggle between Persia and the Kingdom of Aksum.

Key Factors of Establishment

Sanaa owes its growth and influence to several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Situated on a mountain plateau at an altitude of about 2,200 meters, the city occupied a strategically advantageous and well-protected position.
• Trade: Sanaa was a crucial hub at the intersection of trade routes, including the famous "Incense Route," which linked South Arabia with the countries of the Mediterranean. Frankincense, myrrh, spices, and coffee were transported through the city.
• Political Power: For centuries, the city served as a capital for various states and dynasties, including the Himyarites, and from the 7th century onwards, it became one of the main centers for the spread of Islam in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Sanaa has been famous for its unique architecture. The city's hallmark became its multi-story tower houses, built from rammed earth (pisé) and decorated with intricate geometric patterns. The city's economy relied not only on trade but also on developed crafts: the production of silverware, leather goods, and textiles flourished here. With the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, the Great Mosque (Al-Jami al-Kabir) was built in Sanaa—one of the oldest in the world—which cemented the city's status as an important religious and cultural center.

Key Milestones in the History of Sanaa

The history of Sanaa is a kaleidoscope of eras and dynasties that have left their mark on the architecture and culture of one of the world's oldest cities. Here is a brief chronology of its significant events:

• 2nd Century CE — According to tradition, the Sabaean King Sha'r Awtar builds the famous Ghumdan Palace, considered one of the first high-rise buildings in the world.
• 520s — Sanaa becomes the capital of the Himyarite Kingdom under King Dhu Nuwas.
• 525 — The city comes under the control of the Kingdom of Aksum (Ethiopia), and the ruler Abraha builds the magnificent Al-Qalis Cathedral.
• ~597 — Sanaa is conquered by the Persian Sassanid Empire and becomes the administrative center of the Persian satrap in Yemen.
• 628 — The people of Yemen embrace Islam, and the Great Mosque (Al-Jami al-Kabir) is founded in Sanaa by order of the Prophet Muhammad, becoming one of the oldest in the Islamic world.
• 9th Century — The city becomes the capital of the local Yafurid dynasty state.
• 12th Century — Sanaa becomes part of the Ayyubid state, founded by Salah al-Din.
• 1517 — The city falls under the influence of the Ottoman Empire while retaining a certain degree of autonomy.
• Mid-17th Century — Sanaa becomes the residence of the Zaydi Imams of Yemen after the weakening of Ottoman control.
• 18th Century — The city is visited by the first European scholar, the Danish Arabist Carsten Niebuhr, who left valuable descriptions of the region.
• 1872 — The Ottomans re-establish direct control over Sanaa and begin a program of city modernization.
• 1918 — Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Sanaa becomes the capital of the independent Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen under Imam Yahya.
• 1962 — As a result of the revolution, Sanaa is proclaimed the capital of the Yemen Arab Republic.
• 1986 — The unique architectural ensemble of the Old City of Sanaa is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 1990 — After the unification of North and South Yemen, Sanaa becomes the capital of the unified Republic of Yemen.

Major Stages of the City's Development

The development of Sanaa over the centuries has been defined by its strategic location, cultural influence, and political status. Key transformations have shaped the unique appearance and economy of the city.

• Ancient Trade Center. Its location on the famous "Incense Route" made Sanaa a vital economic hub of antiquity. The trade in spices, frankincense, and myrrh contributed to the growth of wealth and the formation of the characteristic multi-story architecture, which served as both housing and fortification.
• Center of Islamic Culture (from the 7th Century). With the advent of Islam and the founding of the Great Mosque, Sanaa turned into one of the main centers of Islamic education and theology in the region. This attracted scholars to the city and contributed to a cultural flourishing, securing its status as a spiritual capital for many centuries.
• Capital of the Zaydi Imams (17th–19th Centuries). During this period, Sanaa established itself as the capital of the Zaydi Imamate. The city was surrounded by powerful walls, and inside, crafts flourished, especially jewelry making, weapon production, and textiles. It was during this time that the unique architectural ensemble of the Old City was definitively formed.
• Ottoman Modernization (19th Century). During the second period of Ottoman rule, which began in 1872, the first steps toward modernization were taken in the city. New administrative buildings were constructed, and infrastructure was improved, laying the foundation for further urban development.
• Capital of the Republic and Modern Growth (from 1962). After the revolution of 1962, Sanaa, becoming the capital of the Yemen Arab Republic, began to expand rapidly beyond the old walls. New residential districts, a university, modern roads, and government institutions appeared, radically changing the city's economy and social structure.
• UNESCO Recognition (1986). The inclusion of the Old City of Sanaa in the UNESCO World Heritage List was a major cultural event. This drew international attention to its unique architecture, stimulated preservation projects, and confirmed the global significance of Sanaa's historical heritage.

The architecture of Sanaa is a unique phenomenon, shaped by thousands of years of history and local traditions rather than European styles such as Gothic or Renaissance. The urban development of the city can be divided into several key stages, each leaving its own distinct mark.

Pre-Islamic Era and Early Urban Planning

The foundations of vertical construction, which became the hallmark of Sanaa, were laid back in the pre-Islamic period. The legendary Ghumdan Palace, which legend says was built in the 2nd-3rd centuries, is considered one of the first multi-story structures in the world. This indicates that the principles of constructing tall buildings were known in the region long before the modern architectural appearance of the city emerged. Although many structures from that time have not survived, the very idea of compact and high-rise construction defined the further development of Sanaa.

Traditional Yemeni Architecture (7th Century — Early 20th Century)

This period is the golden age of Sanaa's architecture. It was then that the appearance of the Old City, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, was formed. Its main feature is the famous tower houses.

• Construction: The lower floors of buildings were built of stone, while the upper ones were made of fired brick or rammed earth (pisé).
• Decor: Facades were richly decorated with intricate geometric patterns made of white gypsum ("qadad" technique), creating a contrast with the dark brick.
• Windows: A characteristic feature is the semi-circular stained-glass windows ("qamariya") above rectangular windows, which fill the interior spaces with colored light.

Landmark structures of this era include the Great Mosque (Al-Jami al-Kabir), founded in the 7th century, which is one of the oldest Islamic places of worship. The entire built environment of the Old City represents a unified ensemble, where narrow streets lead to mosques, public baths (hammams), and bustling souqs (markets).

Ottoman Influence (16th and 19th Centuries)

During periods of Ottoman rule, new elements were introduced into Sanaa's architecture. The Turks built structures characteristic of their empire: mosques with a central dome, such as the Al-Bakiriyya Mosque (1597), as well as barracks, administrative buildings, and hammams. These structures were often located outside the old walls or integrated into the existing fabric, adding architectural diversity to the city.

Modern Period (from the 20th Century)

With Sanaa's transformation into the capital of the republic in the 20th century, its rapid growth beyond the historical walls began. New districts were built up with modern buildings made of concrete and glass, which contrast sharply with the traditional architecture. Wide avenues, government complexes, and villas in a more international style appeared. This created a clear division between the historical core, which preserved its medieval appearance, and the modern quarters reflecting global trends in urban planning.

The city of Sanaa has for centuries been a cradle for many prominent figures of Yemen who left a significant mark on history, culture, and science. Here are some of them:

Arwa al-Sulayhi (c. 1048–1138)

Arwa al-Sulayhi was a powerful and influential ruler of Yemen from the Sulayhid dynasty. Known as "The Noble Lady" (Al-Sayyida al-Hurra), she ruled for over 50 years, first as co-regent with her husbands, and then solely. During her reign, the capital was moved from Sanaa to Jibla. Arwa went down in history as one of the most famous and respected female rulers in the Islamic world, whose name was even mentioned in the Friday sermon (khutbah).

Abu Muhammad al-Hamdani (893–945)

Al-Hamdani was a prominent Arab encyclopedist, historian, geographer, philologist, and poet who was born and died in Sanaa. His major works, "Al-Iklil" ("The Crown") and "Description of the Arabian Peninsula," are invaluable sources on the history, genealogy, and geography of ancient Arabia. Al-Hamdani's works still serve as a fundamental basis for the study of Yemen's history.

Muhammad ash-Shawkani (1760–1839)

Imam ash-Shawkani was an influential Islamic theologian, jurist, and reformer. He held the post of chief judge in Sanaa and was known for his deep knowledge in various Islamic sciences. His works, calling for independent judgment (ijtihad) and rejecting blind adherence to a single legal school, had a significant influence on Islamic thought not only in Yemen but also beyond its borders.

Abdullah al-Baradouni (1929–1999)

Abdullah al-Baradouni is considered one of the greatest Yemeni poets and literary figures of the 20th century. Despite becoming blind in early childhood, he received an education and became a prominent intellectual and critic. His poetry, known for its depth and social focus, reflected the life, hopes, and suffering of the Yemeni people, earning him wide recognition throughout the Arab world.

Zayd Mutee' Dammaj (1943–2000)

Zayd Mutee' Dammaj was a famous Yemeni writer and politician whose works received international acclaim. His most famous novel, "The Hostage" (Al-Rahina), is considered a classic of modern Arabic literature and was included in the list of the 100 best Arabic novels of the 20th century. In his works, he masterfully described the social and political transformations in Yemeni society.

Tawakkol Karman (born 1979)

Tawakkol Karman is a Yemeni journalist, human rights activist, and politician who became an international symbol of the struggle for human rights. In 2011, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for her non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work." She became the first Arab woman and one of the youngest laureates of this prestigious award.