Sanaa

Sanaa صنعاء
Capital city
Skyline of Sanaa Skyline of Sanaa
Coordinates: 15°21′N 44°12′E Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed.
Country	Yemen
Founded	Ancient
Population  (2021)
• Total	2,545,000
Time zone	UTC+3 (Yemen Standard Time)

Sanaa (Arabic: صنعاء‎, Ṣanʿāʾ) is the largest city in Yemen and the center of the Sanaa Governorate. The city is not part of the Governorate but forms the separate administrative district of "Amanat Al Asimah". Sanaa is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back over 2,500 years.

History

Sanaa has a rich history that is intertwined with the history of Yemen itself. The city is believed to have been founded by Shem, the son of Noah, according to local legend. Historically, Sanaa was an important center for the Himyarite Kingdom and later became a major Islamic center after the advent of Islam in the 7th century.

During the Islamic period, Sanaa became a prominent city under the rule of the Rashidun Caliphate, the Umayyad Caliphate, and the Abbasid Caliphate. The city was known for its beautiful architecture, including the Great Mosque of Sanaa, which is one of the oldest mosques in the world.

In the 20th century, Sanaa became the capital of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen and later the Yemen Arab Republic. Following the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990, Sanaa was declared the capital of the Republic of Yemen.

Geography

Sanaa is located in a mountain valley at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,500 feet), making it one of the highest capital cities in the world. The city is surrounded by the Sarawat Mountains, which provide a natural barrier and contribute to its unique climate.

Climate

Sanaa has a semi-arid climate, characterized by mild, dry winters and warm, wet summers. The city receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, from June to September, due to the Indian Ocean monsoon.

Demographics

Sanaa is a diverse city with a population of over 2.5 million people. The majority of the population is Arab, with a significant number of ethnic minorities, including Afro-Arabs and South Asians. The predominant religion is Islam, with both Sunni and Shia communities present.

Economy

The economy of Sanaa is primarily based on trade, services, and small-scale manufacturing. The city is a major center for the production of traditional Yemeni handicrafts, including silver jewelry, textiles, and pottery. In recent years, the economy has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

Culture

Sanaa is renowned for its unique architectural style, characterized by multi-story buildings made of rammed earth and decorated with intricate geometric patterns. The Old City of Sanaa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its ancient buildings, narrow streets, and vibrant markets.

The city is also a center for Yemeni culture, with numerous museums, cultural institutions, and festivals celebrating the rich heritage of the region.

Education

Sanaa is home to several universities and educational institutions, including Sanaa University, which is the largest and oldest university in Yemen. The city also hosts various research centers and institutes dedicated to the study of Yemeni history, culture, and society.

Also see

• Yemen
• Old City of Sanaa
• Sanaa University
• Himyarite Kingdom
• Yemeni Civil War