Hadramout

Official Name: Hadramout

Geography:

Hadramout governorate lies in the eastern part of Yemen between Al-Mahra governorate from east and Shabwa governorate from west and extends north in side Al-Ruba Al khali desert, the southern coasts overlook the Arab sea, Al-Mukalla the capital is 777km from Sana’a across Marib-Attaq-Al-Mukalla paved road. The area consists of coastal plains, wide plateus and an area of rich wadis.

Climate:

Average temperature in Summer (39-20 Degrees C), Winter (30-18 Degrees C)
Hot tropical climate in Hadramout, temperature reaches 40c in summer in the interior areas, where continental dry climate prevails, temperature reaches 36c in the coastal areas, due to seasonal winds saturated with moisture, the temperature in winter tends to be moderate in the coastal areas, 20-24 co and 17-20 co in the interior areas.

Cultural highlights: In Arabic Hadramaut means "The Death bringer", Some historians refer that this name was given to the area because of the many deadly wars that happened during the existence of the old Yemeni civilizations in that area .Hadramout is considered one of the main roots of Yemen civilization that is rich with deep rooted historic antiquities. Architecture in particular, represented in embracing the oldest highest buildings which are still standing, the remains indicate the monumental ruins of cities, temples and prophets graves (Hud, Saleh) peace be upon them, there to the remains of the ancient Yemen kingdoms spreading all over Hadramout and which remain a live witness of the genius Yemeni human.

Things to see and do:

Mukala:

Distance from Sana'a: 794 KM, 12 hours (Driving), 1 hour (Airplane). It is the capital, the largest and most important city on the coastal strip located on the Arab sea coast. Mukalla Mountain embraces the city and provides it with natural protection from behind, this advantage was useful in the past. Mukalla was known as khisa or Bandar Ya’qoub.It is distinguished that all its features still exist and were not demolished or deformed., the most important features are the sultan palace (Ma’in palace) built by Omar bin Awad Al-Qu’aity, the museum occupies part of it, Al-Ghuweizy Castle which receives the visitor at the entrance of Mukalla city. Also the museum of Mukalla must be seen due to the rich archeological finds from all over Yemen that are found there.

Mukala is one of the most important Yemeni commercial ports, it contains most of the fishing centers as well as many fishery factories. There is also many public markets and beautiful coasts where you can enjoy swimming and lying under the sun.

Seiyun:

Located 322km from Mukalla, the largest city in Hadramout valley, the houses surrounded with green carpet of large gardens, palm trees woods. It is the administrative capital of the valley since the 15th century and still until now. It has been mentioned in the ancient reference of Alomsnad inscriptions, the classical historians noted that it was a great city, and residence for all the people who lived there.
One attractive place to visit is the sultan huge palace (Al Katheir sultan palace) known at present as the revolution palace, consisting of five floors including tens of rooms and utilities.
It has been transformed to a museum of antiquities, customs and traditional handcrafts.

Another place to enjoy visiting is" Al- Ghalas" castle, where you can see the Yemeni creativity of the handicrafts works such as woodworks, poultry industries, ceramics, leather handicrafts etc. There is also a local market where many handicrafts and traditional industries are shown.

The Grave of the Immigrant Ahmad bin Issa:
Here you can see the grave of Ahmad Bin Issa, who is a holly man for the followers of the Ismaili sector. The grave is a tourist landmark, for being distinguished with architectural pattern as a tomb located in a high place of the mountain as well as the style of the mosque building located at the foot of the mountain and the paved road linking between the tomb and the mosque in its zigzag form. There is also the white paint which adds more beauty to the tomb and the mosque. The tomb dates back to the 10th century and is located 10km east of seiyun city.

Tarim:

Located 35 km north of Say’un, this city was the old capital of the wadi and the seat for the Kenda kings. The city houses the second largest library in all of Yemen, containing over 5000 manuscripts. Tarim has been and still until now a very essential destination for those who seek to learn Islamic teachings.
This city is famous for the incredible amount of mosques that are over 200. It's also famous for its distinct mixture of Yemeni and Asian architecture, which is owed to the influence of Hadramaut’s emigrating population upon their return to Yemen from different parts of southeast of Asia. Tareem city is full of Yemeni architectural art treasures represented by its mosques, wonderful palaces fenced by palm trees.

One of its important sites is AL- Mehdar mosque which was established on 1915 A.C. Its minaret's height is 125 feet. Also, the ancient castles near the city like” Al Najeer” castle, 6 Km east of Treem, and “AL Orr” castle near Al- Soum village about 15 Km east Treem.

Einat:

A beautiful village located 8 Km east of Tarim, it dates to the 16th century, it has a certain style of domes and religious tombs. It contains a number of houses with beautiful architecture.

Shibam

This spectacular city is more than 1500 year old and located in the center of the governorate of Hadramaut, about 19 kilometers from Say’un. Shibam is also called Al-Dumma or Safra’a. It is built on the ruins of an ancient city of Hadramaut, where the natives of Old Shabwa settled after the destruction of their city. Historically, Shibam is recognized for the importance of its market and its significance as an administrative center for many centuries. Some of the unique characteristics of this city include its architectural beauty. From afar, this city appears as a castle due to its lofty houses, some reaching up to eight stories height. These structures were built using straw-reinforced mud bricks with unique skywalks used by people to cross over to a neighbor’s house.

Many European travelers visited Shibam city and called it the desert Manhatin “and skyscrapers city”.
In 1984, UNESCO placed Shibam on its Human Heritage list. Structures like the great Mosque, built in the era of Abbasid caliph Haroun Al-Rashid, and the city wall, date back to the 17th century AD considered to be as significant sites within Shibam Hadramout.

Wadi Dawan:

One of the many valleys in Wadi Hadramout such as, Em valley, Amad valley.. etc. Do’an valley is very important, as many villages spread on the road leading to it. Some of these villages represent the eastern architecture style in Yemen. Do’an valley is known with the production of the Do’ ani honey, which is considered to be the best and most expensive type of honey in the world.

Al- Hajrin village:

(Hajrin means city in the ancient Yemeni language) is the most ancient village in Hadramout valley. Hajrin is also, one of the most beautiful Yemeni cities, and the best in Hadramout valley in particular. It's located on the corner of one of the curves in the valley; it is divided into two adjacent sections on the sides of the curve, and overlooks a wood of palm trees.

Saif:

Located 127 km south of Si’oun, where the temple of Sheikhan bin Ahmad is visited from 8-12 Rabi II of each Hijri year,(the Islamic year that depends on the movement of the moon).

Badhya:

Located 142 km west of Si’oun city, where the temple of Bajamal that can be visited from 18-22 of Dhul- Hijah of each Hijri year by different Muslims that mostly come from southeast of Asia.

Rihab:

Located 152 Km west of Sioun, It is a site for holly visits to the Banjah tomb from 14 - 16 Rajab every Hejrah year.

Al-Khureiba:

Located 157km west of Si’oun which was once the main center of the ancient Yemeni caravans route between the cost and the valley.

Rasheed:

Located 153 km west of Si’oun and it's one of the beautiful villages in the valley.

Al-Ribat:

“Ribat Ba’ashan”, located in the tale of Do’an valley on the right bank.

Qaber Al-Nabi Hud:

The Tomb of Prophet Hud “ Peace be upon him”
Hadramout is a land of prophets “peace be upon them” .It is a holly land, since it comprises a number of prophets tombs as the tomb of prophet Saleh and Hanthalah bin Safwan “the prophet of Ashab Alruss” and the tomb of prophet Hud which is more important.
The tomb of prophet Hud is located 90Km east of Tarim city, it is on a hill above sea level with a dome date to 1673 and called A1-Naqa, it is linked with the village by a zigzag road paved by stone and painted like the dome with white color which adds beauty to the architectural style.The tomb of prophet Hud is an import tourist place since pre Islam, during visit days which last for one week a market is held on the 6th day of Sha’ aban of each hajari year.

Bi’r Barhout:

It is a cave located at 300 ft height, and 10Km south of prophet Hud tomb, many legends are narrated about it from the pre-Islam time until now.Gail BaWazer:-Located 35 km east of Mukalla, a fertile cultivated area with water running through it. This area is cultivated with palm trees Hinna, coconut, in addition to tobacco. “Ghill tobacco” is considered to be the best quality of tobacco. It contains Al- Ghil tourist rest house which was in the past a rest house for Sultan Al-Qu’eity.

Al Houmah Hot Spa:

Located near Ghil Bawazir, it supplies Al-Ghil farms with irrigation water. The water comes from a deep hole in rocky land containing a water spring 12 m deep and 30 m diameter, it is a natural hole formed according to narration as a result of a falling star in the area.Two channels engraved, the first channel about 5km long, the second 2km, excavation of the two channels in such rocky land is a great human effort.Al

Shaher:

Known with other names “Samoun” and “Al Souq”, located 62km east of Mukalla, it is an ancient city that was once a commercial center for exporting olibonum and dates. The people there are known with textile industry of some traditional dresses, jewelry, boats building and dyeing.The city has Al-Shahar market which was one of the Arab's known market.
Al-Shahar is divided today to the old part and the new part. The old part of the city is built of bricks, distinguished with a certain architecture, it has two gates, one called (Bab Al Khour) and the other (Bab Al’eidrous).The ancient landmarks are the castles and the old wall. The new part in the new quarters, stones are used as a building material in its houses with whitened colored stones which gives the city a very beautiful look.

Hot Spas:

The coast of Hadramout is known with many hot spas and springs in many areas, properties differ from place to another. People come from remote and close areas seeking cure from diseases such as dermatitis, rheumatism digestive system diseases, obesity, diabetes. Some springs are strong and used for cultivation, such as Suwaibir, 47 km away from Shehir.