The name of the country in translation from ancient Arabic means "the area located on the right hand." Exactly so, on the right, its neighbors, the inhabitants of Northern Arabia, saw it. The local sands and stones remember the grandeur of such ancient civilizations as Kataban, Saba, Main. Now the names of the past are known only to historians and archaeologists. And once this territory was considered a place of great wealth and a country of incense. From here, merchants brought myrrh and frankincense.
A bit of geography
If you want to see where Yemen is on the map, look at the south of the Arabian Peninsula. This is one of the countries of the Middle East, located on the shores of the Gulf of Aden. On the one hand it is washed by the Red Sea, and on the other - the Arabian. In the north, the republic borders on Saudi Arabia, on the east side - with Oman.
In the south of the Arabian Peninsula, where Yemen is located, the climate is dry and moderately hot. In summer, the average temperature is about +27, and in winter it does not fall below +14.
The population is mainly Arabs, but Turks, Indians, and Pakistanis also live. The country speaks different dialects and dialects, the official language is Arabic. At the same time, reviews of tourists report that English is quite common here, it is spoken and understood by many residents.
East Country Museum
Yemen is where bizarre natural landscapes and ancient artifacts await you. Lifeless deserts - in the north and east, mountains - in the central part and plains of Tijama - along the coast. The Bible and scripture speak of these places.
Although the Republic of Yemen is not the most popular resort, reviews of tourists say that there is a lot of fun for both history buffs and fans of extreme relaxation.
Kaleidoscope from the past and present
The capital of the republic, Sana'a, is one of the most ancient settlements of mankind. Minaret towers adjoin here to modern buildings. There are many mosques, and the oldest of them was built in the XIII century.
Reviews of tourists are invited to visit Shibam - a place in the desert, which is called ancient Manhattan. There are clay skyscrapers built in the XVI century. UNESCO declared Shibam a World Heritage Site.
Barakish is a chance to touch antiquity. Once there was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Main. Now, fragments of fortress walls and stones are left on it, on which the words of a forgotten language are carved.
How to have fun?
During the day, you can relax on the white sandy beaches of Shuab Bay. For those who love outdoor activities, there is the opportunity to try almost all types of water sports. And what happens in Yemen in the evenings? Reviews of tourists remind that this is a Muslim country with rather strict morals, so lovers of noisy parties and vibrant nightlife will not find much entertainment here. Alcohol can only be drunk in hotel bars or restaurants.
Miswak and the women's market
Here at each bazaar you will see a person who trades strange branches. This is not an amateur gardener, but a seller of toothbrushes. In the desert area where Yemen is located, it is believed that men are required to brush their teeth at least 5 times a day, and do this with a special twig called miswak. It is both a brush and a paste that can be used for several days. It reminds ginger in taste, and there are more useful substances in this wood than in expensive toothpaste!
Yemen is a country where there are special women's markets, where men do not go. They simply bring their wives to the market, and then pick them up with purchases. And while the ladies spend money with pleasure, faithful life partners sit in a cafe or enjoy the surf. Judging by the reviews of tourists, the local men have long found a way to the heart of women and family happiness.
Features of local cooking
The national cuisine of the republic is a tribute to the traditions of the Arab East, where Yemen is located. The most famous dish is Shorba soup. It is quite sharp, but reviews from tourists strongly recommend trying it. This is the calling card of Yemeni cooks. It is served in every restaurant. And do not forget to taste coffee - the true Yemeni mocha.
Be carefull!
Before you go on a voyage, you should find out what is happening in Yemen now. This is one of the poorest Arab states. Since 2004, an armed conflict has been going on here: the confrontation between Sunnis and Shiite-Hussites. The Republic of Yemen is not safe for travelers, therefore, reviews of tourists are encouraged to settle in trusted hotels, not to visit crowded places and not to photograph police, military and women.