Traditions and Cultures
The afternoon ritual of chewing the narcotic khat plant is a widespread custom that promotes socialization and can be part of business meetings.
What is Khat Chewing?
A historic city with a UNESCO World Heritage listing, known for its distinct architecture.
What is the Old City of Sana'a?
Was established in the northern highlands in 897 CE and ruled large parts of Yemen intermittently for over a thousand years, until the 20th century.
What is the Zaydi Shi'ite imamate?
A journalist, activist, and politician who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.
Who is Tawakkol Karman?
The national animal in Yemen
What is a Arabian Leopard?
The poetic songs of Sana'a have been proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
What is Al-Ghina al-San'ani?
A striking palace built on a rock in Wadi Dhahr, also known as the "Stone House".
What is Dar al-Haja?
In the 19th century, the area was divided between the Ottoman Empire in the north and British influence in the south.
What is the Imperial division?
Served as the second President of Yemen from 2012 to 2022.
Who is Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi?
The national food in Yemen
What is Saltah?
A few days before the wedding, the bride, her female relatives, and friends gather for a henna ceremony. Intricate designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet using natural dye, symbolizing fertility and protection. The bride may wear traditional clothing and heavy jewelry.
What is Henna Night?
A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique biodiversity and otherworldly landscapes.
What is the Socotra Archipelago?
Islam arrived in Yemen around 630 CE, and the region became a center of Islamic learning.
What is the spread of Islam?
The first president of unified Yemen, who served from 1990 to 2012.
Who is Ali Abdullah Saleh?
The national anthem in Yemen
What is United Republic?
One of the most famous historical souks, known for its vibrant atmosphere, spices, incense, local handicrafts, and the sale of traditional goods like jambiyas and textiles.
What is the Al-Milh Market?
A 16th-century city in the Hadhramaut region, sometimes called the "Manhattan of the Desert" due to its vertical, high-rise mud-brick buildings.
What is the Old Walled City of Shibam?
After the Ottoman Empire's collapse in 1918, North Yemen became an independent republic, while South Yemen remained under British influence until 1967.
What is the Post-Ottoman era?
The last King of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen.
Who is Muhammad al-Badr?
The national fruit in Yemen
What is a pomegranate?
A popular, lighter Yemeni drink is made from the dried husks of coffee cherries mixed with spices like ginger, cardamom, and sometimes cinnamon, and sweetened with sugar. It is an example of the culture's resourcefulness, utilizing all parts of the coffee plant.
What is Qishr?
A scenic beach on Socotra Island known for its serene lagoons and dramatic rock formations.
What is the Qalansiyah Beach?
The prosperity and sophistication of these ancient states.
What is Arabia Felix or Happy Arabia?
Recognized as a world champion in nutrition and the father of modern functional food research.
Who is Dr. Muhammed Abdul Kareem Al-Mansoob?
The national emblem in Yemen
What is a golden Eagle of Saladin?