Old Sana’a markets a top priority in tourist promotion [Archives:2006/917/Business & Economy]
By: Mahyoub Al-Kamali
The General Authority for Tourist Development exerts much effort in promoting markets in the Old City of Sana'a as part of the tourism product aimed at a large sector of foreign tourists.
Culture and Tourism Undersecretary Mohammed Mohammed Mutahar said promoting Old Sana'a markets is part of a plan to diversify tourism to meet the desires of a large number of available European and other tourist markets. He noted that Old Sana'a has been a UNESCO world heritage landmark since 1986. Since then, continuous efforts have been exerted to protect and preserve the area to maintain its traditional architectural style, markets and other aspects.
According a recent field survey of European tour organizers, Yemen is considered a target filled with huge potential to attract tourists. Survey results revealed that 70 percent of organizers considered Yemen a tourist attraction due to its unique architectural heritage; 65 percent attributed it to Yemen's deep-rooted history; 56 percent attributed it to Yemen being virgin territory and a not yet fully discovered country maintaining its original stamp and flavor; and 16 percent attributed it to Yemen being a suitable temptation for adventure travelers.
Survey results pointed out that the Old City always remains crowded with tourists. It captures their eyes and cameras and because of its wonderful handicraft products. Above all, the markets provide a good opportunity to observe lifestyles and practices that mostly have vanished.
Market life and activity begins with the first rays of sunlight and continues until late at night. Peddlers display their wares on old stone sidewalks and tourists snap photos of them with astonishment and smiles on their faces. There are women, children and variously-attired people of all ages and features. The one who reads what Jamaludin Al-Shahari, who died in 1176 H.D., wrote about Old Sana'a markets in his book will realize the markets' true loyalty to their past and the extent of their relationship with their origins.
Old Sana'a markets were and still are reputed for all kinds of Arab beverages and sweets served with coffee. The confectionery industry still preserves its original flavor despite new materials introduced like artificial colors and flavors. Additionally, Old Sana'a markets are famous for their trade in traditional medical herbs and drugs still widely used. Thus, it is no wonder Sana'a markets are targeted by Arab and Western tourists and indispensable to those searching for the perfumes of the history and magic of ancient oriental nights.
Such interest has moved some Old City inhabitants to convert their houses into much-visited tourist hotels competing with five-star hotels. Tourists are served traditional Yemeni meals and there are sessions for coffee drinking, listening to Sana'ani music and singing. Sana'ani family house visits are organized for tour groups to take part in qat-chewing sessions and live the traditional life of Old Sana'a inhabitants.
Old Sana'a markets still blend a balanced and comfortable rhythm between old and new architectural styles. Even introducing businesses with glass showrooms into the markets has not influenced their originality and beauty. They represent a continuous heritage and history, where past meets present in close relationship, giving visitors the opportunity to see and experience it with their own eyes. The markets are a renewable historical landmark of ancient Arabian life and considered a living museum, documenting many popular traditions and customs mostly extinct in other Arab countries.
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