Aden, historical tourist city [Archives:2005/867/Last Page]

Al-Twahi is one of the most beautiful tourist sites, owing to its ancient tourist monuments. It is so called because fishermen boats used to lose their way in these places. (Tawahan means losing one's way in Arabic). In the colonization time it was called Steamer Point, which means the place where steamers set anchor.

Economic importance

During the British invasions in1839, The British mission's leader, Captain Hins, shifted his residence from Crater to Twahi. Since then it became head quarters for the British Rulers and their major military and civilian aides. It also became the site for trade missions and foreign companies. Hotels and restaurants were established to receive businessmen and tourists. That marks the beginning of its history as a military, economic and trade center. Some of its most important tourist sights could be:

Big Ben

It is considered to be the second famous watch in the world, the first being the British Big Ben. The British government erected this watch in the Bijesar hill area, to command Aden and Twahi areas.

It used to work until the mid sixties, when it was overhauled. It was destroyed during the 1986 fighting. The authorities in Aden fixed it again in2002 with a British help.

Tourist's quay

This quay lies in Al-Twahi district. It became the main port in the British era. In April 1919 they built the main gate. The quay was repaired in2003 to receive tourists through Aden's port. There is a mosque opposite to the gate. Inside this mosque there is the grave of a sheikh who is called the “saint” of fishermen. Before British occupation, Twahi town used to be called after this sheikh or “Sheikh Ahmed”

Golden coast

It lies in the Fath area. It is called the golden coast because of its golden sands.

This coast extends from the tunnel up to lovers coast.

A number of attractive hotels were built in this coast. Of these hotels is the Sheraton. There is an active movement of tourists, Yemeni families and visitors during vacations. They seek to spend a calm day on the coast. This necessitates that the shanty buildings that screen off the sea sights should be stopped.

Elephant's trunk

The elephant trunk was formed as a result of erosion. It is a result of collusion between rocks and sea waters. This formed a sea tongue in the middle of the hill that looks like an elephant trunk. A tourist resort, which is called elephant trunk, was built on the back ground of this area. Some tried to demolish this tourist site but fortunately they were stopped.

Rambo Coast

It is in Alfath area in Al-twahi district. It is called after the French poet Rambo who lived in Aden. A number of traditional fishermen live in Rambo area. Some influentials tried to drive these fishermen out of it, but the governorate's authorities stopped them.

The bride's tourist resort

This resort was built during the British occupation. It was converted into the Army club after independence. It is now under the control of the Yemeni economic establishment. The resort contains a hotel, a swimming pool and halls for reception and sports.
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