Aden’s warmth never fades: An Indian perspective [Archives:2006/950/Last Page]
May 29 2006
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The name of the Port of Aden is known to us by virtue of History since the childhood. But I never thought that I will ever have a chance to visit this historical port. But after being involved in the infrastructural consultancy in Yemen I had to come several times in Aden and every time Aden fascinated me with its ancient theme, natural beauty of sea and hills blended with the dazzles of modern city and especially the warm welcome of the people here.
Long staying in the desert area of Marib acted as a catalyst to go to the Aden, in the lap of the sea. That's why long 6 hours journey by road from Sana'a couldn't put its grip of fatigue in mind. Aden is the second city of the united Yemen and as well its commercial capital. Naturally its look is modern. More over the boundary of deep blue sea gave an extra dimension to its natural beauty. It is one of the largest natural harbours in the world with an area of about 70 sq km. Historical evidence says the natural port first was used by the Kingdom of Awsan between the fifth and seventh century B.C. From the ancient period the port of Aden played a vital role in south Arabian trade. Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta went here in the 11th and 12th centuries. The port of Aden is located just in the middle of Egypt and India. Its importance was enormous in the sea trade of India, China, South Arabia, Egypt and Europe. After the construction of Suez Canal joining Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea in 1869, the sea trade become more comfortable between the Far East and Europe. To expand the business the British captured Aden in 1839 and reigned up to 1967. Since that time numbers of Indians migrated here for trade. You will finds lots of present Adenines here of Indian origin. The influence of Indo-British architecture and culture is very much predominant here, which is completely different from the other part of Yemen. After the return of British it was the capital of South Yemen up to 1990. In that period, Soviet influence was prominent here. Aden is gradually turning to an ultra modern port city.
Being a busy port city here are plenty of arrangements of entertainment. You will find lots of night clubs, pubs and drinks are easily available, unlike to other parts of Yemen. The city is more liberal and open to breath for a foreigner. You will have a touch of metro. Volcanic hilly areas of crater, Malla and Tahawi, plains of Kharmoksar and Monsurah are the main part of Aden. Several times I came to Aden, sometimes simply for entertainment tour- some times in official tour, but every time Aden touched my mind. Main attractions are to sea the sunrise in the calm and quite Abyan beach, swimming and taking bath in Gold Mohor beach, boating in the Little Aden beach up to the coral reef and enjoy the beauty of sunset there and go for dinner in Chinese restaurant in Malla. You can move to the night clubs also to have the flavor of Arabian dinner and the Arabian belly dance. You may have a window shopping in fabulous and specious Aden mall or taste the flavor of traditional “souk” of Crater.
Numbers of people are here from Indian origin in Crater area. Only here in Aden are few Hindu temples. One evening we went to visit Hinglaj temple, located in a huge cave. Every evening there is prayer with sacred song and sacred lamp. This spiritual atmosphere and the tune of the prayer song mixed with the sound of “ajjan” from the mosque will create a feeling of a divine peace of mind.
The weather of Aden is especially beautiful in he the winter. Lots of people come down here from the chilling North in winter. We all together came once here to celebrate New Year's Eve in Aden Hotel. That beautiful memory is still alive. Fabulous course of Arabian menu, tunes of hit Arabian and English songs, dazzling lightings in dais, group dance of Filipino troops and the hot bellydance of a Russian girl made the night so colorful. We could feel how the Western culture entering in the youth of high society of traditional Yemen in these large gatherings.
Apart from of the natural beauty of coastal Aden, passing through the Caltex causeway through the back water or crossing the tunnels at night is an extra enjoyment. Though the present look of Aden is modern, here exists the ancient historical Aden tank in the oldest part of the city, in the valley of volcanic hills which is the combination of 18 cisterns. Probably the Himayarites constructed it at the high altitude to serve water to Aden in the first century A.D. In the British period, it was rehabilitated. Excellence and beauty of the ancient stone works is surprising. The palace of Sultan in Crater area has now been converted to National Museum of Aden. Different statues, dresses, arms and coins carefully preserved here as the witness of ancient culture and heritage. If you have time, it's worth visiting these.
After declaring Aden as free port zone, all infrastructural development work is running rapidly to convert it as one of the modernised port city of south Arabia. Lots of high rise buildings, hotels, wide roads, shopping malls, entertainment parks, exotic sea beaches, electronic hubs are coming up. If time is not a problem a ride can be planned to go to Abyan in the delta of Wadi Bana or in Lahej in the delta of Wadi Tuban. The natural greens of the papaya and banana gardens of Abyan and the mango groves of Lahej will certainly fascinate one. The hospitability of the people, expanded hand of their assistance always is a great feeling to me and it is one major thing to remember Aden through the life. The route from Aden to Sana'a is itself a scenic extravaganza and food for the eye. If the journey makes you tired you can take a bath in the hot spring of Damt in the midway. It will wash out all your fatigue and make your memories of Aden so vivid. To all the tourists of the world, who come to Middle East to feel the warmth of Arabian heritage, Yemen and Aden is a must destination.
Rajib Chakraborty is an Indian civil engineer. He has worked on various civil engineering projects in Yemen since 1998 and he is currently Assistant Resident Engineer on the prestigious Marib Dam and Irrigation Project.
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