Al-BEIDA’A: A rock from depth of history [Archives:2005/893/Last Page]

COMPILED BY:
YASSER AL-MAYASI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
ESHRAQ AL-BODIGI
FOR YEMEN TIMES
Situated southeast to Sana'a and 268 km away, the governorate of al-Beida'a is placed 2250 meters above sea level. The name Al-Beida'a came from an ancient castle had the same name and dates back to an earlier age. The origin of the name derives from the fact that a large rock of white color was found in the city that only contained rocks that were black in color. A castle was built on that rock and named Al-Beida'a.

The architectural style prevalent in Al-Beida'a is stone construction of the ground floor with mud-built upper floors. Its' old houses are distinguished with a particular architectural pattern similar to that of the Saadah province. Some houses are fully built with stones in the unique style of Al-Beida'a and the surrounding areas of Hareeb and Al-Jooba of the Marib region.

As in many Yemeni areas, Al-Beida'a has a great history in building mosques. And it is mentioned in some historical texts that the first mosque was built in Al-Beida'a province, and dates back to the middle of the first century of the Hegira.

Al-Kaddi Mosque is the second most ancient mosque known in the Al-Beida'a area, a fact that is written in the roof of the mosque itself. The engraved writings there reveal that the mosque dates back to the 17th decade of the first century A.H.

Al-Beida'a is very famous for its wide variety of historical sites. The regions affiliated administratively to Al-Beida'a are known locally for their skills in the breeding of camels, and the industrial tailoring of traditional costumes.

Al-Beida'a is also known for the unique AL-Beida'ani dance, with its quick paced moves and fast rhythm.

Al Beida'a City is the administrative center of the province, located in the southeast part of the province near Mukayras. It is connected to Dhamar by a paved road across Rada'a and to Abyan via Mukayras.

The important sites of Al-Beida'a

Al-Beida'a has many interesting natural sites and baths such as Al-Seelah Bath located in the Al-Tafah zone. This bath, for example, has special seasons of the year.

Besides the green and mountainous lands or mineral steam baths, the province of Al-Beida'a has various desert areas that are very suitable for desert tourism, especially nearer to Shabwh Governorate.

– Rada'a:

55 km from Dhamar, Rada'a is an ancient historic site. It is said that the Hymiarate king, Shammar Yahri'ash, took this city as his residence. It was also an important center of the Tahiriyah dynasty in the 15th century A.D.

The houses here are built with white clay distinguishing them as unique to Rada'a. The windows are double and sometimes triple arched, and covered by board marble slabs. This style of architecture is unique to Rada'a.

– Rada'a Fort:

Located at the top of a hill, which enhances its fortification, the fort includes some parts of the stones of the city wall which is still standing.

– Al-Aameriyah Mosque:

The most interesting sites are Al-Aameriyah Mosque and School, which is a wonderful mosque, peerless in architectural design, decoration, and domes.

Al-Aameriyah Mosque has a unique Islamic architecture not just on the level of Yemen but also on the level of the entire Islamic world.

It was built by Sultan Aamer Abdul-Wahhab around 500 years ago, and consists of two levels, the first level being for prayer, while the second level is for schooling.

– Mukayras

This is a small mountain city with a moderate climate that differs from the climates that prevail in the rest of Abyan. This is due to the fact that the city lies 2000 m above sea level.

– Shamarr Market:

A famous ancient market, which was once one of the prominent Arabic markets, Shamarr is still held on Thursdays as has been for many years. This market was a very important center that connected the north of the Arab peninsula with its south.

The Mountains in Al-Beida'a Governorate:

– Barsh Mountain, Saba Mountain, and Al-Hubaishiyah Mountain are all located to the south of Rada'a.

– Qaifa Mountains.

– Mukayyaras Mountain.
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