Al-Mahweet: The Yemeni Spot of Civilization [Archives:2001/46/Culture]

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November 12 2001
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Briefly, Yemen has a very rich historical and cultural heritage. Our archaeological sites tell the history of Yemen’s past. In addition, our handicrafts are like no others. We have also breathtaking panoramas. Our coastline is more than 2,000 kilometers long with beautiful beaches; our magnificent mountains are full of wildlife of all kinds. All of these important and unique characteristics have interested those special groups who enjoy seeing ancient architectural sites. Water sport enthusiasts can be attracted to the Red Sea Coast for diving, ornithologists and bird watchers could be tempted to visit specific areas of the country that attract migrant and other bird life. 
Several Yemeni cities enjoy strategic and tourist attractions. These attractions embrace diverse and attractive natural beauty. Yemen is characterized by geographical, mountainous, and topographical relief, including coastlines and a pleasant atmosphere. It seems for the sightseer of Yemen that it is an artistic portrait bestowed by God to this land, the land of the two paradises. If interest is taken with regard to tourist attractions, it will constitute one of the tourist health resorts and one of the main sources of national income. With this short introduction, let us go together to one of the tourist spots in the Republic of Yemen, al-Mahweet. It is located north of Sana’a, 150 km from the capital. It is one of the historical cities in Yemen, characterized by attractive and fascinating beauty through its vast plains and irrigation terraces. This city is rich in its forts and ancient monuments. 
It is not easy to recognize these particulars when the vacationer and sightseer is amazed at the general frame of the traditional architecture. About 19 km away from al-Tawilah lies Shibam, another archeological tourist site. You can see an archeological suburban building called al-Kheir, a stronghold on a volcanic mountain. It is a polygon mountain center, like a concave-triangle that is surrounded by residential buildings. Its background constitutes the defensive and protection line that could hardly be broken through, only by the only gate situated to the east. It is a sample of the residential historic buildings that used to protect people from foreign invasions. 
Al-Tawilah is connected with Maswar, al-Masanih, Thula, Wallaa in the north, Hamadan and Sana’a in the east, Al-Mahweet and Wadi Sordood in the west, and Haraz in the south. 
Geologically, volcanic layers cover the mountain grooves that spread towards bani al-Khayat, passing through the city center to al-Mahweet in the west. 
Historically, al-Tawilah played a role as a bridge on which the Ottoman invaders passed in the 15th century under the leadership of the Sinan Pasha, whose soldiers were stationed in citadels. 
There is an open invitation for investors by the Governor of Hodeidah to invest their capital in the field of tourism. 
Many tourists come to Yemen to see the great and deep-rooted civilization that once was established in the country. They come full of hopes to enjoy themselves in full, to see the historic sites for which Yemen is known. Having the chance to see some of these historical places and monuments scattered throughout Yemen, a tourist could not help but be deeply impressed by the unique beauty manifested on earth. 
In conclusion, Yemen’s tourism industry, like any other part of the world, depends upon an all-around advantageous environment, which enables tourists to feel undisturbed and to enjoy their vacation, touring around the country seeking its beauty. However, Yemen needs to be promoted as a tourist destination.


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