Ibb: Speechless beauty and varied history [Archives:2005/875/Culture]
September 8 2005
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The natural aspect:
This is the pride of the province. Some claim that it rains in Ibb hundred times more than the average of other provinces. This is why it is proverbial for its greenery and dubbed “The Green Province.”
It has been famous for its abundant crops and fertile soil. The province contains many valleys such as al-Sahool. Ali bin Zayid, a legendary wiseman whose statements are taken for proverbs and who is not native to Ibb, mentioned al-Sahool in one of his proverbs which says:
If famine you flee
Descend to Sahool bin Najee
If from death you escape
There ain't any harbor
Other valleys are Maitam, Annah, al-Dour, Bana etc. Most of them have streams which irrigate nearby agricultural lands. There are also hot springs, an efficacious method to heal diseases such as rheumatism. These hot baths are found in the districts of al-Udain, and al-Qafr, let alone the renown baths of Damt in al-Radhmah district. visiting the peot-inspiring valleys with waterfalls around you and sparrows twittering on green bushes, one is sure to experience a trance of indescribable relaxation in a paradise-like place.
Historic sites:
However, nature is not the only assets of Ibb. The province of Ibb enjoys a large number of historic sties and tourist attractions. It consists of many districts including Yarim, al-Saddah, Ba'dan, al-Sabrah, Hubaish, al-Udain, al-Qafr, al-Sayani, etc . Ibb has its own characteristic architecture that displays various sorts of arts. This can be seen in houses, palaces, castles, schools, and mosques scattered across the province. The old city of Ibb is a museum by itself. It comprises thirty mosques and schools some of which are eight centuries old. It also contains popular markets with distinguished lifestyle. The old system of irrigation has survived time and is represented in the ditches that bring water and distribute it to households.
Some 6 kms to the southwest of the province's capital, the town of Jibla is situated. It was founded as a capital for the Medieval Sulaihi State. It was the seat of Queen Arwa from which she controlled a large portion of Yemen. It contains a manifold tourist attractions such as the Sultanate Palace, queen Arwa Museum, and Queen Arwa Mosque.
The mountainous topography of the province provided an ideal secured place for civilizations that throve in ancient times when raids among states were frequent. In the area of Dhafar which is part of Yarim district, the Pre-Islamic Hymiarite State flourished.
Moreover, there are many forts built in mountains overseeing key spots and valleys such as Hab Fort in Ba'dan district which dates back to very old times. The list includes the forts of Ta'kar, Maswar, Jiblah, Madayim, Yareem, Kuhlan (in Radhmah), Dhafar, Rihab, and Sumarah.
There are ancient shrines such as Queen Arwa Mosque in the town of Jiblah, al-Mahdi Mosque in Yareem, and al-Haj Mufadhal Shrine and Ishaq Mosque in al-Sabrah district.
The archeological discoveries in al-Awd where the ruins of an ancient city were unearthed along with a large number of antiquities, artifacts and finds.
Due to insufficient resources and lack of trained archeologists, many sites suffer from damage and others looted or still buried.
Third Tourist Festival:
By virtue of Ibb's tourist significance, the government, though late, has paid attention to the province, planning to nominate it the “Tourism Capital” of Yemen. The Third Annual Tourist Festival was held during August 21-28, 2005. It was inaugurated by governmental officials headed by Vice President and Minister of Culture and Tourism. The festival aimed to introduce the province's cultural heritage and tourist assets. Staged in the old city of Ibb, the festival featured cultural and artistic contests, poetic sessions, art galleries and photo shows at the Art House. A group discussion on Ibb's folklore was held as well.
The festival intended to promote local tourism and exhibited tourist services and facilities as well as agricultural and handicraft products.
In jeopardy:
For all these efforts to come to fruition, experts believe they should be concerted and permanent (not seasonal). A systematic building of the province's infrastructure and capacity is essential including the human resources. The natural advantages should be protected.
Nowadays one can find that the urban expansion is like a monster consuming the highly fertile land and encroaching on areas which should be saved. The locals in the suburbs believe that urban expansion is causing damage to the pure nature of the province by blocking and draining water streams, preying on fertile lands, distorting the natural landscape and impacting biodiversity in the province.
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