Seyoun: Invincible forts & Islamic Center [Archives:2002/38/Culture]

SALEH ABDULBAKI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
A perusal of the old references of the Yemeni history, one can find a good number of Yemeni cities, that were the cradle of the Yemeni civilization throughout historical eras. These cities represent originality and greatness of the Yemeni civilizations. Yemenis’ history was clearly depicted and manifested itself by erecting huge castles and forts scattered in different parts of the country to protect against invaders whom they used to sweep Yemeni territories. Among these cities where the history lies is the city of Seyoun.
It is one of the most important tourist cities with rich historical and archeological Islamic monuments. It was used to be one of the most important centers of knowledge and sciences. It enjoyed lots of features during the Islamic rule, established long ago.
The great number of historical forts and castles spreading in many parts of Seyoun is a perfect example of this history. Tall buildings and forts in Seyoun are all eye-catching, marvelous and wonderful inscriptions and monuments inside have a lot to show about this history and tradition of the Yemeni skillfulness.
What attract the eyes the time you enter the city are the traditional Yemeni houses built of mud. You can never fail to notice the great number of forts on many mountain tops and hills telling about the great prosperous civilization deeply rooted in history. This report is to shed light on some of these important forts.
Historians have unanimously said that Seyoun is one of the oldest Yemeni cities and its existence was in the 2nd millennium BC. Historical engravings and inscriptions have emphasized that Seyoun was divided into two cities. Its houses and buildings belonged to Bani al-Hareth and Bani Omar before the emergence of Islam.
During the Umayyadese era, the governor ruled the districts between Tareem and Shibam and then Seyoun was included till 746. During the outbreak of the revolution led by Abdullah bin Yahya who took power in Seyoun in the same year, the al-Hawareth fort was then renewed. It was located in the eastern part of Seyoun.
Historians have indicated that the city of Seyoun was originally a village belonged to Boor City, which was at that time the capital of the Wadi during the reign of Handhala bin Senwan. It was inhabited by the Bano al-Haretha al-Ashras and Bano Huthail from Hymyar.
With the passage of time, Seyoun had emerged as the capital of the Wadi Hadhramout, which was in the 10th and 9th century of Hegira.
The capital was adopted by the Sultan, Badr Bin Taweriq for his own kingdom and for al-Katheer state. As a distinguished city, the city of Seyoun began to be developed gradually and its architecture began to shape itself and witnessed a unique design.
An American tourist once described the city as one of the most wonderful cities in the Peninsula. The city also has gained the attention focus of the Orientalists and they described it as the Garden City due to its evergreen palm trees.
Subsequently beautiful states were established in Seyoun where the city had become a spot of conflict among these states. Historical evidence indicates that the city was conquered by the Wahhabites in 1712 by Naji bin Gala’a.
We find that the city of Seyoun through the history of Yemen had enriched the Yemeni architecture styles which some of them are still existing till today.
* Al-A’r Fort:
It is considered as one of the most important forts. Archeological inscriptions indicate that it was renewed by Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Ali al-Kindi in 1451.
The Sultan, Abdullah Bin Rashed was imprisoned in this fort in 1209 and it was also the spot where he was murdered.
* Al-Howareth Fort:
It is one of the oldest forts in Yemen. It was this fort which was considered as one of the residences of the Bani al-Hareth bin Moawia during the emergence of Islam. Since time immemorial, it was taken as invincible fort protecting soldiers and officers.
* Al-Dowail Fort:
It was one of the oldest forts in the history of Yemen where al-Dowail fort is also one the historical monuments which is nowadays called (al-Kuthairi Palace). It was called then Al-Noura Palace where it was taken as a mosque.
The al-Dowail Fort is taken as an abode for the Sultan Ghaleb al-Katheri in 1855 and then it was renewed in 1926 by al-Katheri’s son al-Mansour. The fort was then painted by plaster.
The palace of the fort consists of 6 floors and it is about 5460 square km. It includes 55 rooms, 14 stores, 230 bathrooms, 183 doors and 214 windows.
Seyoun wall
The Seyoun wall was built during Badr Abu Taweriq in the 10th century. It surrounded the city from all directions. The wall was of great significance to protect the city from any possible attack. It used to have three gates.
In Seyoun there is a good number of historical monuments including mosques, its tall minarets and temples.

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