San’a

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Traditional houses, San’a

Introducing San’a

San’a isn’t where it was supposed to be. Shem, the son of Noah and founder of San’a, had originally chosen to site his new city a little further west, but just as he set out his guide ropes and prepared for some major DIY a bird dropped out of the heavens, picked up the guide rope and moved it further east. This, Shem knew, was a sign, and so it was there, where the bird had dropped the guide rope, that San’a was born. Today most visitors to Yemen arrive, like that interfering bird, by air. San’a, the world’s oldest city, will be their first taste of this most mystical of Arabian countries. It’s a good arrival, for this sickly, sweet cake of a city is one of the world’s great urban centres, and its many layers, colours and patterns make it the most romantic, living, breathing Islamic city you could ever hope to find.

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Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. latlatcheiw avatar
    Re: Socotra island - recommendation of a tour agency

    by latlatcheiw 01 June 2012

    hi, just wanted to ask about entry into Socotra. Is there anyway into the island besides Sana'a? I am a bit concerned about the security…
  2. petersauer4 avatar
    Re: Language Schools in Sana'a/ General Situation

    by petersauer4 28 May 2012

    Hi Njlinn, Thanks once more for your kind feedback. It's very much appreciated. See you in Sana'a insha'allah. N.
  3. njlinn avatar
    RE: Language Schools in Sana'a/ General Situation

    by njlinn 28 May 2012

    The language school can and should give you the invitation. If CALES says they can arrange the whole thing, I'd let them. When I was talking…

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