Shibam

Introducing Shibam

Not to be confused with the town of the same name in eastern Yemen, this ancient village lies 2300m above sea level, at the foot of Jebel Kawkaban (2800m). It’s an almost compulsory stop on every visitor’s Yemen trip, but despite this it retains a chilled-out, welcoming attitude and makes a good first stop in rural Yemen. Dating from the 2nd century AD, Shibam became an important capital for the local Yafurid dynasty in the 9th century, when its grand mosque – one of the oldest in Yemen – was built.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009