Dhamār, Yemen
Region: Dhamar Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 14.550000, 44.401700
Temperature Range: 17.0°C to 35.0°C (63°F to 95°F)
Climate: Hot and dry with occasional rainfall, typical of a desert climate.
Population: 160114
Language: Arabic
Dhamār is a city located in the central highlands of Yemen, About 100 kilometers south of the capital city of Sana’a. It is the capital of Dhamar Governorate and has a population of approximately 160, 000 people. The city boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times and is renowned for its beautiful architecture, Traditional handicrafts, And stunning landscapes. The old city in Dhamār is one of its main attractions.
It is surrounded by a fortified wall that dates back to the 16th century and features narrow streets lined with traditional houses made from mud bricks adorned with intricate designs. Visitors can also see several historic mosques in the old city, Including Al-Hajjar Mosque which was built in the 10th century. Another popular attraction in Dhamār is Al-Hakim Mosque constructed during the Fatimid dynasty in the 11th century. This mosque features stunning architectural details such as intricate carvings and beautiful calligraphy on its walls.
Dhamār also boasts several natural attractions worth exploring like Wadi Dhahr – a picturesque valley located about 20 kilometers northwest of Dhamar City – featuring lush greenery and towering cliffs offering breathtaking views. The region surrounding Dhamār produces some of Yemen’s best coffee beans as well as fruits like pomegranates, Grapes, Figs, And apricots due to its fertile land known for agriculture. Visitors can explore local markets where they can find an array of fresh produce alongside traditional handicrafts such as pottery or weaving made by local artisans.
In addition to cultural heritage sites and natural beauty spots, Visitors get an opportunity to experience authentic Yemeni cuisine at local restaurants or street vendors serving up delicious dishes like mandi (a rice dish cooked over hot coals), Haneeth (slow-cooked lamb), Or salta (a spicy stew made with vegetables and meat). Overall, Dhamār is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, And natural beauty. With its stunning architecture, Picturesque landscapes, Delicious cuisine and friendly locals, It’s no wonder why this city has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in Yemen.
- Al-Qahira Castle
- Al-Kharaba Mosque
- Al-Hajjarah Palace
- Dhamar Museum of Antiquities
- Fakher Museum for Heritage and Antiquities
- The old city of Dhamar
- Al-Qa’a village
- The ancient ruins of Shaddad’s Dam
- Dhamār, Yemen is primarily an agricultural region with major industries and businesses in agriculture, livestock farming, and food processing.
- The city also has small-scale manufacturing units that produce textiles, leather goods, and handicrafts.
- Additionally, there are small businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants that cater to the local population.
- However, due to ongoing conflict in Yemen since 2015, many of these industries have been severely impacted leading to a decline in economic activity in the region.
- The ancient kingdom of Saba, which was centered in Dhamār and flourished from the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD.
- The Great Dam of Ma’rib, an engineering marvel built by the Sabaeans that provided irrigation for their agricultural empire.
- The Islamic conquest of Yemen in the 7th century AD, which brought Islam to Dhamār and led to its development as a center of learning and culture.
- The Zaidi Imams who ruled over Yemen from Sana’a in the north but had significant influence over Dhamār as well.
- The Ottoman Empire’s occupation of Yemen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which saw significant resistance from local tribes including those in Dhamār.
- More recently, Dhamār has been affected by political instability and conflict related to Yemen’s ongoing civil war since 2015.
Notable people associated with Dhamār include:
- Queen Bilqis (also known as Sheba), who is said to have ruled over Saba during its golden age.
- Imam Yahya Hamid ed-Din (1869-1948), a Zaidi leader who became Imam of Yemen in 1904 and ruled until his assassination by a member of his own family.
- Abdulaziz Al-Maqaleh (born c.1980), a professional footballer who played for several clubs in Saudi Arabia before returning to play for Al-Hilal Club (Yemen) based in Dhamar where he is originally from.
- Al-Qahira Castle: A historical castle built during the Ottoman Empire.
- Al-Hajjar Mosque: A beautiful mosque with a unique architecture and design.
- Dhamar Museum of Antiquities: A museum showcasing the ancient history and culture of Dhamar.
- Al-Mashreq Palace: A stunning palace built during the 19th century with intricate details and designs.
- The Great Dam of Marib: An ancient dam located near Dhamar that dates back to the 8th century BC.
- Thula Old City: An old city with traditional Yemeni architecture and design, located on a hilltop overlooking Dhamar.
- Dar al-Hajar Palace: A famous palace built in the 1930s, known for its unique rock formation and scenic views.
- Wadi Dhahr Valley: A picturesque valley located near Dhamar, famous for its natural beauty and lush greenery.
- Jibla Archaeological Site: An archaeological site containing ruins from various periods throughout Yemen’s history.
- Al-Kharafish Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Yemen, dating back to the 7th century AD, located near Dhamar city center.
- 1. Mandi – a traditional Yemeni dish made with rice and meat (usually chicken or lamb) cooked in a tandoor oven.
- 2. Bint Al Sahn – a sweet, honey-flavored bread that is often served for breakfast or as a dessert.
- 3. Al-Fanar Restaurant – known for its traditional Yemeni dishes like Mandi and Salta.
- 4. Al-Saeed Restaurant – famous for its fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish and shrimp.
- 5. Abu Zaid Restaurant – serves authentic Yemeni cuisine including Mandi, Salta, and other meat dishes.
- 6. Kabsa House Restaurant – offers delicious Kabsa which is another popular dish made with rice and meat cooked in spices.
- 7. Al-Saleh Traditional Food – serves traditional Yemeni food including Salta, Thareed (a bread-based stew), grilled meats etc.
- 8. Haddah Restaurant – famous for its variety of soups such as lentil soup with chicken etc., salads and sandwiches.
Please note that the current situation in Yemen is unstable due to conflict; therefore it’s important to check the safety before visiting any place there.
- Al-Rabat Park: A large park located in the heart of Dhamar city that offers a variety of recreational activities such as walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Al-Sabeen Park: A popular park located on the outskirts of Dhamar city that features a large lake where visitors can enjoy boating and fishing.
- Al-Mahweet Park: A scenic park located near the historic town of Mahweet that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Hiking and trekking: The rugged terrain around Dhamar provides ample opportunities for hiking and trekking enthusiasts to explore its natural beauty.
- Cultural tours: Visitors can take guided tours to explore historical sites such as the ancient ruins of Kawkaban or visit traditional Yemeni villages to experience local culture firsthand.
Please note that due to ongoing conflicts in Yemen, it is important for travelers to check with their embassy or travel advisory services before planning a trip to this region.
