Old Sana'a, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sana'a, Yemen.
Old Sana'a is an ancient city in Yemen featuring over 6,000 multi-story houses built from rammed earth and decorated with white geometric designs and colored glass windows. The buildings rise to heights of about 8 stories and stand at an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters (7,200 feet).
The settlement originated in the 6th century BC and later became a major hub for Islamic expansion after the construction of the Great Mosque around 630 AD. This religious prominence shaped the city's development for centuries to come.
The winding streets host traditional markets where silver jewelry, textiles, and spices are sold by families who have practiced these trades for generations.
Visitors need to obtain permits from local authorities before accessing certain areas of the old city. Photography of private residences requires permission from residents, so it is best to ask first before taking pictures.
The tower houses use natural cooling methods through thick rammed earth walls and carefully positioned windows that help regulate temperature in the highland climate. This architectural approach developed from practical necessity and proves highly effective in the local environment.
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Yemen offers photographers subjects ranging from the ancient mud architecture of Sanaa to volcanic craters and the geological formations of Socotra. The Old City of Sanaa presents multi-story tower houses decorated with white gypsum patterns, while Shibam in Hadhramaut displays mud-brick high-rises...
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