Sanaa, Capital city in Yemen highlands
Sanaa is the capital of Yemen on a high plateau at 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) elevation, surrounded by mountains and known for its multi-story tower houses built from dark basalt stone with white gypsum decorations. The old quarter forms a maze of narrow lanes between hundreds of historic buildings, while newer districts extend beyond the ancient city walls.
An inscription from 70 AD names the settlement as a Sabaean trading post, which later grew into an important hub on the caravan routes between the port of Aden and the interior. The Great Mosque was founded in the seventh century during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammed and continues to shape the cityscape today.
The old quarter houses the Salt Market, where traders sell spices, dried fruits and silver jewelry using methods passed down through generations. In the narrow lanes, residents gather for tea while shared neighborhood ovens bake fresh bread for the community.
The old quarter is best explored on foot, and comfortable shoes are advisable for the uneven cobblestone streets. Early morning works well for walking through the markets before the midday heat sets in on the plateau.
Each tower house has its own pattern of white gypsum around the windows, different from family to family and serving as a kind of architectural signature. The colorful glass windows in the upper part of the houses are called qamariyya and cast colored light into the interior rooms, especially in the afternoon.
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