Aden

This port city sits on a peninsula in southern Yemen along the Gulf of Aden. Its three main neighborhoods—Crater, Al-Tawahi, and Ma'alla—stretch along coastal roads, connected by narrow passages between volcanic hills and the open sea.

British forces seized the harbor in 1839 and developed it into a key coaling station for ships traveling between Europe and India. After independence in 1967, it became the capital of South Yemen and maintained its role as a major trading hub on the Red Sea.

Musicians perform in cafés and public squares, playing melodies that blend Arabian rhythms with African tones. Fishermen sell their catch in early morning hours along the harbor, while vendors at open markets offer spices, dried fish, and handwoven baskets.

The harbor remains open for cargo ships and commercial traffic, though parts of the city may have restricted access due to security concerns. Visitors should check current conditions for open neighborhoods and road connections before moving around, as the situation can shift quickly.

Ancient cisterns at Tawila were carved directly into volcanic rock and captured rainwater to supply the city for months. These underground basins show how residents coped with water scarcity in one of the driest regions of the Arabian Peninsula.