Sira Fortress, Military fortress in Aden, Yemen
The stone fortress stands on a volcanic outcrop of Sira Island, offering views across the old harbor and surrounding maritime routes.
Construction of the fortress began around 1173 under Turkish prince Othman Al-Zangabili Al-Takriti, playing a key role during Portuguese attacks in 1517.
The structure reflects medieval military architecture of Yemen through its strategic position and defensive fortifications designed for maritime protection.
Visitors reach the fortress through a 15-minute climb up stone stairs, with the site remaining under military control.
The fortress maintains its original military function since the 11th century, adapting through Turkish, Portuguese, British, and Yemeni control periods.
Location: Aden
GPS coordinates: 12.78004,45.04982
Latest update: March 3, 2025 02:51
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 dating from the 16th century. The fortress of Kawkaban sits atop a high plateau, the village of Hababah demonstrates traditional mountain architecture, and Shaharah Bridge connects two mountain peaks at an elevation exceeding 8,500 feet (2,600 meters). Socotra features Detwah Lagoon, dragon blood trees and limestone caves within its distinct ecosystem. The crater of Haradha Damt is an extinct volcano near Damt, the Marib Dam represents Sabaean engineering from antiquity, and the ruins of Arsh Balqis mark an ancient temple site. Wadi Dawan cuts through Hadhramaut with palm groves and mud villages, Jabal al-Nabi Shu'ayb reaches 12,028 feet (3,666 meters) as the highest peak on the Arabian Peninsula, and Zabid preserves its role as a historic center of Islamic scholarship. Sira Fortress in Aden occupies a volcanic rock above the harbor, Dar al-Hajar in Wadi Dhahr is an 18th-century palace built on a rock outcrop, and Al Saleh Mosque in Sanaa dates from 2008.
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