Wadi Dawan, Valley settlement in Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen
Wadi Dawan is a dry riverbed cutting through mountainous terrain in Yemen where villages made of sun-dried mud bricks cling to the steep slopes. The houses rise in layers against the canyon walls, creating a dense settlement that seems to emerge from the landscape itself.
The valley formed as a crucial trade route in ancient times and was settled by different groups who used the narrow passage for commerce. Over centuries, communities built upward along the cliffs, with each generation adapting their construction to the limited space available.
Residents construct their homes from mud bricks, stacking them into multi-story structures that fit snugly between the canyon walls. This approach to building shows how people have shaped the landscape to suit their needs over centuries.
The heat in summer is intense, so plan to explore in early morning or late afternoon hours and bring plenty of water. Walking through the narrow passages between houses requires sturdy footwear and a moderate level of fitness.
The village of Al-Hajarayn perches on a cliff edge, with houses seemingly stacked vertically from the rock face across multiple levels. A large tomb from the 15th century marks the village center and draws visitors interested in studying the stonework and layout up close.
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