Kathiri Palace, Mud-brick royal palace in Seiyun, Yemen.
Kathiri Palace is a seven-story mud-brick structure with roughly 45 rooms located in Seiyun. The building displays traditional Hadhrami architecture through its multiple turrets and local building techniques.
Sultan Badr Abu Tuwaireq built the palace in 1584 and established it as the administrative center of the Kathiri Sultanate. The ruling family retained control until 1967, when the region underwent major political change.
The palace served for centuries as the seat of the ruling family and symbolizes the region's role as a thriving trade hub. Its grand architecture reflects how local rulers displayed their wealth and authority through monumental building.
The palace is somewhat remote and requires careful planning for a visit. The building has undergone recent restoration work, so visitors should check on access conditions and take note of local requirements before traveling to the site.
The palace appears on Yemen's 1000-riyal banknote, the nation's highest-value currency, marking its role as a national architectural treasure. This honor reflects how deeply the structure is embedded in the country's identity.
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