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San'a
Arabic:
san¢ā'
Capital of Yemen with 1.85 million inhabitants (2005 estimate). San'a is situated in the inland, 100 km from the coast of the Red Sea, on a plateau at an elevation of more than 2,000 metres above sea level.
The economic base of San'a are fruits grown in the region.
San'a is made up by two cities, with the palace of the imam (the Shi'i ruler who governed Yemen until mid-1960s) in the very middle. One part has several mosques and a market where jewellery, silver, leather goods, silk, and carpets are manufactured and sold. The other part is only residential.
San'a is has a very distinct architecture, and is one of the world's most beautiful cities. Hence, it is high on international organizations preservation list. There are presently several projects going on, all aiming at preserving the authenticity of San'a, the complexity of the artistry and make it more attractive for the inhabitants to go on living in traditional houses, even in modern ages.
San'a' University was founded in 1970. San'a was until 1990 capital of Yemen Arab Republic, and became the capital of the Yemen.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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