A Tour Between the Alleys of the Old City of Sana'a
By Mohamed Algadi, edited by Radi Dhan and Brian Conley
An ancient city, let this photo essay take you on a tour back in time when you pass through Sana'a's gates. Every meter and every stone has a story to tell.
We hope you enjoy this journey.
Sana'a, Yemen - 19/04/2023 - The old city of Sana'a consists of more than 6,000 houses, distinguished by a building style unique to the city. The houses are typically several floors tall, and the outer walls and doors are decorated with exquisite engravings, and painted to increase their beauty. Photos by Mohamed Algadi
Sana'a, Yemen - 19/04/2023 - The wall surrounding Sana'a’s old city is one of the oldest structures in Yemen. The wall surrounds the city and features three gates, known as Bab Al-Yemen, Bab Shu’ub, and Bab Al-Salam. These gates provide residents with the only access to the old city. Photos by Mohamed Algadi
Sana'a, Yemen - 19/04/2023 - Sana’a’s Great Mosque, situated in the old city, is a historical landmark visited by Yemenis nationwide. The mosque contains a large library that includes rare manuscripts, such as a Qur’an that is said to be written by Ali bin Abi Talib, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) cousin, and son-in-law. According to Yemeni history, this mosque was built under the order of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by his companion, Moaz bin Jabal. Photos by Mohamed Algadi
Sana'a, Yemen - 19/04/2023 - The city consists of several neighborhoods linked by a number of narrow roads, locally called “Zuqaq”, and a number of gates built in the unique style that is common to the old city. These roads lead to a number of popular markets dedicated to selling antiques, ancient stones, embroidered fabrics, and everything that is considered part of Yemen’s cultural heritage. In addition to traditional products and antiques, food products such as cereals, especially raisins, and the famous Yemeni almonds are also sold here. Photos by Mohamed Algadi
Sana'a, Yemen - 19/04/2023 - The market for selling Yemeni daggers “Janabi” extends over a great distance inside the old city of Sana'a. Together they form a hypnotizing chain of shops that tempt customers from across Yemen, where wearing the Janabiyya is one of Yemen’s most famous customs. Photos by Mohamed Algadi
Sana'a, Yemen - 19/04/2023 - A shop in the old city dedicated to selling Yemeni raisins and local almonds. Many such shops also sell crackers and chocolates that Yemenis offer to visitors on holidays and special occasions. Selling meat and vegetables on the streets daily is a Yemeni tradition that goes back to ancient times. Yemenis buy their meat using this method in most governorates across the country (right). Photos by Mohamed Algadi
Sana'a, Yemen - 19/04/2023 - In the city center, there are more than twenty shops that extend over an area of three hundred meters dedicated to selling pottery, including pots carved from stone and made of clay (left). A shop selling a variety of household essentials, such as wood stoves and a bakery used to cook the bread inside the stove (right). Photos by Mohamed Algadi
Sana'a, Yemen - 19/04/2023 - Despite Sana'a’s historical importance, the city suffers from neglect, especially in the recent war years. In 2015, UNESCO placed Sana’a on the list of endangered cities, after some of the buildings were destroyed due to the war in Yemen. However, Sana’a continues to maintain its grandeur and beauty, with the residents still clinging to life within this marvelous city. Photos by Mohamed Algadi
You can use the slide on the image below to preview Sanaa’s Old City between 2011 and 2023.