In Yemen, buildings are constructed using natural materials that are durable over time and suitable for the hot, dry climate of the Arabian Peninsula.
Stepping through Bab-al-Yaman, the gigantic gate into the walled city of Sana’a (Yemen), feels like entering another world.
On the streets, a locksmith diligently repairs a metal key to unlock a grand wooden door, a vendor struggles to push a cart loaded with prickly pears, and a local baker retrieves fresh bread from a blazing hot oven.
However, it is the unique architecture that truly defines Sana’a.
Stunning Architectural Wonders
The capital of Yemen is filled with towering mud buildings reaching towards the blue sky, nestled closely together in narrow alleys near the ancient marketplace.
In each house, the ground floor typically has no windows and is often used as a space for animals. Above, window frames adorned with whitewashed edges contrast with the mud-colored walls. These are covered with colored glass or Mashrabiya (a traditional design in Islamic culture), allowing for privacy for women while facilitating airflow and light into the home.
The stone palace of Dar-al-Hajar appears to grow from the mountain. (Photo: The New Arab).
Constructed from natural materials, the towering buildings in Yemen exhibit exceptional durability and are perfectly suited to the hot, dry climate of the Arabian Peninsula.
“During the day, heat from the sun is absorbed by the walls. As night falls, the heat gradually radiates out, keeping the building at an ideal temperature for the residents,” explains Professor Ronald Rael from UC Berkeley, highlighting the uniqueness of Yemen’s mud architecture.
In addition to the capital Sana’a, mud structures can be found throughout Yemen, from the small village of Shibam, dubbed “the Manhattan of the desert,” to the stone palace of Dar-al-Hajar that seems to rise from the massive mountain.
According to Trevor Marchand, a professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, it is challenging to pinpoint the exact age of this architectural wonder. Medieval documents indicate that the Ghumdam Palace in Sana’a, one of the oldest mud buildings in Yemen, was constructed around 2,300 years ago.
Shibam, “the Manhattan of the desert,” was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. (Photo: Daily Sabah).
“Towns and cities have an outer wall, known as Sur, with the boundary being the vast desert,” says architect Salma Damluji. Thus, the ancient residents of Yemen opted for vertical construction designs.
Moreover, the formation of concentrated settlements served as a means to protect the people from invasions, as well as during periods of civil war and power struggles among local tribes.
Preserving Heritage
Yemeni residents typically do not use scaffolding when constructing tall buildings.
Instead, they lay the first brick down in a foundation about 2 meters deep, building upwards according to a vertical brick-laying principle, meaning one brick is stacked on top of two others. Scaffolding is only utilized once the house is completed or requires repairs.
The architectural wonder of mud in the capital Sana’a, Yemen. (Photo: The Guardian).
However, the art of building with mud is at risk of being lost in Yemen. To prevent this, Salma Damluji is collaborating with the Dawan Architecture Organization, which promotes the use of traditional materials and methods to preserve the valuable heritage of the West Asian nation.
Currently, the architectural wonders made of mud in Yemen are directly affected by winds, war, and Western sanctions. In 2020, UNESCO conducted a survey of approximately 8,000 buildings and restored 78 structures on the brink of collapse.
“It is unfortunate to witness history turn into ruins. This is a significant loss for all humanity,” shares Arwa Mokdad, a peace activist with the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Organization.
“I take pride in living in a house that has been preserved by many generations. It is the thread that connects our generation to the past,” Arwa adds.
