Aden
Aden
Aden (Adan in Arabic) literally means "Paradise" and this large port city (with over half a million inhabitants) can be considered the door to the natural and cultural paradise of Yemen. This state, situated at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and officially known as the Republic of Yemen, is the only republic in the region. It borders Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the east, while its coasts are lapped by the Red Sea to the west and the Indian Ocean to the south. As well as the mainland territory, Yemen also comprises the Socotra Archipelago in the Indian Ocean and the Perim and Kameran islands in the Red Sea.
Attractions
Everywhere you can admire facades with elaborately decorated friezes and beautiful windows (takhrim) with complex fretwork and coloured glass. The minarets of the mosques rise above the tower-houses, and the city is strewn with Turkish baths. The heart of the city is the Souk al-Milh, made up of around 40 small souks, each specializing in a particular product. A particularly interesting one is the thieves' market, where anyone can sell things they no longer use. You can also visit the Great Mosque (Al-Jami' Al-Kabir). The National Museum and the Arts and Crafts Museum are also worth a visit. Marib, the former capital of the Sabaean Kingdom, is another of Yemen's major attractions. It is home to the country's most famous archaeological site and you can visit some incredible mud buildings with little windows; ancient Sabaean inscriptions can also be seen in the stone cellars. Nearby you can visit the ruins of several important temples, including the Mahram Bilqis, and the remains of the large Marib Dam.
Currency
Currency in Yemen: Yemeni rial (YER)
