Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EASTERN YEMEN
Eastern Yemen is one of the few places left in Arabia where the desert world of Thesiger
still clings on, albeit with increasing precariousness. Home of nomadic Bedouin tribal
people, ruined cities of legend and startling oases, this massive chunk of apricot dunes and
bleak stonescapes is for many the most romantic corner of Yemen.
SECURITY - EASTERN YEMEN
Unfortunately, during the political crisis of 2011-12 large parts of this region fell out of central government control
and into the hands of Al-Qaeda affiliated groups. Throughout 2012 the new Yemeni government, backed by what
are assumed to be US drone strikes as well as US intelligence information, has been fighting back and much lost
ground has been regained. For the traveller though the entire area is completely closed due to the extreme danger of
visiting. Sadly, it's unlikely the situation will improve much during the lifetime of this topic.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ma'rib
06
It's hard to imagine that this rotting desert town was ever a seat of power, but it was from
these very same streets that a woman of intense beauty once came forward and changed the
story of Arabia. Bilqis, guardian of the frankincense trade routes, lover of Solomon, mother
of the throne of Abyssinia, daughter of the devil and known to the world simply as the
Queen of Sheba is rumoured to have based her capital here. The Quran relates other,
equally fantastical stories of Ma'rib, famously describing it as a paradise on the left bank
and a paradise on the right bank. By all accounts this was a true description - the city, built
on taxes from the incense trade, was impossibly wealthy and, thanks to its famous dam,
very fertile. It's said that a person could walk for four days in any direction and not leave
the shade of the palm groves and orange trees.
Even in good times tribal tensions run high in Ma'rib and the town could never be de-
scribed as safe. Many tourists have been kidnapped in and around Ma'rib over the years
and the area is a hotbed of militant activity. As such Ma'rib has been closed to tourists for a
number of years and we have been unable to conduct on-the-ground research here since
2007. In the unlikely event that the town reopens to tourism during the lifetime of this topic
we urge you to exercise extreme caution.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search