Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TAWAKKOL KARMAN
Joint winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, Tawakkol Karman is a Yemeni journalist and human rights activist
who played a leading role in the 2011 anti-government protests. Although it was her role in these protests that
really brought her to international attention her political career began back in 2007 when she began organising
protests in Sanaʻa calling for press freedom in Yemen.
Known in Yemen as the 'Iron Lady' or the 'Mother of the Revolution', she was the first Yemeni to be awarded
the Nobel Peace Prize, only the second Muslim woman and the youngest ever recipient of the prize.
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Religion
Islam is Yemen's state religion. Most Muslims are Sunnis, many of whom follow the
Shafa'i sect. Of the Shiites, most follow the Zaydi sects and are based primarily in the far
north. In some parts of Yemen (Hadramawt in particular) many pre-Islamic beliefs have
been incorporated into daily life.
The majority of the Jewish population emigrated to Israel in the 1950s. Emigration has
continued, and now only one or two families are estimated to remain in Yemen (largely in
the north, in and round Ar-Rayda and Sa'da). In early 2007 the last of the remaining Jew-
ish families were told by Islamic fundamentalists to leave immediately or be killed - most
were subsequently airlifted to Israel.
The influence of Saudi inspired Wahhabi Islam is growing in Yemen and with it the
country seems to be becoming ever more conservative.
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Arts
For the traveller, Yemen's arts can most easily be appreciated in the varied architecture of
its towns and villages, and in its museums. Beautiful examples of ancient art can be found
in the latter, as well as more contemporary examples of artisanship. In the larger towns,
galleries showcase modern works.
Literature
Poetry - originally oral literature - has been an important art form in Yemen since pre-
Islamic times. The most famous Yemeni poet by far is Al Baradouni. Novelists include
