Sa'dah

Saada (), located in the northwest of Yemen, is the capital and largest city of the governorate bearing the same name, as well as the administrative seat of the eponymous district. The city lies in the Serat (Sarawat) mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters. As of 2004, it was the tenth-largest city in Yemen, with an estimated population of 51,870.

The map of Yemen has included Saada since the reign of the Ma'in Kingdom, the earliest known kingdom in Yemen's history.

Saada is one of the earliest medieval cities in Yemen. It is considered the birthplace of the Shiite sect of Islam in Yemen and served as the base of the Zaydi Imam of Yemen. From the early 9th century to the 20th century, the Rassid dynasty—the longest-reigning dynasty in Yemen's history—prospered in Saada. The dynasty's direct line was replaced by the collateral Qassem dynasty at the end of the 16th century.

Saada is also the stronghold of the Houthis and the birthplace of the Houthi movement. It has been under Houthi control since the conclusion of the Yemeni revolution and was the first city to break away from Yemen's central government during the ongoing crisis in Yemen.

History

Founding and Middle Ages

Around the 14th century BC, the Ma'in people established the first kingdom in Yemen's history, the Ma'in Kingdom, in what is now Al Jawf Governorate, the eastern neighboring province of present-day Saada Governorate. At its peak, the Ma'in Kingdom extended from Hadhramaut in the south to Hejaz (Hijaz) in the north. The region where Saada is located was also part of the Ma'in Kingdom's territory.

After the decline and fall of the Ma'in Kingdom in the 7th century BC, Saada became part of the Kingdom of Sheba, the Kingdom of Himyar, the Aksum Empire in Ethiopia, the Sassanid Dynasty of the Persian Empire, and later the Arabian Empire. Less than four years after the establishment of the Abbasid Dynasty, the second dynasty of the Arab Empire, the people of Yemen, dissatisfied with the tyranny of the empire's governor, staged uprisings in the Saada region in the north and the Hadhramaut region in the south. However, these uprisings were ultimately suppressed by Abbasid authorities.

During the later period of the Abbasid Dynasty, central authority became nominal as warlords fragmented the empire. Various regions, including Yemen, established independent or semi-independent regimes under the nominal rule of the caliphate in Baghdad.

In the early 9th century, a saint and theologian from Medina, Al-Qasim al-Rassi—a descendant of Hasan ibn Ali, the second Shia Imam—formulated the teachings of Zaidism, a Shiite sect. By the late 9th century, Al-Qasim's grandson, Yahya bin Hassan, sought to spread Zaidism in Yemen. In 893, Yahya traveled to northern Yemen to promote Zaidism but initially failed to gain local support and returned to Medina.

In 896, tribal leaders from the Saada and Howran regions of northern Yemen invited Yahya to mediate local tribal conflicts. In 897, Yahya returned to Saada with his uncle Muhammad bin Qasim and other followers. Successfully resolving the conflicts, Yahya gained the support and allegiance of the tribes, who embraced him as their leader, bestowing upon him the title Imam Hadi ("''Imam''" and "''Hadi''" both mean "leader" in Arabic).

Imam Hadi Yahya founded the city of Saada, establishing a theocratic regime that integrated state and religion. Saada became the birthplace and stronghold of the Zaydi sect in Yemen. Today, Zaydis remain one of Yemen's most influential Islamic sects. Saada is also the earliest surviving city with a distinct Arab-Islamic architectural style.

Since Imam Hadi Yahya hailed from the Ras Hills in Medina, his grandfather, Al-Qasim al-Rassi, earned the title "''Rassi''" (Arabic for "one who lives in the Ras Hills"). This gave rise to the dynasty's name, the "Rassi Dynasty." The Rassi Dynasty, which ruled Yemen from 893 to 1962, was the longest-reigning dynasty in the country's history, lasting over a thousand years. Saada is recognized as the birthplace of the Rassi Dynasty.

Since its founding in the Middle Ages, Saada has served as a key trading hub, facilitating the export of goods from northern Yemen to what is now Saudi Arabia. Caravans traveling along the spice route passed through villages surrounding Saada.

The medieval old city of Saada was constructed using traditional methods, showcasing its historical heritage. Surrounding the old city is a bustling new town, characterized by typical streets, garage-like workshops, and Arabian-style shops, reflecting the region's vibrant culture and economy.Gerhard Heck, Manfred Wöbcke
''Arabische Halbinsel.''
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After the death of Imam Hadi Yahya, his sons successively served as Imams. However, the teachings of the Zaydi sect allow for the selection of any ''holy descendant''—a term referring to descendants of Muhammad from the Hashemite family—as Imam, meaning the position is not strictly hereditary. Despite this, the vast majority of Yemen's Imams have been descendants of the Rassi Dynasty (and later the collateral Qasim Dynasty since 1597).

The Yemeni Imamate ruled intermittently, with its authority challenged by foreign powers such as the Fatimid Caliphate, the Ayyubid Dynasty, the Mamluk Sultanate, and the Ottoman Empire. It also faced competition from native Yemeni dynasties like the Rasulid and Tahirid Dynasties, leading to periods where the Rassi Dynasty's rule was interrupted.

Although Saada’s status as the capital of the Imamate was often overshadowed by other cities, such as Sana’a, Shibam, Zabid, or Taiz, the mountainous northwestern region of Yemen, where Saada is located, remained the Imamate’s final stronghold throughout its history.

North Yemeni independence and Yemeni unification

The Ottoman Empire was defeated and disintegrated during World War I, and the northern region of Yemen, including Saada, gained full independence in 1918. Yahya Muhammad Hamid ed-Din, the Imam of the Qasim Dynasty and leader of the Zaydis, proclaimed the establishment of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen, incorporating his title "Mutawakkil" into the country's name.

In September 1962, the "Freedom Officers" organization, led by Abdullah al-Sallal, launched a military coup in the capital, Sana'a, to overthrow the Qasim Dynasty and establish the Yemen Arab Republic. The Qasim royal family and monarchist forces initially fled from Sana'a to the northern mountainous region centered around Saada, before seeking refuge in neighboring Saudi Arabia. There, they joined forces with northern tribes that supported the royal family, sparking a prolonged crisis. This led to eight years of civil war in North Yemen.

Yemen's monarchists were supported by Saudi Arabia, a fellow monarchy, while the republicans received backing from the United Arab Republic, led by President Nasser, who sent troops to North Yemen to assist the republic in resisting the monarchist faction.

During the civil war, Saada, the former royal base and stronghold of the Zaydis, became a key town in the struggle between the republicans and monarchists. On February 18, 1963, Egyptian Vice President and Defense Minister Field Marshal Amer commanded the North Yemen Republican Army to capture the city of Saada, and it has been under republican control ever since.

Although the republican and monarchist factions alternated between offensive and defensive positions, the republican forces, even when at a disadvantage, successfully repelled monarchist attacks on Saada and defended the city.

In July 1970, the civil war in North Yemen came to an end with the republican faction securing the final victory. The Arab Republic of Yemen was subsequently recognized by the international community, including Saudi Arabia.

On May 22, 1990, the Arab Republic of Yemen in the north and the Democratic People's Republic of Yemen in the south announced their unification, forming the Republic of Yemen. Since then, Saada has remained under the rule of the Republic of Yemen.

The northwestern mountainous area, with Saada and its surrounding regions at its core, remained economically neglected despite being the base of the former royal family and the Zaydi faction. Even after the formal unification of the country, the government of the Republic of Yemen failed to develop the region, and local authority remained absent.

At the same time, Yemen's northern population, including Saada, is predominantly Zaydi, and has long been at odds with the Sunni-dominated south. Although President Saleh, who unified Yemen, was from the Zaydi faction in the north (formerly the Arab Republic of Yemen), he relied on the support of neighboring Saudi Arabia during the 1994 civil war to defeat the separatist forces in the south. After the war, however, the Zaydi faction voiced concerns that the Saleh government allowed the Wahhabis, who dominate Saudi Arabia, to exert too much influence in Yemen.

Houthi insurgency, Yemeni revolution, and Yemeni civil war

In 2004, an insurgency against Saleh's government was launched in Saada, led by the Houthi movement. The Houthi movement, formerly known as "Youth of Belief," was founded in 1992 in Saada province by Hussein al-Houthi, a religious and military leader from the Sadah Zaydi Houthi tribe.

Hussein al-Houthi, a former member of Yemen's House of Representatives and an outspoken opponent of Saleh's government, began preparing for an armed rebellion in 2004. However, on September 10 of that year, he was killed during a battle between Yemeni government forces and his followers in Saada province.

Following his death, Hussein al-Houthi's supporters renamed the "Youth of Belief" organization to the "Houthi Movement" in his honor. The group's official name was later changed to "Ansar Allah" (meaning "Supporters of Allah") to reflect their devotion to their cause.

In 2009 and 2010, the conflict between the Houthi movement and Saleh's government persisted, including a major military offensive known as Operation Scorched Earth in the Saada Governorate, leader of the Houthi movement and brother of the late Hussein al-Houthi, publicly declared his support for the anti-government demonstrators. In February and March, thousands of protesters marched weekly in Saada, from the old city gate to the barracks of government security forces.

On March 18, government snipers opened fire on demonstrators participating in a large-scale protest in the capital, Sana’a, resulting in significant casualties. This event, known as the "Day of Dignity," sparked nationwide outrage and led to mass defections from the government.

In response to these events, on March 19, Houthi fighters entered the city of Saada, initiating the battle of Saada. Fierce clashes ensued between the Houthis and the forces of Sheikh Othman Mujalli, a pro-government tribal leader. By March 24, the Houthis had taken control of Saada city. Local officials and tribal leaders loyal to the government fled to Sana’a, while the Houthis established military checkpoints at the city's entrances.

On March 26, the Houthis appointed Fares Manaa, a prominent arms dealer and former ally of President Saleh, as the new governor of Saada province. They also announced the formation of a government entirely independent of the central authority in Sana’a, making Saada the first city to break away from the central government during the Yemeni crisis.

Saada has remained under Houthi control since the end of the battle of Saada. In March 2015, the Houthis, having already seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and consolidated their power, announced their intention to overthrow the remnants of President Hadi’s government, which had fled to the south. Their goal was to unify the country under their rule, which ultimately triggered a new phase of civil war in Yemen.

During the new civil war, Yemen was subjected to airstrikes carried out by the Saudi-led coalition of Arab forces intervening in the conflict.

One of the targets was the Imam Hadi Mosque in Saada, which suffered severe damage. The mosque is considered the oldest Shiite mosque in the Arabian Peninsula and the third oldest in Yemen.. UNESCO World Heritage Convention, 12. Mai 2015.. The Guardian, 5. Juni 2015, von Julian Borger.. reuters.com, 13. Mai 2015, von Noah Browning und Mohammed Ghobari.. France 24, 13. Mai 2015; mit Verweis auf:
العدوان السعودي يقصف مسجد الامام الهادي ومناطق في صعده
', YouTube, veröffentlicht vom YouTube-Kana
كرار المؤيد
am 9. Mai 2015.

In October 2015, coalition airstrikes also destroyed a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Saada, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

In January 2022, a Saudi-led coalition airstrike targeted a prison in Saada, resulting in the deaths of at least 87 people.

Environment

Geography

The northwestern mountainous region of Yemen, where Saada is located, lies in the Serat (Sarawat) Mountain range. This range is part of the southern extension of the Asir Mountains (southern Hijaz Mountains) that stretches into Yemen, adjacent to the country's northeastern plateau.

The region generally experiences a tropical desert climate (Köppen climate classification: BWh), characterized by hot, dry, and water-scarce conditions, with animal husbandry being the primary economic activity.

Geologically, the northern area of the central Yemeni mountains, where Saada is situated, is a horst formed by crystalline rocks.

Climate

Saada has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification: ''BWh'').

Fauna

Saada lends its name to the Yemen rock gecko (''Pristurus saada''), a reptile native to northwestern Yemen.

Demographics

In 2004, Saada had an estimated population of 51,870 (with official statistics recording 49,422), making it the tenth-largest city in Yemen at the time. By 2013, the population was estimated to have grown to 70,203.

Transportation

Saada is served by Saada Airport, located in the northwest of the city (IATA code: SYE; ICAO code: OYSH). The airport has a runway approximately 3,000 meters long, though it does not have scheduled passenger flights. Despite this, Saada Airport remains one of Yemen's key airports for domestic routes.

The city is connected to the capital, Sanaa, via a road that passes through Amran Governate. During the civil war in North Yemen, monarchist forces repeatedly blocked this road to prevent republican control over the route between Sanaa and Saada.

Saada also has cross-border highways leading to Dhahran in Asir Province, Saudi Arabia, and to Najran, the capital of Najran Province in Saudi Arabia.

Culture

Saada is one of the oldest medieval cities in Yemen and holds significant historical, architectural, urban, and spiritual value. Since its founding by Imam Hadi Yahya in the late 9th century, the city has been a stronghold of the Zaydis.

The ancient city of Saada has long been prosperous, with its buildings continuing to follow medieval architectural styles and preserving a distinctive urban layout that represents the region. The wall surrounding the ancient city is approximately 3,000 meters long and 4 meters thick, featuring 52 watchtowers and 16 city gates. Among these, the "Yemen Gate" and "Najlan Gate" are the most famous.

Inside the city, there is a mountain of iron ore slag, the remnants of ancient artisan mining workshops. Additionally, a fortress dating from the 16th to 18th centuries was built on the hill.

The Zaydi Muslim Cemetery outside the ancient city of Saada is the largest and oldest cemetery in Yemen, featuring countless elaborately carved tombstones.

Outside the "Yemen Gate," there is an ancient cistern, as well as large rocks with Neolithic carvings depicting now-extinct wild animals, ibex, and human figures. These carvings represent Yemen's oldest rock art.

Additionally, four fortresses were built outside the ancient city of Saada to guard it: the fortresses of Turmus, Alsama, and Sinara, along with the fortress of Abra, which was rebuilt by the Ottoman Turks.

The area also includes ten small villages in the valley outside the city, characterized by beautiful houses surrounded by farmland, vineyards, and fruit trees.

There are 14 mosques in the ancient city of Saada, built between the 10th and 16th centuries. Among these, the Imam Hadi Mosque houses the tomb of the first Zaydi Imam Hadi and his 11 successors. It is considered the oldest Shiite mosque in the Arabian Peninsula and the third oldest mosque in Yemen. Unfortunately, it was heavily damaged in an airstrike in May 2015.

Both the Hadi Mosque and the Nisari Mosque are regarded as prominent educational and religious sites, with significant architectural value. The various domes and minarets of Saada's mosques are rare and beautiful. Additionally, there is a mosque in the city dedicated to female worshippers.

In 2010, President Saleh announced the construction of Sa'ada University.

Today, the tribes around Saada determine the city's fate. Every Sunday, shoppers can buy carrots, carpets, silverware, electronic equipment, and many other goods at Saada's Sunday Market. Saada is one of Yemen's main mass-market cities, with four bazaars.

Jews in Saada

The residents of Saada are mainly Zayids, but historically, it was also one of the main settlements of Yemeni Jews. Between the 17th and 20th centuries, Jews gathered in large numbers in Yemen, including Saada. At the beginning of the 19th century, there were about 1,000 Jews in the city of Saada. As merchants and craftsmen, especially silversmiths, the Jewish community influenced the economic fate of Saada, contributing to its sustainable construction and development.

Gallery

File:Mosque in Sa'dah.jpg, Sa'dah's Al-Hadi Mosque
File:Sa'dah 03.jpg, Islamic structure in Sa'dah

Notable people

* Ameen Jubran, born 1984, founder of Jeel Albena Association for Humanitarian Development
* Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, born 1979, leader of the Houthi movement
* Yahya Saree, born 1970, military spokesman for the Houthi movement
* Issa al-Laith, born 1985, poet and vocalist affiliated with the Houthi movement

References

External links

Encyclopædia Britannica

{{Authority control

Populated places in Saada Governorate
Cities in Yemen