Before passing to other subjects, let me take you to a very interesting town in Yemen.You may have a tendency to associate New york with its skyscrapers but there are others in the world who built skyscrapers much before New York. Shibam is located in the Hadramut Valley and known as the oldest skyscaper town in the world.
While the town has existed for around 2000 years, most building are originated in the 16th century. There are about 500 tower houses in Shibam, some rise as high as 40 metres. And if you read my previs posts now you can easily guess that they are all built by mud bricks.
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Although there were many tourists and a French TV crew the day I visitied the city, life goes quite ordinary for its citizens. Men were enjoying some games and chat in the shades of the town center and women probably in their daily routines at their homes. I could only locate a group of them outside the town.
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While the town has existed for around 2000 years, most building are originated in the 16th century. There are about 500 tower houses in Shibam, some rise as high as 40 metres. And if you read my previs posts now you can easily guess that they are all built by mud bricks.Although there were many tourists and a French TV crew the day I visitied the city, life goes quite ordinary for its citizens. Men were enjoying some games and chat in the shades of the town center and women probably in their daily routines at their homes. I could only locate a group of them outside the town. 
The architecture is interesting and beautiful. But what fascinates a woman from the West (me) most is the contrast in lifestyles of the males and females. Perhaps, unwarranted because I do not know how they feel, but I always feel such sorrow for the women encased away in their heavy black robes. How do you feel about it?
ReplyDeleteWow, so beautiful. What captured me (other than your amazing photos) is how people spend time, men play games in the shade and the women are in groups. There is a sense of real community that we lack in LA, even though one strives to create it. I don't think it's just LA, I think it's a lot of places.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a real treasure!
much love
Just today I discovered your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing so interesting pics and info about Shibam. I love East.
Nice to "meet" you :)
That top photo is remarkable. It's as if they built the city to echo the mountains beyond.
ReplyDeleteHey Aysegul
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. This is so informative. The buildings look so great. Its has its own ancient-ness to it and yet so modern... Exquisite...
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I like the muted colors of these skyscrapers much more than the shining grey and blue modern buildings!
ReplyDeleteHistory just amazes me. We don't have alot here in Australia as we are a young country. Reading about other places is a great - thanks.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog. Amazing! Such beautiful pictures! I've added you to my fav's.
ReplyDeleteThanx!
OMG the buildings are awesome!!! and so old, great pictures of the people... love the new look of your blog... have a great day...
ReplyDeleteThe city, and the buildings..., they're so different from the US and so fascinating. All the sand colors blend into the environment so perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThe difference of life between men and women is most interesting. Thank you for taking us the Yemen the past few posts. I'm always amazed at what I don't know.
ReplyDeleteThis is just amazing! You would think with all the buildings in a monochrome bland colour it might be ugly.. yet the opposite is true.. The buildings seem to glow and reflect the colours of the landscape and sun!! Beautiful! x Julie
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this Yemen series! Both architecture and people shots are just great!
ReplyDelete