AL BAIDHA GOVERNORATE

Al Baidha, situated in the southeast part of Yemen, is 268 km from Sana’a and is 2250 m above sea level.

Al Baidha city:

The administrative center of the province, at the southeast part of the province, near to Mukayyaras. It is connected to Dhamar by a paved road across Rada’a and to Abyan via Mukayars.

The architectural style prevalent in the province is stones construction of the ground floor with mud-built upper floors. Some houses are fully built with stones in the unique style of Al-Baidha and its surrounding region of Hareeb and Al Jooba of the Marib region. It has many fertile valley and its mountains are full with minerals particularly copper. In the Governorate there are many historical and archaeological relics ancient and Islamic.

Ancient Historical & Archaeological Sites:

Makha: This was the capital of Awsan Kingdom.

Qania: Hasi-Al-Me’esal-Wadi Thah

Rada’a

55km from Dhamar it is one of the ancient historic sites. It was said that the Himyarite king, Shammar Yahri’ash, took this city as his residence. It was also an important center of the Tahiride dynasty in the 15^th century AD. The houses here are built with white clay distinguished only for Rada’a. The windows are double arched and sometimes triple arched, covered by board marble slabs. This style of architecture is unique to Rada’a.

Features of the city:

Rada’a Fort: It is at the top of a hill, which enhances its fortification, and parts of the stones wall of the city are still standing.

The most interesting mountains are Aameriyah Mosque and School, which is a wonderful mosque, peerless in architectural design, decoration, and domes. It was built by Sultan Aamer Abdul-Wahhab around 500 years ago, and consists of two levels, the floor level is for prayer, the second level is for schooling.

Mukayras

A small mountain city with a moderate climate, that differs from the climate prevailing in the rest of Abyan, as this city lies 2000m above sea level.

Al Baidha is also known for-Al Baidhani dance, with its quick paced moves and fast rhythm.

The Mountains in Al Baidha Governorate:

- Barsh Mountain-Saba Mountain –Al Hubaishiyah mountain and they are located to the south of Rada’a.

- Qaifa Mountains.

- Mukayyaras Mountain