according to one version, Sana'a's foundation goes back to the 1st century, whereas a legend attributes Sana'a's origins to Sem, the son of Noah.
the capital has a rich history, including of occupation. the second ottoman occupation from 1872-1918 laid the foundation for today's Sana'a as important capital, including the establishment of an administration that remained in place after the departure of the Turks. from 1948 until the end of the 1960s, the city suffered from heavy looting. starting in the 1970s, it benefited from a lot of modernisation. however, it was only following the Gulf war (and the expulsion of 800,000 Yemenis from Saudi Arabia and another 200,000 from Kuwait, because of Yemen's support of Saddam Hussein and Iraq) that Sana'a really exploded as urban, metropolitan city.
the world-famous old town of Sana'a, part of UNESCO's world heritage sites.
a camel in the middle of the old town, enjoying a little rest from work.
the street around the old town of Sana'a, which is also meant to protect the old town in cases of floodings.
view from Bab al-Yemen, probably the most famous entrance gate to the old town, from where also the different market sections go off in all directions.
the old town at night, when the windows are iluminated and thus showing their wonderful colours.
