Natural harbor that sits in the crater of an
extinct volcano. It is located on the Gulf of
Aden.
Climate
Average temperature in Summer (42-23 Degrees
C), Winter (32-17 Degrees C).
Cultural Overview
Aden is a historic port city that served as a vital trade center for
the region. Aden is historically
recognized as one of the most ancient Arab and non-Arab seasonal
markets The British controlled
Aden
from the mid 19th century until the 1960's. Aden served as the capital of the People
Democratic Republic of Yemen from 1960 until the reunification
in 1990. Aden is no longer a political capital, although it is
often referred to as the economic capital of Yemen. However, the city still
plays an important role due to its historical importance and
geographic location...
Although Sana'a is the administrative capital
of Yemen, the
commercial capital has long been
Aden, even if its fortunes have fluctuated
over the years. Although large, sprawling and noisy, it is a pretty
relaxed place, and presents a very different face from the
Yemen
of the north, historically, artistically and culturally. It's well
worth at least a brief visit. It also boasts some lovely beach
'resorts; except for those found at Al-Khawkha, they're the only
ones of their kind in Yemen.
History
According to legend, Noah's Ark was built and launched in the area.
Inscriptions dating to the 6th century BC first concretely mention
the town, but it's clear that it has long served as an ancient
trading centre. Since the 10th century Aden
has Also been one of
Yemen's towns, and by the
13th century its inhabitants numbered some 80.000 people.
Initially serving as the capital of a serried of local
dynasties, Aden
was later taken over by the Ottomans, followed by the British in
1839. After the opening of the Suez Canal
in the middle of the 19th importance grew, and it soon numbered
among the largest ports in the world.
Aden served as the capital of
the PDRY from 1967 until reunification, when it was declared a
free-trade zone. Although badly damaged in the 1994 War of Unity, it
has made a recovery of currently pumping much money into developing
and modernizing the port.
Bir Ali
Another south coast wonder is Bir Ali.
The Bay
of Bir Ali has beautiful white sand
beaches, and clear light blue waters.
Bir Ali is ideal for camping, and swimming and you never know you
may be visited by a school of playful dolphins..
