Al-Qarrah City, Yafe’

The town of al-Qarrah is located northeast of the city of Aden, approximately 109 km (68 miles) by air. It lies at the intersection of longitude 45.29° E and latitude 13.72° N. Jabal al-Qarrah is situated within the Yafa' region – Rassad District – Abyan Governorate, Yemen, and is considered one of the most prominent geographical and historical landmarks in Yafa'.

Al-Qarrah is a towering rocky mountain that rises to an elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level. Its summit forms a relatively flat, oval-shaped plateau extending approximately 300 meters from north to south and about 180 meters at its widest point from east to west. The mountain's rock formations are diverse: the upper parts are dominated by limestone and metamorphic rocks, while the slopes and ravines feature hard rock formations. The mountain is surrounded by steep and rugged terrain, encircled by several valleys, with numerous ravines and runoff channels descending into the adjacent wadis.

The mountain has a distinct conical shape and stands isolated from the surrounding ranges. Its summit appears as if it had been cleanly sliced, and while the rocks of the lower slopes are dark, those of the summit are white due to the presence of gypsum-like limestone (known locally as nūrah). The steep cliffs that encircle the summit make it virtually inaccessible, endowing it with natural fortification. This strategic advantage allowed it to serve as the site for a stronghold that was utilized by successive ruling authorities in Yafa’.

Atop this prominent mountain sits the administrative centre of the ‘Afifi Sultanate (al-Qarrah), characterized by traditional architecture. The structures of al-Qarrah were built from locally sourced materials, including stone and timber, and some of the palaces reach up to six stories in height. The walls and roofs are constructed using white marble-like stone, which remains remarkably well-preserved despite exposure to natural elements.

Al-Qarrah is among the most important and renowned archaeological landmarks in Yafa’. It may be regarded as a unique open-air museum due to its breathtaking natural setting, its commanding strategic location, and its distinctive architectural character. In addition to its natural fortification, al-Qarrah features a wealth of historic and archaeological elements, including: a stone wall encircling the entire site, the main gate (Bab al-Qarrah), forts, rainwater cisterns (ma'ajil), underground grain silos, mosques, caves (rock shelters and hollows), cemeteries, shrines, and an open square (Maydan al-Qarrah).

The historical significance of al-Qarrah dates to the period between the 11th and 14th centuries AH (17th to 20th centuries CE), when it served as the capital of the ‘Afifi Sultanate. Sultan Mu’awwadah bin Muhammad bin Mu’awwadah bin ‘Afif resided there beginning in 1092 AH (1681 CE). The site is divided into two main sections:

Lower al-Qarrah, which contains several of the sultans’ forts, the central square, and the Jilani Mosque. It is accessible via a stone-paved pathway that leads from the main gate.

Upper al-Qarrah, which includes several forts belonging to the ‘Afif family. It connects to the gate via a path along the western slope known as Tariq al-Nubah.

The site of al-Qarrah in Yafa' exemplifies a unique model of human adaptation and harmonious coexistence with nature. All building materials were locally sourced—from quarried and shaped natural stone to timber used for roofing and traditional binding materials. Al-Qarrah also served as a center of social cohesion, uniting various families and tribes under the governance of the ruling dynasty at the time.

Criterion (iii): The site of al-Qarrah bears unique testimony to a cultural tradition of a community that inhabited a settlement built entirely from locally sourced materials. The site remains inhabited by several families today and continues to serve as a living cultural and spiritual destination, especially during festivals and communal celebrations.

Criterion (iv): Al-Qarrah represents an outstanding example of a traditional architectural ensemble. It includes a variety of buildings of exceptional value, both in construction techniques and functional diversity. The site features elements of Islamic architecture such as mosques and shrines, as well as traditional water infrastructure, including natural rock cisterns (karfan) used for rainwater collection, made possible by the site's high elevation.

Criterion (v): The site of al-Qarrah is a traditional human settlement that reflects the collective contribution of all sectors of society—rulers, subjects, craftsmen, and merchants. It demonstrates the human capacity to adapt to and interact with the environment, evident in the strategic selection of the location and the architectural response through traditional building practices.

The site retains a significant collection of historic and archaeological structures, including mosques, palaces, and traditional rainwater reservoirs.

The architectural style represents a remarkable example of high-altitude Yemeni construction, comparable to other elevated sites in the country.

The Yafa'i architectural tradition, as exemplified at al-Qarrah, displays a distinctive and unique character in both form and function, integrating all aspects of traditional community life into its built environment.

The site benefits from numerous elements contributing to its safety and resilience. Its elevated and carefully chosen location, along with a paved access road constructed from natural stone, exemplifies human perseverance and adaptation to challenging terrain.

Al-Qarrah maintains its Outstanding Universal Value and remains largely untouched by modern development. It retains its traditional character and is naturally protected by the surrounding mountainous landscape.