Say’un Palace

The Palace of Say’un is one of the most prominent mudbrick landmarks in Yemen, occupying an area of approximately 6,600 square meters. It is built atop a natural rocky mound about 34 meters high and stands at the heart of Say’un, the capital of Wadi Hadhramaut. The palace is surrounded by open spaces on all sides and consists of seven stories, with conical towers anchoring its four corners. The building is architecturally harmonious, with three large gates in its outer enclosure and three main entrances from the surrounding plazas, located on the south, east, and north sides.

The construction of the palace dates back to before the 10th century AH / 16th century CE. It became the official residence of Sultan Badr bin Abdullah Al-Kathiri, known as “Abu Tuwairiq,” in 926 AH / 1519 CE, upon his arrival from his hometown of Bor. He renovated the structure, and successive Kathiri sultans added to it over the years. In 1938, Sultan Ali bin Mansour bin Ghalib Al-Kathiri applied an exterior coat of white lime plaster. Over time, the palace bore different names corresponding to the political changes in the region, such as Al-Hisn Al-Duweil, Palace of the Kathiri Sultan, and Palace of the Revolution.

The palace is renowned for its unique architectural and aesthetic features, which are unmatched in the region. Although other large-scale earthen structures exist elsewhere—such as Narin Castle in Meybod (Iran), Arg-e Bam (Iran), and the Djenné Great Mosque in Mali—Say’un Palace is distinguished by its great height, harmonious proportions, and numerous wooden windows crafted in the traditional style. A notable feature is the shamsah, a vertical shaft that pierces the structure, providing internal ventilation and daylighting. The palace also features an effective and carefully designed rainwater drainage system.

The building remained the seat of the Kathiri state until its fall in 1967. It was then nationalized and repurposed to house various public institutions including the passport office, court, police station, radio station, and cultural offices. The building also houses Say’un’s public library, and its courtyard serves as a venue for cultural performances. In 1984, it became the headquarters of the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums, and it continues to host the Say’un Museum, the first government museum established in the city.

The exceptional value of the Palace of Say’un lies in its striking verticality, geometric harmony, and the abundance of traditional wooden windows. Its unique architectural feature—the shamsah ventilation shaft—ensures effective airflow and natural lighting deep within the structure. The palace also demonstrates an advanced and durable system for managing interior rainwater drainage. These elements, combined with its historical role and continued use, make Say’un Palace an outstanding example of traditional mudbrick architecture adapted to the cultural and environmental context of southern Arabia.

Criterion (ii): The Palace of Say’un demonstrates significant interchange of human values and represents an outstanding example of architectural evolution. Standing tall for over 500 years, the palace has remained largely intact despite a challenging climate and heavy seasonal rains. This resilience is due to an ingenious internal drainage system composed of channels and spouts that efficiently manage rainwater. The architectural design is equally remarkable, especially the facades and four conical corner towers, which reflect careful planning and masterful craftsmanship.

Criterion (iii): The Palace of Say’un bears unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition and a civilization that has evolved over centuries. It witnessed pivotal political, military, social, religious, and cultural events, particularly during the Kathiri State and later under the socialist regime. Initially built as a defensive fortress, it later became the ruling seat of the Kathiri sultanate, embedding it in the historical consciousness of the region.

The Palace of Say’un retains a high degree of authenticity in the following aspects:

1. Form and Design: The palace shares formal characteristics with other contemporary defensive structures in Wadi Hadhramaut, such as Hura Fort, Al-Falas Fort, and Al-Saeedi Fort.

2. Materials and Substance: Built using natural local materials, including sun-dried mudbrick (leban), timber, and lime plaster (nūrah), typical of the region’s traditional architecture.

3. Use and Function: The palace has long served public functions, hosting various governmental departments. Today, it continues to serve the community as a cultural center housing a public library, a theater, and a museum.

4. Traditions, Techniques, and Management Systems: The building is considered a vital cultural symbol by locals. Traditional building techniques are still used for its maintenance and restoration. Although no formal legislation governs its management, the palace is overseen by the General Authority for Antiquities in Wadi Hadhramaut, in partnership with local authorities and community organizations.

5. Location and Setting: While recent urban development has encroached upon its surroundings, efforts are being encouraged to halt further encroachment and preserve the palace’s visibility from afar.

6. Spirit and Feeling: Visitors continue to experience a strong sense of historical continuity within the site. Kathiri-era symbols and flags remain visible on interior walls, while the museum’s collections help evoke the period’s cultural atmosphere. The community strongly identifies with the site and actively supports its preservation.

The palace retains structural integrity in all its architectural components, materials, and construction techniques. It has been regularly maintained and restored using traditional methods, ensuring the preservation of its original character and historical fabric.