Sites of the Cultural Landscape and Heritage Landmarks in Sana’a

The archaeological sites and heritage landmarks in and around Sana'a represent some of the most prominent cultural features illustrating the historical interaction between humans and the environment and topography of the Sana'a Basin. These sites reflect the adaptation of mountainous terrain to serve as part of the broader cultural landscape and defence network of the city of Sana'a. They are situated between 5 and 12 kilometres from the Old City of Sana'a.

Among these sites is the Old City of Hadda, notable for its forts and castles such as Hisn al-‘Ayn, Hisn al-Hawani, and Hisn al-Jamrah. The city also includes numerous mosques, such as the Qubbat Mosque, al-Naddaf Mosque, Mutahhar Mosque, al-‘Ayn Mosque, al-Hafah Mosque, and al-Sayyali Mosque. Economic and service structures include the city’s distinctive water-powered mill. Among the civil (residential) structures are the Maqri House and its annexes in the park, as well as the Sultan’s House. The city also contains important hydraulic structures, such as its large central reservoir and a network of irrigation channels.

The second site is the City of al-Rawda, distinguished by a high density of mosques—approximately 20 in total—including the Great Mosque. The city also includes funerary structures such as the tombs of prominent scholars, and civil architecture including palaces and gardens that produce vegetables, fruits, and cash crops, most notably the famous Rawda grapes. Additionally, the city has a number of water structures fed by natural springs, including ‘Ayn al-Mahdi and ‘Ayn Mustafa.

The third property is the Bayt Baws Fortress, a well-known defensive site located southwest of the Sana'a Basin, approximately 10 kilometers from the city. The fortress is characterized by its elevated position and natural defenses on three sides (north, east, and west), while the southern side serves as the main access point through a principal gate. The site also includes advanced water management features, notably the Bayt Baws Dam.

The fourth site, similar in nature to Bayt Baws, is the Attan Fortress, located on the southwestern edge of the Sana'a Basin at the summit of Mount Attan. This fortress also features natural fortification from three sides—north, south, and west—while the eastern side includes a single entrance gate. Water resources were engineered into the solid limestone bedrock to capture and store rainwater, providing a vital supply for the garrison monitoring the site.

The Outstanding Universal Value of the property lies in its historical significance, particularly in relation to its connection with the Old City of Sana'a. These sites once formed part of the outlying districts surrounding Sana'a and played a vital role in supporting the city through agricultural production—such as the areas of Hadda, al-Rawda, and Bayt Baws.

From a scientific perspective, the property’s value is reflected in the defensive architecture of the fortresses of Bayt Baws and Attan. These fortifications were strategically constructed atop mountain summits encircling the city of Sana'a, serving as the first line of defense and surveillance over the Sana'a Basin. Their architectural design and natural fortification features exemplify advanced military planning and construction techniques of their time.

Culturally, the sites represent integral components of the broader cultural landscape. Positioned on elevated terrain overlooking agricultural oases around the mountains, they contribute to a uniquely beautiful cultural panorama—combining human settlement, historical function, and natural scenic value.

Criterion (iv): The nominated sites are proposed under Criterion (iv) as they embody distinctive architectural and technical achievements in defensive fortifications and hydraulic structures present across all the listed locations. Notably, the city of al-Rawda features a high concentration of religious architecture, particularly its numerous mosques, while the Old City of Hadda exhibits similar religious and architectural richness. Furthermore, these sites contribute significantly to the cultural landscape surrounding the city, each forming an integral part of its various components.

Criterion (v): The sites are also nominated under Criterion (v) as they represent outstanding examples of human interaction with the natural environment, particularly in the adaptation and cultivation of agricultural land. This is exemplified by the renowned Rawda vineyards, which are of considerable cultural and economic importance in both Yemen and the broader Arab region. These settlements illustrate a way of life historically linked to agricultural productivity and resource management in mountainous terrain.

The sites retain key elements of historical urban and village structures, including religious centres such as the Great Mosque, commercial and economic spaces like traditional markets, as well as residential buildings, parts of old city walls, palaces, public squares, water fountains (sabils), and traditional steam baths (hammams). These features collectively preserve the historical fabric and spatial coherence of the heritage sites.

The authenticity of these sites is preserved through their original structural components and architectural design, reflecting the distinctive traditional Yemeni style. This includes historic buildings and religious structures such as mosques, which serve as both spiritual and cultural landmarks, and traditional markets that continue to reflect the commercial and social life of the communities. The construction techniques, including the use of basalt and volcanic stone—cut, dressed, and intricately carved into decorative façades—demonstrate the artistry of Yemeni builders. The use of traditional materials such as mudbrick, fired brick, and qudad (gypsum plaster) as bonding and decorative elements contributes to the buildings’ aesthetic and cultural authenticity. Moreover, the surrounding green agricultural zones, many of which still survive, reinforce the enduring relationship between the built environment and the landscape.