Al-Hawtah City
YemenPermanent Delegation of the Republic of Yemen to UNESCO
Shabwah Governorate, Mayfa‘ah District
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Description
The Historic City of Al-Hawtah—also known as Hawtat al-Faqih ‘Ali—is a traditional settlement whose history dates back to the 8th century AH (14th century CE, Islamic period). It is built entirely from pure, traditional adobe and is home to several historic Islamic mosques. The city is distinguished by its unique and authentic earthen architectural style.
Al-Hawtah served as the main urban centre of eastern Yemen and its only marketplace. Numerous tribal communities gathered in its marketplace for trade, particularly in grain and other goods. The city was also known as a venue for peace agreements and tribal treaties, where fighting was strictly prohibited within its bounds. Traders and visitors came from Al-Bayda, Marib, Najran, Bayhan, Hadramawt, and other regions within and beyond Yemen.
One of the city’s most remarkable features is a uniquely shaped, five-story triangular adobe building—an architectural rarity unmatched elsewhere in the world for its design and construction technique.
Justification of Outstanding Universal Value
It is home to an exceptional triangular five-story adobe building, which represents an extraordinary artistic and architectural achievement with no known parallel worldwide in terms of form and material.
Criterion (iv): Al-Hawtah exemplifies an outstanding architectural tradition, expressed through its preserved adobe buildings, historic mosques, traditional market structures, and especially the unique triangular five-story structure. This building stands out nationally, regionally, and internationally as a rare and unparalleled example of traditional earthen architecture.
Statements of authenticity and/or integrity
The city as a whole has preserved its distinctive and unique architectural character. Key elements such as its adobe buildings, historic mosques, traditional marketplace, and the unique five-story triangular building remain intact and in good condition, collectively presenting a compelling image of artistic and architectural heritage.
Comparison with other similar properties
National Comparison – Al-Hawtah vs. the Historic City of Sana‘a
Al-Hawtah
Dates back to the 8th century AH (14th century CE).
Constructed entirely of pure traditional adobe.
Historic City of Sana‘a
Constructed primarily from fired brick (yajur) and stone.
Though historic, differs in building materials and architectural features.
International/Regional Comparison – Al-Hawtah vs. Yazd (Iran)
Al-Hawtah
Features multi-story adobe buildings, some rising to eight or more levels.
Includes a distinctive five-story triangular building made entirely of adobe—an architectural form with no known equivalent.
Yazd (Iran)
While also a centre of adobe architecture, buildings typically do not exceed one story.
Lacks examples of complex geometric multi-story adobe forms as seen in Al-Hawtah.