The Historic Fortifications of Hudayyedah
YemenPermanent Delegation of the Republic of Yemen to UNESCO
Al-Hudaydah Governorate
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Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party
Description
The property comprises a collection of historic fortresses and castles distributed along the coastal strip of Al-Hudaydah Governorate, extending from the historic fortress of Bayt al-Faqih in the south to the fortress of Al-Zaylaʿi in Al-Luhayyah to the north. All these fortifications were constructed in the form of defensive strongholds using traditional local building materials, including lime plaster (both mountain and sea-derived types) as a binding agent, in addition to local mud.
The architectural configuration of these fortresses and castles is largely uniform, typically rectangular or square in plan, and enclosed by fortified walls equipped with slightly inclined circular guard towers. These fortresses were strategically constructed as the first line of defence for the coastal territories against external threats from the sea. Moreover, they played a vital role in securing trade routes and the passage of pilgrimage caravans through the Tihāmah region.
Key Fortresses
Bayt al-Faqih Fortress
Coordinates: N 319875 1605546
Constructed in 1629 CE, this historic fortress functioned as a centre of governance and administration. It is located atop a high sandy hill to the east of Bayt al-Faqih city, overseeing various districts. Its elevated position (165 feet above sea level) provided strategic oversight of the city, reinforcing its importance.
Al-Luhayyah Fortress
Coordinates: N 252864 1737237
Perched on a hill that commands both sea and land, the fortress lies 640 meters from the coast and was prominently mentioned by European travellers, including Carsten Niebuhr in 1761. It played a crucial role in protecting the coffee trade and fostering coexistence among diverse communities in the city. Today, it is endangered due to ongoing political conflicts and urgently requires restoration.
Al-Duhy Fortress
Coordinates: N 292986 1683104
Located in Wadi Sirdad southeast of Al-Zaydiyah, this fortress stands on a flat sandy expanse. The earliest mention dates to the early 18th century, with significant historical references during the campaigns of Sharif Hamoud Al-Khayrati in the early 1800s.
Al-Zaydiyah Fortress
Coordinates: N 286078 1695934
Situated in the heart of Al-Zaydiyah city beside its main market, this fortress was a command centre for southern al-Mikhlaaf al-Sulaymani and northern Tihāmah. First recorded in 1802, it was central in military conflicts between Sharif Hamoud and local rulers.
Salt Mountain Fortresses (Jabal al-Milh)
Located about 13 km from Al-Luhayyah, Jabal al-Milh consists of multiple rocky plateaus amid Wadi Moor. The mountain hosts several named peaks—Mabrouk, Asim, and al-Qadiyah—on which multiple fortresses were constructed:
Coordinates: N 265561 1734273
Situated on Mabrouk plateau, about 800 meters from the southern fortress, rising 100 meters above the wadi.
Southeastern Fortress
Coordinates: N 266134 1733706
Positioned on a hill rising about 300 meters, this fortress commands wide views over the southern and eastern surroundings.
Al-Muʿtarid Fortress
Coordinates: N 288662 1739715
Located in the village of Al-Muʿtarid, this fortress was built using large bricks, making it a formidable structure. Erected during the rule of Sharif Hamoud bin Muhammad (d. 1817), it served to protect agricultural lands in Wadi Moor and was associated with the ruling family of Al-Khayrat.
Bajil Fortress
Coordinates: N 314996 1664306
Also known as the fortress of Sharif Hamoud bin Muhammad Al-Khayrat, Bajil Fortress is mentioned in historical sources dating back to 1800. It was the site of multiple conflicts in the 19th century and the 1919 detention of a British delegation during negotiations with Imam Yahya.
Justification of Outstanding Universal Value
These fortresses exemplify exceptional defensive and architectural styles developed across different periods and political entities that ruled the Tihāmah region. Despite being constructed in varying historical contexts, their locations were strategically selected for commanding views over agricultural fields, trade routes, and coastal ports. Collectively, they represent an evolving yet coherent cultural tradition that reflects military, economic, and socio-political strategies tied to their respective environments.
Criterion (iii): These fortresses stand as enduring testimonies to a succession of now-vanished polities that fortified their forces within these structures and used them as operational bases across the Tihāmah plains. Notable among these are the Qasimi state, the period of rule by the Ashrāf (local notables) over Tihāmah, and foreign powers such as the Ottoman Empire.
Criterion (iv): The fortresses exemplify a distinct architectural style characteristic of the Tihāmah region, notably through the use of fired red brick (al-ʾājur) and decorative elements that adorn both the interior and exterior façades of the buildings. These stylistic features represent a notable phase in regional fortification architecture.
Statements of authenticity and/or integrity
The materials and substance of these fortresses remain intact across all their components and elements. None of the structures has been moved from its original location or undergone interventions that would compromise their outstanding value. Most of these fortresses continue to serve as administrative centres under the oversight of state authorities, maintaining a continuity of function that supports their historical authenticity.
Despite their construction across different historical periods, the fortresses retain a sufficient number of their original architectural components. They have not been significantly affected by urban development or neglect. The only alterations observed are those resulting from natural weathering and climatic conditions, rather than anthropogenic threats.
Comparison with other similar properties
The historic fortresses and castles of Al-Hudaydah Governorate—including the fortresses of Al-Duhy, Bayt al-Faqih, Al-Luhayyah, Al-Zaydiyah, and the twin fortresses of Jabal al-Milh—exhibit architectural and cultural characteristics that make them unique. Nevertheless, they also share significant similarities with other sites, both those inscribed on the World Heritage List and those not yet listed.
A particularly close comparison can be drawn with the Historic City of Zabid, a World Heritage Site. These fortresses and Zabid’s fortifications share numerous attributes, such as the use of traditional building materials like fired mud brick (al-ʾājur), similar decorative styles on façades, and the widespread application of lime plaster (known locally as nūrah kadarīyah) to coat brick surfaces. The design of projecting defensive towers, a hallmark of these structures, also reflects a shared architectural language.
It is noteworthy that the same legal protection framework applied to Zabid under the Historic Cities Preservation Authority also extends to the fortress of Al-Duhy. This suggests that the same conservation and protection principles governing Zabid are being applied to these fortresses, thereby reinforcing their integrity and safeguarding their Outstanding Universal Value.
A further comparison can be made with Nizwa Fort in the Sultanate of Oman, another World Heritage property. Both sites reflect strong mutual influences between human values and cultural traditions that remain vibrant. The use of traditional construction techniques and stylistic features in the fortresses of Al-Hudaydah closely parallels the architectural form of Nizwa Fort, enhancing the historical and architectural significance of the site.