Al Mokha City

Old Mokha City is located on the Red Sea coast, west of Ta’iz City, approximately 94 kilometres away, and about 65 kilometres north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Administratively, it falls under Ta’iz Governorate and occupies a highly strategic position that made it a vital hub on ancient trade routes. The city historically maintained links with other ports along the coasts of Yemen and Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), enhancing its status as a dynamic commercial centre.

In addition, Mokha lies on the maritime trade route connecting India and the Mediterranean Sea, which further solidified its role as a crossroads for the exchange of goods between East and West. The city's port played a central role in its development and prosperity during the Middle Ages, most notably as the primary export point for Yemeni coffee.

Mokha is distinguished by its authentic Islamic architectural character, with neighbourhoods enclosed by defensive gates and walls made of stone and brick. Most buildings are designed in a traditional Islamic urban style, while some reflect stylistic influences similar to those of San‘ani architecture. The city also features traditional homes constructed in the Tihami architectural style, known in the city of Zabid, illustrating Mokha’s rich historical depth and cultural heritage.

The outstanding universal value of Old Mokha City lies in its strategic location near Bab al-Mandab, functioning as a vital link on the trade route between India and the Mediterranean. Its historic port played a significant role in connecting the cultures of the ancient and modern worlds. Mokha was historically a melting pot for people of diverse nationalities and a place of tolerance and coexistence among different ethnicities and religions. This is clearly reflected in its traditional buildings, which combine Yemeni architectural traditions with design elements influenced by styles from East Asia.

Criterion (iii): Old Mokha City contains historical monuments and buildings from the medieval period, such as stone and mud-brick houses and traditional agricultural systems, which continue to bear witness to long-lost civilizations.

Criterion (vi): The historic city of Mokha is directly and tangibly linked to living traditions, exemplified by its vibrant traditional markets that continue to sell local artisanal and handcrafted products. Furthermore, the city is associated with religious and spiritual practices, most notably the Ali bin Omar al-Sufi al-Shadhili Mosque, built in the 9^th century AH, which remains one of the most prominent Sufi pilgrimage sites in the Arabian Peninsula.

Old Mokha City enjoys a high degree of authenticity, owing to its strategic location on the Red Sea, which historically made it a vital connection between East and West. Its rich historical and archaeological legacy reveals a synthesis of architectural and cultural influences. The city retains historical buildings notable for their design, which merges traditional Yemeni architectural styles with foreign influences. Moreover, traditional materials used in construction have proven resilient and well-adapted to local environmental conditions.

Mokha’s authenticity is also embodied in its association with Yemeni coffee trade; the city served as the launch point for the internationally renowned Yemeni coffee, making it an integral part of coffee history. Many historic trade houses and merchant agencies remain intact to this day. Traditional markets still flourish with pottery, textiles, and other crafts, and the local communities continue to preserve their customs, traditions, and dialect.

Old Mokha City retains all the essential elements that convey its historical significance. It still encompasses a wide range of historical and archaeological components, including traditional homes, shrines, mosques, markets, trade agencies, watchtowers, and palaces. These elements remain largely intact and sufficient to represent the city's historic urban fabric and justify its inscription on the World Heritage List. There are currently no direct threats jeopardizing the city's architectural and archaeological heritage.