Al-Hajjarah, Yemen

March 24, 2010

HarazMtvillage

Photographer: Pierantonio Mognol
Summary Author Pierantonio Mognol; Jim Foster; Stu Witmer

The village of Al-Hajjarah featured above is located in the Haraz Mountains (Jabal Haraz) of Yemen -- about 40 miles (64 km) west southwest of the capital city of Sana'a. The fortified, seven-story village was built, using un-mortared stone blocks, atop of an imposing granite citadel. This lofty, albeit exposed, position made it easier to ward off invaders. It dates to the 12th century. Jabal Haraz is being considered for inscription in UNESCO's World Heritage list of sites. Photo taken on September 8, 1999