Palace of Queen Arwa

The Palace of Queen Arwa in Jibla is a remarkable monument dedicated to one of the most significant female rulers in the Islamic world. It was built in the 11th century, around 1067, for Arwa al-Sulayhi, who ruled Yemen for over five decades. The palace originally featured 365 rooms, one for each night of the year, an architectural feat intended to showcase her immense wealth and power. Today, the ruins still reveal massive stone walls and traces of intricate decorations. Queen Arwa moved the capital from Sana'a to Jibla, turning the city into a flourishing center of science and culture. The palace is closely linked to the adjacent Great Mosque of Jibla, which houses her tomb. The complex stands as a testament to the advanced administration and cultural zenith achieved under the Sulayhid dynasty. Despite its ruined state, the palace remains a vital part of Yemeni identity and a symbol of female leadership in medieval Arabian history.

Nearby cities

Ibb

Ibb is often referred to as the "green city" of Yemen.

Yarim

Yarim is located on a fertile plateau and was historically a significant resting place for caravans.

Jibla

Jibla was the capital of the Sulayhid dynasty in the 11th century under Queen Arwa.

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Sumara Pass

A dramatic mountain pass known for its winding roads, steep agricultural terraces, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Taiz

Taiz is considered the cultural capital of Yemen, picturesquely situated in the Yemeni highlands.

Susak

A unique sandy island in the Kvarner Bay, famous for its deep loess layers, car-free environment, and a distinct local dialect preserved …

Premuda

The westernmost island of the Zadar archipelago, a paradise for divers and peace-seekers with no car traffic.

Unije (Island)

A tranquil, car-free island in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago, known for its olive groves and rolling hills.

Ilovik

The 'Island of Flowers', a car-free paradise in the Lošinj archipelago with crystal-clear waters.

Mali Lošinj

Nestled in a deep bay, Mali Lošinj is known as the 'Island of Vitality,' famous for its healing climate and the unique Apoxyomenos Museum.

Veli Lošinj

A picturesque harbor town on Lošinj island, famous for its colorful houses and mild healing climate.

Ćunski

A charming village on the island of Lošinj, known for its olive oil tradition and views of the archipelago.

Silba

The 'island of captains' in the Zadar archipelago, a car-free oasis with crystal clear water and the famous Toreta tower.

Dhale

Dhale, also known as Ad Dali, is strategically located on the main road between Aden and Sanaa.

Nerezine

A picturesque port town on Lošinj Island at the foot of Mount Osoršćica, known for its maritime tradition.

History & landmarks

Osor

A historic town located at the bridge connecting the islands of Cres and Lošinj.

More places

Queen Arwa Mosque

The Queen Arwa Mosque in Jibla dates back to the 11th century and was the center of the Sulayhid empire.

Green Terraces of Ibb

Thanks to regular monsoon rains, the Ibb governorate is the most agriculturally productive region in the country.

Jabal Sumarah

The mountain pass of Jabal Sumarah in the Ibb Governorate winds through some of Yemen's greenest and most dramatic landscapes.

Taiz Industrial Zone

A major manufacturing and trade center that made Taiz an economic capital.

Taiz Zoo

A significant zoo in the southern highlands, known for its population of Arabian leopards and African lions.

Jabal Sabir

A prominent mountain massif that rises majestically above the city of Taiz, offering fertile terraces.

Dhamar Qat Farms

The agricultural areas around Dhamar are heavily characterized by the cultivation of qat, a plant deeply rooted in Yemeni culture that gr…

Al-Baradouni Park

This urban park in Dhamar is named after the famous Yemeni poet Abdullah al-Baradouni and offers shaded walking paths and flower beds.