Wonders of the world: Ancient city of Shibam and its surrounding wall, history, photos and 8k videos

 

Wonders of the world: Ancient city of Shibam and its surrounding wall, history, photos and 8k videos

March 24, 2024

Deep in the Yemeni desert, where the sun's rays set the sand ablaze and the winds blow with fierce intensity, stands the ancient city of Shibam, an architectural miracle frozen in time.  Imagine yourself, wandering through the narrow streets of Shibam, lined with mud towers that seem to touch the sky. These towers, some reaching up to eight stories, stand like sentinels of the past, silent witnesses to a bygone era when life pulsated in the heart of the desert.

Shibam is often nicknamed "Manhattan of the desert" because of its unique concentration of earthen skyscrapers, a remarkable legacy of human ingenuity. These towers were built centuries ago to protect the people of Shibam from devastating sandstorms and enemy intrusions, but they have become much more than just defenses. They have become a symbol of the greatness and resilience of the Yemeni people, a testament to their ability to thrive in inhospitable conditions.

At the heart of Shibam is its city wall, an imposing barrier that surrounds the city and protects it from external threats. Built with care and attention, this wall is not only a shield against enemy attacks, but also a symbol of the unity and solidarity of the Shibam community.

Yet behind the beauty and grandeur of Shibam also lie stories of struggle and survival. The people of this city have faced constant challenges, from water shortages to foreign invasions, but they have always found a way to overcome adversity and thrive in this unforgiving desert.

Today, the ancient city of Shibam continues to defy the elements and capture the imagination of travelers around the world. Its mud towers stand as monuments to human perseverance, reminding all who gaze upon them of the strength and beauty of the human will. And while the desert continues to whisper its age-old secrets, Shibam remains there, proud and majestic, an ode to the grandeur of the past and the promise of the future.

Yemen

• Ancient city of Shibam and its surrounding wall
• Sana'a Old Town
• Historic town of Zabid
• Socotra Archipelago
• High places of the ancient kingdom of Saba, Marib

Mount Shaqrouf