Taiz
With a population of around 600,000, Taiz is a city in southwest Yemen. It is bordered by rough mountains and lush valleys and is located in the Yemeni highlands at a height of around 1,400 meters above sea level. A significant hub of trade, business, and learning in the area for centuries, Taiz is renowned for its rich history, cultural legacy, and architectural masterpieces. However, the city has also been impacted by Yemen’s continuous conflict, with fighting and unrest seriously harming its economy and infrastructure.
Religion of Taiz:
Like in all of Yemen, religion is a significant part of Taiz’s culture and way of life. The majority of people in Taiz are Muslims, with Sunni Islam predominating in the city. Numerous old mosques, such as the Al-Ashrafiya Mosque and the Al-Mudhaffar Mosque, are located in the city and are well-known monuments and places of prayer for both locals and tourists.
In addition to the majority Sunni Muslims, Taiz is also home to a tiny Shia Muslim community, a few Christians, and a handful of Jews.
The city’s numerous religious groups and traditions are a reflection of its long history as a hub of trade, business, and cultural interchange, where various religions and ideologies have coexisted mostly in peace.
The celebration of Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are significant gatherings that bring together family, friends, and communities to share food, exchange presents, and give prayers, is a significant aspect of life in Taiz. Many people in Taiz still rely on their religious beliefs to help them cope with the difficulties and uncertainties of daily life, despite the fact that there is still a conflict going on in Yemen.
Thriving Economy:
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has had a significant negative influence on Taiz’s economy, causing the city to experience high rates of unemployment, poverty, and economic instability. Taiz was a significant hub of trade and commerce before the war, with a bustling corporate community and an effective agriculture sector.
The city was a centre for the interchange of goods between Yemen’s highlands and its coasts due to its advantageous location along important commercial routes. It was also well-known for producing textiles, ceramics, and agricultural goods including coffee, fruits, and vegetables, as well as textiles and pottery.
However, since the crisis began in 2015, Taiz’s economy has significantly suffered, with several businesses being forced to close, industries being destroyed, and infrastructure being harmed. The prolonged conflict and unrest have disrupted supply lines and made it challenging for businesses to run, leading to a reduction in economic activity and the loss of many jobs.
Additionally, it has been challenging to import and export products due to the blockade and closure of ports and airports, which has resulted in shortages of necessary items and an increase in the price of everyday necessities like food, gasoline, and medication.
Despite these obstacles, a lot of small enterprises and company owners in Taiz have demonstrated fortitude and tenacity by coming up with innovative solutions to cope with the challenging economic circumstances and maintain their operations. There is optimism that the economy of Taiz will once again flourish and help Yemen as a whole to develop with the end of conflicts and the implementation of policies to assist economic recovery and growth.
Political Landscape:
The continuing crisis in Yemen has influenced Taiz’s political climate, creating a complicated and unstable political environment. With a long history of political engagement and civil society involvement, Taiz was a significant hub of political and social movement before the conflict.
The Houthi rebel organization and troops loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government, supported by a coalition of regional countries led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have been engaged in heavy battle in the city since 2015.
The Houthi-controlled regions are in the north, while the government-controlled areas are in the south, as a result of the fighting, which has virtually divided Taiz in half. Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes and violating human rights during the long-running and sometimes deadly battle.
The existence of several armed groups, including local militias, tribal factions, and jihadist organizations, further exacerbates the political situation in Taiz. These organizations frequently operate independently of the national government and have been charged with escalating the city’s unrest and bloodshed.
Despite these difficulties, attempts are still being made to create a transitional administration and organize national elections as part of a political settlement to the situation in Yemen. Like many other Yemenis, the residents of Taiz desire an end to the fighting and a return to stability and peace so they may rebuild their lives and their towns.
Vibrant Culture of Taiz:
The city’s long history as a hub of trade, business, and cultural interchange is reflected in Taiz’s rich and varied culture. A city with a rich history of arts, literature, music, and food, Taiz is noted for its distinctive fusion of traditional Yemeni culture and global influences. It is situated in the southwest of Yemen.
One of the most distinguishing features of Taizi culture is its music, which is distinguished by the usage of the tabla (a drum), the qanun (a sort of zither), and the oud (a stringed instrument akin to a lute). Numerous musical genres and traditions, including as Persian, Indian, African, and Turkish music, have impacted taizi music.
In addition to its music, Taiz is well-known for the bar’a, a traditional dance that is done by both male and female groups at weddings and other celebratory events. The bar’a, a vital aspect of the city’s cultural character, features complex footwork, delicate motions, and vibrant costumes.
A variety of ancient structures and sites can be found in the city, including the 12th-century Citadel of Taiz, which is regarded as one of Yemen’s greatest examples of medieval Islamic architecture. Al-Mahweet Palace, Al-Ashrafiya Mosque, and Al-Qahira Castle are a few further important sites.
The traditional Yemeni food, which features meals with lamb and poultry as well as breads, soups, and a variety of sweet and savory pastries, is a significant component of Taizi culture. In Taiz, tea is a common alcoholic beverage and is frequently combined with dates or other treats.
The people of Taiz continue to enjoy their cultural heritage and exhibit their ingenuity and resiliency via the arts, music, and other forms of cultural expression despite the continuous turmoil and instability in Yemen.
Must-Visit Attractions In Taiz :
Citadel of Taiz: This historic fortress is one of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of medieval Islamic architecture in Yemen. It offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Al-Mahweet Palace: This 19th-century palace was once the residence of the ruler of Yemen and features intricate carvings and decorations.
Al-Ashrafiya Mosque: This beautiful mosque, built in the 14th century, is one of the oldest and most revered in Yemen.
Al-Qahira Castle: This ancient castle, located in the heart of Taiz, was built during the 12th century and is a testament to the city’s long and rich history.
Bab Al-Yaman: This impressive gate, located in the Old City of Taiz, is a popular landmark and is known for its intricate carvings and designs.
Taiz National Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Yemeni history and culture.