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Qamariya

 

Qamariya are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The word qamariya is derived from qamar (moon) and is said to stimulate the senses by letting light reminiscent of the moon’s beauty into the house while still retaining an opacity that prevents strangers from seeing inside. 

 

At first glance the captivating stained glass windows which so perfectly compliment Yemen's unique gingerbread architecture may appear to look the same but are as varied as snowflakes. Each of these beautiful windows are individually crafted according to the instructions of the purchaser or the imagination of the crafter. 

The first qamariya were made by Yemeni Jews, who had a tradition of fine wood carving. Their homes had intricately carved windows fitted with panes of coloured glass. Today craftsmen still follow the same pattern of creating qamariya as they did hundreds of years ago.

It takes a craftsman two days to complete a qamariya. The first step is to pour gypsum in a wooden mold to give it its geometric shape. It is then allowed to partially dry before designs are cut into the plaster. Then it is polished with sandpaper after which it is removed from the mold and placed in the sun to dry completely. The next day coloured glass is cut to match the shape of the plaster. Some more plaster is poured over the back of the qamariya to secure the glass and excess plaster scraped off. Sana'a,Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,Halal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island   

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Check out Mafraj Radio!

Mafraj Radio covers contemporary political, social, and cultural affairs in Yemen and the Yemeni diaspora from a range of sources and perspectives. The aim of this podcast is to make Yemen accessible to casual listeners who don’t necessarily have a background in Yemen or Middle East studies, while still providing a level of depth and context that one can’t get from mainstream media coverage of Yemen.

 

 

                                             The Yemen Peace ProjectSana'a,Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,Halal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island   

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People of Yemen: *Hanan's* Story

 

Hanan’s father married her off for the first time at the age of eight in an exchange marriage agreement. Her elder brother wanted to get married but did not have money for the dowry, so she was married to the brother of his bride-to-be.

 

Her eighteen-year-old husband was her second cousin on her father's side. She wasn't afraid to get married because she didn't understand the implications of such a commitment. Her husband treated her like a child and even tried to buy her toys but he was reprimanded by his family members and neighbors. They said that she should learn how to be a wife. She was forbidden to play outside in the streets as she longed to do. 

One of the major problems with exchange marriages is that if one marriage suffers, the other one suffers too. When the other couple experienced problems in their marriage, her husband took it out on her. After a week she returned to her parent’s home. 

At fourteen, Hanan was married off again, this time to a fifty-eight-year-old man, as she was considered a divorcee. Her mother informed her about him when she returned home from school one day. With a heart with filled with fear she accepted her fate. At such a tender age she was not equipped to become a mother and could not take care of her newborn without her mother and her sisters’ assistance. Her new husband never gave her money and there were times when she ate so little that she suffered from malnutrition. Often she was forced to borrow money from family and friends to feed herself and her kids. 

They hardly ever communicated but he made it very clear that she was forbidden to return to school or complete her studies. After suffering a nervous breakdown when her husband took her three children away from her during their divorce, her sister suggested that she enroll at YERO (Yemeni Education and Relief Organization) which she did against her parent’s wishes. She managed to complete her high school education and obtained an art diploma.

“I received unwavering support from Ms. Nouria, the founder of YERO. She is like a mother to me. So many times when I was exhausted, crying and on the verge of giving up, she encouraged me to persevere.” 

 

Today, Hanan is a 24-year- old first year student at Queen Arwa University, majoring in Trade in the Department of Financial and Banking Sciences. All her expenses are being paid by Nouria through YERO. She sells paintings to be able to pay for transportation, books and food. Her dream is to find employment after completing her studies so she can afford a home for her and her children. 

 

“My first and second marriage in both cases were a big mistake, one was not better than the other. I do not want anyone to suffer like I did or endure such an experience. I want the government to pay attention to these child bride cases. I hope to create awareness in the community about these issues as it affects a young girl’s entire life when she is a divorcee, or has children too early without knowing how to take care of them. Once a woman has been married the community rejects her and treats her badly. I want all girls to learn from my experience, and to empower themselves. It’s never too late….”

 

Support YERO and help people like *Hanan* achieve their dreams.

http://www.sanaaonline.net/view/603/232/2

Sana'a,Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,Halal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island   

 

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What Do Yemenis Want?

 

Once again Yemenis of all ages, social backgrounds and genders expressed their enthusiasm and unconditional love for their country by making the United Nations “My World" global survey a resounding success.

To date 121 000 people have voted for their top development goals compared to 247 000 in India with 5 times Yemen’s population. In Egypt only 3315 votes were garnered, and in Saudi Arabia a mere 1600. 

17, 000 of Yemen's votes were collected offline across all governorates, including Socotra, by volunteers. People were also encouraged to call in by dialing 2015 on Y Mobile network for free. This service has now been extended across all networks. 

So, WHAT DO YEMENIS WANT? A good education is the top development priority followed by better job opportunities. The third most pressing development priority, as seen by voters, is a responsive government. 

 

 

Dr Mohammed Al Hawri, Deputy Minister for Economic projections, research and Studies at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation emphasized the importance of the campaign in the development of goals that reflect the priorities and actual needs of the Yemeni people. 

 

For the launch of the second phase of the “Let the world know what you want” campaign at the Movenpick hotel, filmmakers were encouraged to submit short films with a focus on Human Rights issues in Yemen. Mr Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, UN Resident Coordinator, presented the first prize for a film highlighting the issue of sexual harassment. In second place was a film about Forced Detainment and in third place a documentary examining the plight of Marginilized People in Yemen.

Vote now and become part of the change you want to see.

http://www.myworld2015.org/

 

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Screening of Academy Nominated Film Karama Has No Walls

You are cordially invited to a public film screening and discussion this Wednesday, 19 February 2014 at the American Institute for Yemeni Studies (AIYS). 

 

 

 

Director Sara Ishaq will screen her film Karama Has No Walls (Leysat Lil-Karama Jidran) which was nominated for an Oscar in the category of Short Documentary—the first-ever Oscar nomination for a Yemeni film. The screening will be followed by discussion with Ms. Ishaq.

The presentation will take place in the AIYS building off Tawfiq St. in the Al-Qaa' neighborhood. The event will begin promptly at 17.00. All are invited.

If you need specific directions to AIYS's location, please call 278 816 or 735 608 627. We urge first-time visitors to call for directions, as the location is off the main street.
AIYS looks forward to welcoming you!

 

www.aiys.org Sana'a,Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,Halal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island   

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Arabic Photography Course

 

 

Essam Al-Sulaihi is offering a photography course in Arabic sponsored by the Taha Trading company this coming Thursday 20/2/2014 and Friday 21/2/2014.

Photography basics will be covered such as how to handle your camera, different settings and their effects on the image in terms of light and depth of a field-shutter speed-sensitive camera, ISO-explanation of White Balance and tips on how to develop your photography skills. Course material includes a flash disk of 37 course books in PDF format. Cost of the course is YR5000 per person: to be made at Taha Anam on Haddah Street, across Moka Sweets (just after Mujahed turn off).

 

 

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Did You Know?

 

 

The Socotra Grosbeak or Rhynchostruthus socotranus is Yemen's national bird. It is a very attractive gold-winged finch found only on Socotra and in the mountains of southern Arabia.

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Your Reasons to Love Yemeni food: Salta

 

Salta is one of Yemen's signature dishes and consists of a stew of meat and vegetables covered in a froth of fenugreek, served in a sizzling cast iron pot. Salta is popular in Yemen because it pairs so well with qat. It is eaten by dipping delicious flaky bread into your bowl and scooping out a mouthful to enjoy.

 

 

Qat, as the legend goes, is best appreciated when the body is warm. Reflecting ancient Greek medical knowledge, qat wants all the humors to be in sync. Thus the body should be heated up for chewing.

 

The foam and its gooey texture are achieved by soaking ground-up fenugreek seeds in water, decanting the excess fluid, and then whipping up the swollen grounds. The resultant emulsion is called helba, and it may be supplemented with zhug, a of fresh green chilli and tomato salsa.  Sana'a,Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,Halal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island   

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How To: Order Online 

 

Ghassan Alharazi runs an online ordering business and can order anything from a dot.com site and have it delivered to Sana'a in 2-3 weeks for a nominal fee. He speaks perfect English. 

Contact Sana'a,Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,Halal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island  

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Which of the following are the most important for you and your family?

 

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Celebrating the year of the horse

 

Yemen born Tasleem Mulhall reveals her horseshoe sculpture in London to celebrate the year of the horse. 

 

Tasleem was born in Aden, Yemen, and resides in the UK. She is a freelance photojournalist, photographer, sculptor and painter and also an ardent campaigner against child marriage. Sana'a, Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,alal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island  

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Finding A House

 

If your accommodation isn't preallocated, you or your partner's organization is bound to know of a house hunter. Before reading the below suggestions remember, it is important to know how far away you are from a mosque or a school in Sana'a. 

 

  

* House Hunters: will take between half and a month's worth of rent as their finder's fee. Agree on this upfront.

 

* Keep Asking: often you can be shown the worst properties first, if you keep asking more and more come out of the woodwork.

 

* Rent: is always negotiable. Foreigners will automatically be charged more, can be useful to take a Yemeni friend/colleague with you to help bargain.

 

* Deposit: if there is a deposit, it's a good idea to pay it as soon as you have agreed to take the property, even if you don't move in for a while, so the house doesn't go to someone else.

 

* Improvements/Renovations: get the landlord to complete these before you move in and/or start paying rent, or they might not get done.

 

* Rent in Advance: if you are sure of your plans, paying e.g.  three to six months in advance can be a good bargaining tool.

 

* Contracts: if you dont speak Arabic, it's always worth asking for a contract in English. If not, have it translated and ask to sign the English copy too. If you are staying for a while, ask for a clause capping rent increases to avoid wild increases.

 

* Bills: if there's a dramatic increases in a bill, check it out. One guy discovered a whole arcade of shops had hooked into his electricity supply.

 

* Moving Out: its normally written into the contract that you will leave the property in the same condition as you found it. This is taken very literally and you will be expected to repaint it alternatively, agree on a fee for this with yourland lord.

 

Specific considerations for an individual property:

 

* Electricity: ensure that you have your own meter (to avoid paying for other people's electricity). Is the electricity on/working? (this should be the landlord's responsiblity). Find out whether there are hidden charges e.g. in an apartment block paying a share of the lift's electricity.

 

* Water: Is the house on the mains water? (some areas still rely totally on water trucks) If in an apartment block, do you have your own water tank? Does the water pressure rely on gravity, or is it pump assisted? What happens if you need a water truck? Who pays for it?

 

* Telephone: Is a line already installed? If not, who will pay for this?

 

* Internet: Is there internet at the property? Dial up or ADSL?

 

* Bills: Who pays or delivers the utillity bills? Sometimes the landlord, or his fixer, will pay the bills directly and bills to you either for payment direct, or payment through him. Ask for receipts.

 

* Rent: When is it due? Who will you pay it to?

 

* Repairs: Who is responsible for paying for repairs?

 

* Cleaning: Are there charges for cleaning e.g. the hall (in an apartment block). How much is this, and how frequently?

 

* Appliances: Does the property have water heaters? Fridge, oven, generator (unusual to find this). If there's a generator, who maintains it?

 

Moving Truck:

 

What will it cost for the truck’s use? What will it cost for the workers? There are places around town where workers/trucks hang out looking for work. If possible, take a Yemeni person with you if you are new to Yemen and can’t speak Arabic very well. The price for a truck should generally be around 1500 riyals and somewhere around that for the workers, depending upon how many you have. Be aware as they might try to increase the price after work has started.

  

See also Logistics: Packers, Shippers & Movers below for mover's trucks, and full moving service and Agents for house hunters.Sana'a, Sanaa, Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,halal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island   

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Ballet Lessons for Kids

 

Ukranian-born Irina has been teaching Sana'anis the love of dance for more than a decade. She offers ballet and jazz dancing to girls below 15 and belly dancing lessons for adults at her studio.

 

 

 

  Sana'a, Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,alal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island  

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New Health Food Shop

 

If you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes or simply enjoy eating healthy, we have great news!

 

Diet Wa Lite, a new health shop, has opened its doors in Haddah Medina. They stock Canola oil, gluten free pasta, diabetic rice and sugar-free Belgian chocolates among other things.

 

 

   

 

Map Sana'a, Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia, Middle East, Haraam,alal, Art, Diving, Kamaran Island  

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People of Yemen: Dr Abdel Aziz al Maqaleh

 

 Abdel Aziz al Maqaleh, Yemen’s best known poet, was born in 1937 in Yemen. During the last three decades, al Maqaleh has been widely recognized inside Sanaa as leader of the city’s top cultural arts and literary circles. He has many poetry collections, among which are Ma'rib Tatakalam, 1972 (Ma'rib Speaks), Abbjadiyyat al Ruh, 1998 (the Alphabet of the Soul) and Kitab Sana'a, 2000 (The Book of Sana 'a). He has published a number of literary studies such as Qira'a fi Adab at Yemen (A Reading of Yemenite Literature) and Azmat al Qasida at Arabiyya (The Crisis of the Arabic Poem).

 

Translated from the Arabic by Huda Fakhreddine 

 

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The Oldest Musical Instrument in Yemen

 

The metre-long al-khallool may look like a cudgel or a walking stick, but it's actually a flute. It is played in the Tihama area and has probably changed little during the last 500 years. There are only two holes - at the far end of the instrument. 

 

 

Unfortunately, no one knows where the instrument originated. This instrument was used by the farmers and the Tihama people in their festivals, celebrations and entertainments. It has been in use even long before the Turkish conquest. 

Source

 

 

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People of Yemen: Thana Faroq

 

 

"Yemen is not the image in your head, on television or in magazines, all about poverty corruption, terrorism, and people killing each other. This is not Yemen. There is life here. There’s beautiful life going on. Yes, there’s oppression, but there are brave women who are achieving something new every day."

 

-Thana Faroq

 

 

 

 

Thana Faroq is a 23-year-old, Boston-educated Yemeni photographer, out to prove that her country’s streets have more depth than poverty and protests. Recently returned from university in the United States, Thana has brought her camera and her passion for street photography back to Yemen with her.

 

Dominant global discourse holds that Yemeni life pulses with militant attacks and foreign drone strikes. Thana says she wants to showcase the humor, beauty, and simplicity of small moments on Yemen’s streets.

 

Full article by Erin Kilbride 

 

 

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The National Dish: Fahsa

 

Fahsa, Yemen's national dish, is mainly a stew consisting of lamb cutlets topped with helba (fenugreek).  The pieces of meat are small and there are not any noticeable vegetables.  It is also traditionally eaten with Yemeni bread, which serves as a utensil to scoop up the food.

 

 

 

 

Yemen, Sanaa, Sana'a, Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia      

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 Yemen, Sanaa, Sana'a, Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia      

People of Yemen: Khadija al-Salami

 

 

 Khadija al-Salami is an award-winning documentary film maker and Yemen’s first female film director, having made some 20 documentaries for various TV stations in France and Yemen. She co-authored a book with her husband, The Tears of Sheba, an emotional account of her experiences growing up in Yemen. She currently serves as the Press Counselor and Director of the Communication and Cultural Center at the Embassy of Yemen in Paris.

 

Photo credit

 

 At an early age, al-Salami was sent to live with relatives after her mother divorced her father due to severe domestic abuse.  She was forced by her uncle to marry a 20-year-old man when she was only 11. Some weeks later, after much protest and disobedience, her husband returned her to her uncle, who immediately disowned her and returned her to her single mother. She escaped the immense family and societal pressure by finding employment with the local television station and simultaneously attending school in the mornings.

 

 At the age of 16, Khadija received a scholarship to finish secondary school in the United States. Subsequently, she enrolled at the Mount Vernon College for Women, in Washington D.C. After a period in Yemen and Paris, she returned to Washington to earn her Master's degree in communications at the American university. For her thesis, she produced her first film.

 

Last year she produced Al Sarkha (The Scream) where she documented women’s active participation in the 2011 uprising. As it nears its end, “The Scream” portrays the disappointment of women as they realize that the uprising has failed to improve their status within Yemeni society.

 

Khadija  is currently working on a new film that tells the stories of girls who have been forced to marry older men, an ancient traditional practice in Yemen. 

 

  

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Things To Do: Rock Climbing

 

 

Mountain climbing and hiking available within Sana'a city limits. Yemen Adventure Club caters for people who are climbing for the first time as well as experienced climbers. Equipment is provided. 

 

 

 

 

Yemen Adventure Club

Yemen, Sanaa, Sana'a, Shopping, Accommodation, Hotels, Schools, Mosques, History, Aden, Socotra, Restaurants, Things To Do, Where to Go, Visas, Holidays, Government, Yemenia, Yemeniah, Tickets, Travel, Hiking, Beit Baws, Beit Bouss, Old City, Music, Dancing, Culture, Arabia Felix, Arabia,       

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Yemeni Artists Open call

 

 

 

Yemenis artists of all mediums are invited to submit their portfolios to be considered for an upcoming group exhibition to be hosted at the National Museum in Sana’a and for travel to Europe and other countries in the region.

 

 

 

Photographers, painters, filmmakers, installation, performance and mixed media artists are welcome to send their portfolios to be reviewed.

 

 

 

If accepted the curators will contact the artists to discuss details.

 

 

 

The closing date for submissions is 19 January 2014. E-mail submissions to ibiibrahimart@gmail.com

 

 

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Yemeni Film Shorlisted for Academy Award! 

 

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Our Must-See: The Gift Maker

 

A bomb-maker falls in love with woman he sees from his basement. A poignant portrayal of love and sacrifice. 

 

 

Ziryab Al-Ghabri's production took first place in the Zoom British Council competition for aspiring filmmakers in 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

British Council Article & film