27 - July 2nd thru July 8th 2001, Vol
XI
 
Hodeidah:
A Historic and Tourist Destination
In his book 'Al-Muqtataf', the eminent historian Mr. Justice Abdullah bin
Abdulkarim al-Jurafi, writes "Hodeidah is the biggest and greatest city
of Tehama." Sources indicate that Hodeidah was established in 700 Hijirah.
Its name was derived from a lady named Hodeidah who had a cafe in a small
village near the sea and where strangers and travelers used to rest and
sleep.
Hodeidah's importance derives from the strategic location the city
enjoys on the Red Sea. It extends from al-Makha in the south northward
to Midi and the other northern islands. Such a location combines the benefits
of a fertile land and richness of marine life that covers about 60% of
the local consumption. Large quantities of fruits such as banana, mango,
watermelon, papaya, etc. are annually exported to European markets. In
addition, there are more than 5 million palm trees in the Tehamah.
Attracted by such features, many different invaders occupied Hodeidah
which was the passage to the whole Yemen. Thirty three fortresses that
spread around the city and along its coasts. These are a live evidence
of the many wars the city has passed through. Kamaran is the oldest among
these fortresses. It dates back to the Persian invasion in 620. It contains
a secret tunnel that looks like a well leading to Al-Qofl area. The biggest
one is Job Al-Zeilaai in Al-Luheiah which dates back to the first Ottoman
invasion. It consists of three floors, 14 rooms, a mosque, halls, dancing
floors, a water tank, etc. The name is said to derive from the al-Zailaai
tribe who were the first people to settle down in al-Luheiah.
Prosperity of Trade
It is believed that the city witnessed a prosperous commercial movement
in the 10th century (Hijirah). Some historic sources mention that the Dutch
established a commercial center in Al-Shehr, Al-Makha and Hodeidah. In
1986 a British journalist called John arrived in Hodeidah. He made efforts
to promote the ship industry, exportation of coffee to Jeddah, Egypt, Europe
and other destinations. James Brus, an English traveler highlighted the
importance of Jeizan to export Yemeni coffee. He said that Hodeidah and
al-Luheiah seaports were becoming more important for exporting coffee.
Statistically, in 1886, Yemeni exports of coffee via Hodeidah seaport reached
£2 million.
There was initially no seaport in its real sense. There used to be
only a deck that the Turks built in 1881 in front of the Old Customs Authority.
Only ruins of this building are still there which are in urgent need of
renovation.
Tourism
As mentioned before, the city of Hodeidah lies in the middle of the
Tehamah plains. The city is divided into two parts. One is extended along
the coast northward until the Midi island. This part is distinguished by
the thick line of doums in addition to different kind of plants which make
the whole area suitable as tourist resorts. The other part extends southward
from Al-Dureihimi until Al-Khokhah and al-Makha. This part is featured
by a line of more than 5 million palm trees. The harvest season is celebrated
by the native people. But if exploited properly, revenues of this part
may not exceed half of that of the first part. Studies and researches indicate
that tourism in the city depends heavily on environment. The coral reefs
in the Red Sea and forests such as Bora forest are the most important tourist
attractions.
Djabal Bora Forest
Djabal Bora lies 50 km to the east of Hodeidah. This area is characterized
by difficult relieves and high mountains upto 2200 m above sea level. There
are many passages leading to this area, the easiest being through Bajel.
After 20kms along the agricultural road, visitors stand face to face with
high mountains constituting what is in geographical terms called Yemen
Western Heights. Diversity of its climate helps grow diverse kinds of plants
here. Djabal Bora Forest is one of the richest Yemeni regions in biodiversity.
Down in the Wadi layers of basaltic and granite present magnificent scenery.
Floods due to heavy rains and natural springs have added to the beauty
of the area. Marvelous slopes have been created by continuous floods. Many
local people as well as tourists flock to relax here. A granite column
stands like a giant amid the forest surrounded by thick trees.
Tens of plant species and wild animals such as loins, tigers, wolves,
reptiles, colorful butterflies, birds, baboons, etc., can be seen here.
Many of these species have disappeared in other parts of Yemen.
As far as the coral reefs are concerned they are in need for promotion.
According to studies by General Authority for Tourism, there is no oil
pollution in the far away island coats. It is added that the region that
stretches from Hodeidah to Midi is protected by the islands.
Diving areas are still very primitive. It extends along the al-kateeb
area. There is a group of small boats which carry divers to an area called
'Al-Shi'ab' (the reefs) for 100 rials for locals and 500 rials for foreigners.
Some people believe that this area was earlier part of the city, but was
covered by sea.
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