This is the third of a five-part series on the main fortresses in Yemen.
Al-Qahira castle in Hajja is one of the Yemeni fortresses whose establishment
was associated with the existence of towns and cities. These castles became
part of the defense and daily life of theses towns.
Checkered History
The role of Hajja castle was not only in defending the town from foreign
attackers, but also to keep the internal security of the place.
Dating back to the 17th century AD, Al-Qahira castle played a considerable
role in protecting the town of Hajja. Situated on top of AL-Qahira mountain
(2,000 ft. above sea level), Al-Qahira along with the Noman and Al-Dhafeer
castles and Al-Jahili fort form a defense line protecting not only Hajja,
but the whole region as well. Al-Qahira overlooked the roads leading to
various little town and villages in the area such as Bani Al-Awam, Walaa,
Shaghadira, Najra, Bani Qais, Miswar, Kahlan Taj, Bani Jadeela, etc.
The
town of Hajja was founded by Hajja Bin Zaid of the Hashid tribe. It was
the seat of government for many Imams, and a bastion in the face of many
revolts and political storms.
The castle and the town acquired an added importance when they became
the center of the Qassemid state towards the end of the 17th century AD.
During the late forties and up to the early sixties, Al-Qahira castle was
the scene of several revolts and counter-revolts. The 1995 uprising against
Imam Ahmed was launched from there.
It was also the place where the uprising of 1961 was started by Sheikh
Hameed bin Hussein Al-Ahmer.
Several revolutionaries were imprisoned by the Imam in Al-Qahira of
Hajja such as lieutenant Abdullah Al-Luqayya.
However, Al-Qahira played a more decisive role during the revolutionary
years of '62, '65, and '68. Once the castle fell into their hands, the
republicans were able to launch successful counter-attacks against the
monarchists' strongholds in the surrounding areas.
Description
The total area of the castle and its wall at the top of the mountain
is around 1,100 sq. m. The castle's main building consists of three levels.
A small door at the top level leads to the castle's roof with its three
defense towers, which overlook the town of Hajja from the east, west, north,
and part of the south.
The castle was built in a modified old Yemeni architectural style.
The entrances, exits, window sizes, shape of the stairs, and wall basis
are all done according to the original Yemeni style. The structure of the
inner building, however, is influenced by the Turkish style of architecture.
It is open and capacious to allow plenty of daylight to stream in.
Main Features
Defense-wise, Al-Qahira's main feature is that, along with its wall
and other fortifications, it forms one solid body. The castle's wall completely
surrounds the mountain's top, preventing people and armies from crossing
to the other side. The only way is through the castle's main gate. The
only negative aspect is that the road leading up to the castle is completely
defenseless. The castle became an ordinary habitat for the Hajja townsfolk.
Realizing the vulnerability of the road leading to it, the castle's
designer chose a circular shape to allow for the safety and security of
the people living within the castle's confines. The top of the castle,
however, is rather exposed. The mosque, the water tanks, the baths, and
the living quarters all look like those in any ordinary residence, except
for being heavily fortified from the outside.
Tourism Potential
Despite its great attraction for tourists, Al-Qahira castle still remains
somewhat neglected. There are no recreational or other services. More attention
will to be granted by the tourism authorities in Yemen to make visiting
this historical place a more worthwhile prospect for the foreign tourists.
Narjis Obad on Being an Actress
in Yemen
Ms. Narjis
Hussein Obad is an actress and theater director as well a TV presenter
and producer. She received an M.A. degree in theater direction and another
degree with distinction in acting in 1987 from the Belurus Arts Institute
in the former Soviet Union.
"I started performing in the theater when I was an elementary level
student," said Narjis. The television later invited her to work in
a program called "Problem and Solution." This was her starting
point.
Narjis played the roles of poor, rich, young, domineering and jealous
woman as well as Queen Arwa. "I had the honor to act with famous actors
in the Aden Oil Refinery Troupe*, which enhanced my start, encouraged me
to play serious roles, and associated my career with drama education."
What does
it take to become an actress?
Narjis explained that acting needs ability, seriousness, accumulation
of theatrical traditions, government and theatrical support, good technical
capabilities and suitable texts to be adapted to the theater.
Narjis Obad said about her education and her career in the dramatic
arts: "My university study is very helpful. My education and knowledge
of international drama has largely consolidated my career." She translated
her M.A. thesis about the work of the famous Russian author Istrovsky and
adapted it for theater. "I also dealt with works of European authors
such as Noshta and Hotchiki and Arab authors such Mahfoodh Abdulrahman
and many other Yemeni authors including Mohammed Ahmed Al-Shamiri."
Narjis also participated in several theater, TV and radio dramas in
Syria, Egypt and Iraq. "I did a successful program in Oman called
"Poetry is the Domain of Arabs" in 1992.
Narjis presents a weekly variety program at the Yemeni satellite channel
called "Tour and See," which is prepared by her sister Ibtihal
Obad who is a TV announcer.
"Women do not have a sizable share of the artistic and cultural
life of the country. Because of the shortage of actresses, I find myself
having to direct and to act as well. I think that it is very important
for women to be more involved in the theater and other arts."
"I thank the General Federation of Yemeni Women which gave me
the chance to study in Russia."
Last but not least, Narjis is married with 3 daughters. Her sister
Fardoos is a doctor and Ibtihal is a TV announcer. Her only brother Hisham
is still a university student. Their mother, who is a seamstress, encouraged
and supported them. Also, she implanted within them a whole-hearted devotion
to hard work.
* The Aden Oil Refinery Troupe is a group of actors working within the
oil refinery in little Aden. It was established at the end of 1950.
