Aden
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Clockwise from top: Crater District, Aden First Legislative Council, Port of Aden, Night view of Aden Hotel and Mercury Hotel, Queen Victoria Statue, Malla District, Abyan Beach | |
 Seal | |
 Aden map | |
  Aden Location in Yemen  Aden Aden (Middle East) | |
| Coordinates: 12°48′N 45°02′E / 12.800°N 45.033°E | |
| Country | Yemen |
| Region | South Yemen |
| Governorate | Aden |
| First settled[1] | 7th century BC |
| British occupation | 19 January 1829 |
| Aden Settlement | 1829 |
| Province of Aden | 1932–1937 |
| Colony of Aden | 1 April 1937 |
| state of Aden withen the FSA | 18 January 1963 |
| Independence | 30 November 1967 |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Dr. Ahmed Lamlas |
| • Governing body | Aden Local Council |
| • Aden Police Director | Maj Gen Mutahar Al-Shuaibi |
| Area | |
| • Total | 760 km2 (290 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 6 m (20 ft) |
| Population (2017)[2] | |
| • Total | 863,000  |
| • Estimate (2023)[3] | 1,079,670 |
| • Density | 1,135.52/km2 (2,941.0/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Adeni/ Adenies |
| Ethnicities | |
| • Majority | Arabs |
| • Minorities | Afro-Arabs, Indians, Somalis |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Arabic MSA (Education and Government) |
| • Spoken | Adeni Arabic (Majority) Hindi [6], Somali[7] (minorities) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (AST) |
| Area code | 02 |
Aden ( Arabic: عَدَن, romanized: Ah-dan, Old South Arabian : 𐩲𐩵𐩬, Eudaemon Ancient Greek: Ευδαίμων, meaning "blissful/ prosperous''),[8] is a port city located in the southern part of the Arabian peninsula, positioned near the eastern approach to the Red Sea . It is situated approximately 170 km (110 mi) east of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and north of the Gulf of Aden. With its strategic location on the coastline, Aden serves as a gateway between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, making it a crucial maritime hub connecting Africa, Asia, and the Middle East . As of 2023, Aden City has a population of approximately 1,080,000 residents, making it the largest city in South Yemen and one of the largest cites in Yemen. The city spans an area of 760 km2 (290 square miles), providing ample space for its growing population and diverse range of activities. Aden City is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, making it a gateway for international trade and commerce. Aden has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the city's unique history and traditions. The city has been a center of trade and commerce for centuries, which has resulted in a diverse cultural mix of Arabic, Indian, and African influences [9]. The city is renowned for its strategic seaport and the Aden Free Zone. It is strategically positioned near the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, a crucial maritime route. The city is equipped with essential infrastructure, including Aden International Airport, along with prominent public healthcare institutions such as Aljoumhouria Teaching Hospital (Queen Elizabeth II) , Aden General Hospital, and Friendship Teaching Hospital. Aden is divided into eight districts, Tawahi District, Mualla District, Crater District, Khur Maksar District, Al Mansura District, Dar Sad District, Sheikh Othman, Al Buraiqa District. These eight districts constitute the modern day Governorate of Aden, during the British Colonialism , Aden referred to the area situated along the north coast of the Gulf of Aden and lies on a peninsula enclosing the eastern side of Al-Tawāhī Harbour, present day Tawahi District, Mualla District, Crater District and most of Khur Maksar District, whereas the peninsula enclosing the western side of the harbour is called Little Aden, which is part of present day Al Buraiqa District.
Prior to the independence, Aden consisted of a number of distinct sub-centres: Crater, the original port city; Ma'alla, the modern port; Tawahi, known as "Steamer Point" in the colonial period; and the resorts of Gold Mohur. Khormaksar, on the isthmus that connects Aden proper with the mainland, includes the city's diplomatic missions, the main offices of Aden University, and Aden International Airport (the former British Royal Air Force station RAF Khormaksar), Yemen's second biggest airport. On the mainland are the sub-centres of Sheikh Othman, a former oasis area; Al-Mansura, a town planned by the British; and Madinat ash-Sha'b (formerly Madinat al-Itihad), the site designated as the capital of the South Arabian Federation and now home to a large power/desalinization facility and additional faculties of Aden University.
Aden encloses the eastern side of a vast, natural harbour that constitutes the modern port. A long time ago this necessitated the existence of Aden's reservoirs, the Cisterns of Tawila. As described by 14th century scholar Ibn Battuta, "These reservoirs accumulate rainwater for the sole purpose of drinking for the city's citizens. Little Aden became the site of the oil refinery and tanker port. Both were established and operated by British Petroleum until they were turned over to South Yemeni government ownership and control in 1978.
Aden, formly the the capital of the state of South Yemen, held that status until it was captured by the northern Yemeni forces on 7 July 1994 during the 1994 Civil War. Currently, it's the seat of the Southern Transitional Council, which exercises complete control over the city and a significant portion of the territory that was once part of South Yemen. It was also declared a temporary capital for the ousted government of Yemen following the 2014 Coup d'état hosting some members of the IRGY (Cabinet of Yemen) mainly in al-Maashiq area.
History edit
Antiquity edit
A local legend in Yemen states that Aden may be as old as human history itself. Some also believe that Cain and Abel are buried somewhere in the city.[10]
The port's convenient position on the sea route between India and Europe has made Aden desirable to rulers who sought to possess it at various times throughout history. Known as Eudaemon (Ancient Greek: Ευδαίμων, meaning "blissful, prosperous,") in the 1st century BC, it was a transshipping point for the Red Sea trade, but fell on hard times when new shipping practices by-passed it and made the daring direct crossing to India in the 1st century AD, according to the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. The same work describes Aden as "a village by the shore," which would well describe the town of Crater while it was still little-developed. There is no mention of fortification at this stage, Aden was more an island than a peninsula as the isthmus (a tombolo) was not then so developed as it is today.
Medieval and Early Modern edit
Although the pre-Islamic Himyar civilization was capable of building large structures, there seems to have been little fortification at this stage. Fortifications at Mareb and other places in Yemen and the Hadhramaut make it clear that both the Himyar and the Sabean cultures were well capable of it. Thus, watchtowers, since destroyed, are possible. However, the Arab historians Ibn al Mojawir and Abu Makhramah attribute the first fortification of Aden to Beni Zuree'a. Abu Makhramah has also included a detailed biography of Muhammad Azim Sultan Qamarbandi Naqsh in his work, Tarikh ul-Yemen. The aim seems to have been twofold: to keep hostile forces out and to maintain revenue by controlling the movement of goods, thereby preventing smuggling. In its original form, some of this work was relatively feeble.
After 1175 AD, rebuilding in a more solid form began, and ever since Aden became a popular city attracting sailors and merchants from Egypt, Sindh, Gujarat, East Africa and even China. According to Muqaddasi, Persians formed the majority of Aden's population in the 10th century.[11][12]
In 1421, China's Ming dynasty Yongle Emperor ordered principal envoy grand eunuch Li Xing and grand eunuch Zhou Man of Zheng He's fleet to convey an imperial edict with hats and robes to bestow on the king of Aden. The envoys boarded three treasure ships and set sail from Sumatra to the port of Aden. This event was recorded in the book Yingyai Shenglan by Ma Huan who accompanied the imperial envoy.[13]
In 1513, the Portuguese, led by Afonso de Albuquerque, launched an unsuccessful four-day naval siege of Aden.[14]
After Ottoman rule, Aden was ruled by the Sultanate of Lahej, under suzerainty of the Zaidi imams of Yemen.
British administration 1839–1967 edit
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In 1609 The Ascension was the first English ship to visit Aden, before sailing on to Mocha during the fourth voyage of the East India Company.[16]
British interests in Aden began in 1796 with Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, after which a British fleet docked at Aden for several months at the invitation of the sultan. The French were defeated in Egypt in 1801, and their privateers were tracked down over the subsequent decade. By 1800, Aden was a small village with a population of 600 Arabs, Somalis, Jews, and Indians—housed for the most part in huts of reed matting erected among ruins recalling a vanished era of wealth and prosperity. As there was little British trade in the Red Sea, most British politicians until the 1830s had no further interest in the area beyond the suppression of piracy. However, a small number of government officials and the East India Company officials thought that a British base in the area was necessary to prevent another French advance through Egypt or Russian expansion through Persia. The emergence of Muhammad Ali of Egypt as a strong local ruler only increased their concerns. The governor of Bombay from 1834 to 1838, Sir Robert Grant, was one of those who believed that India could only be protected by preemptively seizing "places of strength" to protect the Indian Ocean.
The Red Sea increased in importance after the steamship Hugh Lindsay sailed from Bombay to the Suez isthmus in 1830, stopping at Aden with the sultan's consent to resupply with coal. Although cargo was still carried around the Cape of Good Hope in sailing ships, a steam route to the Suez could provide a much quicker option for transporting officials and important communications. Grant felt that armed ships steaming regularly between Bombay and Suez would help secure British interests in the region and did all he could to progress his vision. After lengthy negotiations due to the costs of investing in the new technology, the government agreed to pay half the costs for six voyages per year and the East India Company board approved the purchase of two new steamers in 1837. Grant immediately announced that monthly voyages to Suez would take place, despite the fact that no secure coaling station had been found.[17]
In 1838, under Muhsin bin Fadl, Lahej ceded 194 km2 (75 sq mi) including Aden to the British. On 19 January 1839, the British East India Company landed Royal Marines at Aden to secure the territory and stop attacks by pirates against British shipping to India. In 1850 it was declared a free trade port, with the liquor, salt, arms, and opium trades developing duties as it won all the coffee trade from Mokha.[18] The port lies about equidistant from the Suez Canal, Mumbai, and Zanzibar, which were all important British possessions. Aden had been an entrepôt and a way-station for seamen in the ancient world. There, supplies, particularly water, were replenished, so, in the mid-19th century, it became necessary to replenish coal and boiler water. Thus Aden acquired a coaling station at Steamer Point and Aden was to remain under British control until November 1967.
Until 1937, Aden was governed as part of British India and was known as the Aden Settlement. Its original territory was enlarged in 1857 by the 13 km2 (5.0 sq mi) island of Perim, in 1868 by the 73 km2 (28 sq mi) Khuriya Muriya Islands, and in 1915 by the 108 km2 (42 sq mi) island of Kamaran. The settlement would become Aden Province in 1935.
In 1937, the settlement was detached from India and became the Colony of Aden, a British Crown colony. The change in government was a step towards the change in monetary units seen in the stamps illustrating this article. When British India became independent in 1947, Indian rupees (divided into annas) were replaced in Aden by East African shillings. The hinterland of Aden and Hadhramaut were also loosely tied to Britain as the Aden Protectorate, which was overseen from Aden.
Aden's location also made it a useful entrepôt for mail passing between places around the Indian Ocean and Europe. Thus, a ship passing from Suez to Bombay could leave mail for Mombasa at Aden for collection (See Postage stamps and postal history of Aden).
The 1947 Aden riots saw more than 80 Jews killed, their property looted and schools burned by a Muslim mob. After the Suez Crisis in 1956, Aden became the main location in the region for the British.
Aden sent a team of two to the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Western Australia.
Little Aden 1955 to 1967 edit
Little Aden is still dominated by the oil refinery built for British Petroleum. Little Aden was well known to seafarers for its tanker port with a very welcoming seaman's mission near to the BP Aden tugs' jetties, complete with swimming pool and air conditioned bar. The accommodation areas for the refinery personnel were known by the original Arabic names of Bureika and Ghadir.
Bureika was wooden housing bunkhouses built to accommodate the thousands of skilled men and laborers imported to build the refinery, later converted to family housing, plus imported prefabricated houses "the Riley-Newsums" that are also to be found in parts of Australia (Woomera). Bureika also had a protected bathing area and Beach Club.
Ghadir housing was stone built, largely from the local granite quarry; much of this housing still stands today, now occupied by wealthier locals from Aden. Little Aden also has a local township and numerous picturesque fishing villages, including the Lobster Pots of Ghadir. The British Army had extensive camps in Bureika and through Silent Valley in Falaise Camp, these successfully protected the refinery staff and facilities throughout the troubles, with only a very few exceptions. Schooling was provided for children from kindergarten age through to primary school, after that, children were bussed to The Isthmus School in Khormaksar, though this had to be stopped during the Aden Emergency.
Federation of South Arabia and the Aden Emergency edit
In order to stabilize Aden and the surrounding Aden Protectorate from the designs of the Egyptian backed republicans of North Yemen, the British attempted to gradually unite the disparate states of the region in preparation for eventual independence. On 18 January 1963, the Colony of Aden was incorporated into the Federation of Arab Emirates of the South against the wishes of North Yemen. The city became the State of Aden and the Federation was renamed the Federation of South Arabia (FSA).
An insurgency against British administration known as the Aden Emergency began with a grenade attack by the communist National Liberation Front (NLF), against the British High Commissioner on 10 December 1963, killing one person and injuring fifty, and a "state of emergency" was declared.
In 1964, Britain announced its intention to grant independence to the FSA in 1968, but that the British military would remain in Aden. The security situation deteriorated as NLF and FLOSY (Front for the Liberation of Occupied South Yemen) vied for the upper hand.
In January 1967, there were mass riots between the NLF and their rival FLOSY supporters in the old Arab quarter of Aden town. This conflict continued until mid February, despite the intervention of British troops. On 20 June 1967, 23 British Army soldiers were ambushed and shot dead by members of Aden Police during the Aden Mutiny in the Crater District. During the period there were as many attacks on the British troops by both sides as against each other culminating in the destruction of an Aden Airways DC3 plane in the air with no survivors.
The increased violence was a determining factor in the British ensuring all families were evacuated more quickly than initially intended, as recorded in From Barren Rocks to Living Stones.[19]
On 30 November 1967, British troops were evacuated, leaving Aden and the rest of the FSA under NLF control. The Royal Marines, who had been the first British troops to arrive in Aden in 1839, were the last to leave – with the exception of a Royal Engineer detachment (10 Airfields Squadron left Aden on 13 December 1967).
Independence from the United Kingdom edit
Aden ceased to be a Colony of the United Kingdom and became the capital of a new state known as the People's Republic of South Yemen which, in 1970, was renamed the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen. With the unification of northern and southern Yemen in 1990, Aden was no longer a national capital but remained the capital of Aden Governorate which covered an area similar to that of the Aden Colony.
On 29 December 1992, Al Qaeda conducted its first known terrorist attack in Aden, bombing the Gold Mohur Hotel, where US servicemen were known to have been staying en route to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope. A Yemeni and an Austrian tourist died in the attack.[20]
Aden was briefly the centre of the secessionist Democratic Republic of Yemen from 21 May 1994 but was reunited by Republic of Yemen troops on 7 July 1994.
Members of al Qaeda attempted to bomb the US guided-missile destroyer The Sullivans at the port of Aden as part of the 2000 millennium attack plots. The boat that had the explosives in it sank, forcing the planned attack to be aborted.
The bombing attack on destroyer USS Cole took place in Aden on 12 October 2000.
In 2007 growing dissatisfaction with unification led to the formation of the secessionist South Yemen Movement. According to The New York Times, the Movement's mainly underground leadership includes socialists, Islamists and individuals desiring a return to the perceived benefits of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen.[21]
Civil war edit
President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi fled to Aden, his hometown, in February 2015 after being deposed in the coup d'état that many consider to be the start of the Yemeni civil war. Others consider that the civil war began in September 2014 when Houthi forces took over the capital city Sana'a, which was followed by a rapid Houthi takeover of the government.
Hadi declared in Aden that he was still Yemen's legitimate president and called on state institutions and loyal officials to relocate to Aden.[22] In a televised speech on 21 March 2015, he declared Aden to be Yemen's "economic and temporary capital" while Sana'a is controlled by the Houthis.[23]
Aden was hit by violence in the aftermath of the coup d'état, with forces loyal to Hadi clashing with those loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh in a battle for Aden International Airport on 19 March 2015.[24] After the airport battle, the entire city became a battleground for the Battle of Aden, which left large parts of the city in ruins and has killed at least 198 people since 25 March 2015.[25]
On 14 July 2015, the Saudi Arabian Army launched an offensive to win control of the city. Within three days, the city was cleared of Houthi rebels, ending the Battle of Aden with a coalition victory.[26]
Beginning on 28 January 2018, separatists loyal to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized control of the Yemeni government headquarters in Aden in a coup d'état against the Hadi-led government.[27][28]
The next day, President of the STC Aidarus al-Zoubaidi announced a state of emergency in Aden and that "the STC has begun the process of overthrowing Hadi's rule over the South".[29]
On 1 August 2019, General Munir Al Yafi the serving commander of the STC was killed in a Houthi-missile strike alongside dozens of Yemeni soldiers in a military camp in western Aden.[30] Later that month, the STC took control of Aden, and in April 2020 they declared self-rule.[31]
On 30 December 2020, the undersecretary of labour and deputy minister of public works were killed along with between 20 and 30 others at the Aden airport while they conducted an international press briefing about their new arrangements with the STC, which includes the partition of forces inside Aden, as they returned from hiding in the Saudi capital. Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, his ministers and his entourage were conducted to safety under the barrage of hostile fire.[31][32]
Sultanate of Lahej1728–1839
Sultanate of Lahej 1728–1967
Bombay Presidency 1839–1932
British Empire 1937–1963
State of Aden within the FSA 1963–1967
People's Republic of South Yemen 1967–1970
Republic of Yemen 1990–1994
Republic of Yemen under STC control 2015–Present
Etymology edit
Prehistory of Berlin edit
12th to 16th centuries edit
17th to 19th centuries edit
20th to 21st centuries edit
Berlin-Brandenburg fusion attempt edit
Geography edit
Topography edit
Aden, situated on the southern coast of Yemen, boasts a diverse topography that combines coastal areas, rugged mountains, and arid desert regions. The city features a natural harbor called Aden Harbor or Aden Bay, known for its safe anchorage. The coastline offers sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rocky promontories, providing a picturesque setting. Inland, beyond the city limits, the landscape transitions into arid desert regions with sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and sparse vegetation. To the north of Aden, the Jebel Shamsan mountain range provides a striking backdrop, with peaks reaching an elevation of around 2,500 meters.
Climate edit
Aden experiences a hot desert climate. Summers are long, hot, and humid, with average temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F). The city receives minimal rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation occurring during the monsoon season from June to September. Winters are warm, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). Aden's coastal location moderates the temperature to some extent, but high humidity levels can contribute to a muggy feel in the air.
Aden has a hot desert climate (BWh) in the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system. Although Aden sees next to no precipitation year-round, it is humid throughout the year.
| Climate data for Aden | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 31.1 (88.0) |
31.7 (89.1) |
35.0 (95.0) |
37.8 (100.0) |
41.1 (106.0) |
41.1 (106.0) |
41.1 (106.0) |
42.8 (109.0) |
38.3 (100.9) |
38.9 (102.0) |
35.0 (95.0) |
32.8 (91.0) |
42.8 (109.0) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 28.5 (83.3) |
28.6 (83.5) |
30.2 (86.4) |
32.2 (90.0) |
34.1 (93.4) |
36.6 (97.9) |
35.9 (96.6) |
35.3 (95.5) |
35.4 (95.7) |
33.0 (91.4) |
30.7 (87.3) |
28.9 (84.0) |
32.4 (90.3) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 25.7 (78.3) |
26.0 (78.8) |
27.2 (81.0) |
28.9 (84.0) |
31.0 (87.8) |
32.7 (90.9) |
32.1 (89.8) |
31.5 (88.7) |
31.6 (88.9) |
28.9 (84.0) |
27.1 (80.8) |
26.0 (78.8) |
29.1 (84.4) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 22.6 (72.7) |
23.2 (73.8) |
24.0 (75.2) |
25.6 (78.1) |
27.7 (81.9) |
28.8 (83.8) |
28.0 (82.4) |
27.5 (81.5) |
27.8 (82.0) |
24.6 (76.3) |
23.2 (73.8) |
22.9 (73.2) |
25.5 (77.9) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 15.6 (60.1) |
17.2 (63.0) |
18.9 (66.0) |
18.9 (66.0) |
21.1 (70.0) |
23.9 (75.0) |
22.8 (73.0) |
23.3 (73.9) |
25.0 (77.0) |
18.9 (66.0) |
18.3 (64.9) |
16.7 (62.1) |
15.6 (60.1) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 6 (0.2) |
3 (0.1) |
5 (0.2) |
2 (0.1) |
1 (0.0) |
0 (0) |
3 (0.1) |
3 (0.1) |
5 (0.2) |
1 (0.0) |
3 (0.1) |
5 (0.2) |
36 (1.4) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 20 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 72 | 72 | 74 | 74 | 72 | 66 | 65 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 241.8 | 203.4 | 217.0 | 240.0 | 303.8 | 282.0 | 241.8 | 269.7 | 270.0 | 294.5 | 285.0 | 257.3 | 3,106.3 |
| Mean daily sunshine hours | 7.8 | 7.2 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 9.8 | 9.4 | 7.8 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
| Source: Deutscher Wetterdienst[33] | |||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 °C (77 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 27 °C (81 °F) | 29 °C (84 °F) | 30 °C (86 °F) | 29 °C (84 °F) | 29 °C (84 °F) | 30 °C (86 °F) | 28 °C (82 °F) | 27 °C (81 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) |
Cityscape edit
Aden's cityscape reflects a blend of modern development and historical charm. The urban areas encompass a mix of residential neighborhoods, bustling commercial centers, and administrative facilities. The Crater District, located on a peninsula jutting into the Arabian Sea, forms the historic heart of Aden. It is characterized by its volcanic crater, which gives the district its name. The area showcases a unique architectural heritage, with old buildings and narrow winding streets. Beyond the Crater District, the city extends into the mainland, featuring modern buildings and infrastructure.
Architecture edit
Aden's architecture represents a blend of styles influenced by its history and cultural influences. The Crater District features distinctive Yemeni architecture with traditional buildings made of stone, adorned with intricate woodwork and decorative elements. The area is known for its tall, narrow houses, called tower houses or "mudhafas," which showcase the city's historical significance. In addition to traditional architecture, modern structures have emerged, reflecting contemporary designs and international influences.
Demographics edit
Nationalities edit
Languages edit
Religion edit
Government and politics edit
Administrative divisions edit
Prior to indepence and during British Colonialism , Aden referred to the area situated along the north coast of the Gulf of Aden and lying on a peninsula enclosing the eastern side of Al-Tawāhī Harbour, present day Tawahi District, Mualla District, Crater District and most of Khur Maksar District, whereas the peninsula enclosing the western side of the harbor is called Little Aden, which is part of present day Al Buraiqa District.
In addition to Aden and Little Aden and on the mainland, there were the sub-centres of Sheikh Othman, a former oasis area; Al-Mansura, a town planned by the British; and Madinat ash-Sha'b (formerly Madinat al-Itihad), the site designated as the capital of the South Arabian Federation which is also part of present day Al Buraiqa District.
There are 3 administrative divisions within the governorate of Aden:
- District (Arabic: مديرية madiria) is the second-level administrative division in Yemen and the first-level of administration in the governorate.
- Neighborhood (Arabic: حي hayy) is the fourth-level administrative division in Yemen's urban areas and the second-level of administration in the governorate. It consists of multiple adjacent blocks.
- Block (Arabic: حارة hara) is the lowest-level administrative division in urban areas of Yemen and within the governorate of Aden. They are defined as groups of adjacent buildings surrounded by a group of streets to separate them from other blocks.
- Islands
There are 3 administrative divisions within the governorate of Aden:
Districts edit
Aden is divided into eight districts. These districts are
- Tawahi District,
- Mualla District,
- Crater District,
- Khur Maksar District,
- Al Mansura District,
- Dar Sad District,
- Sheikh Othman,
- Al Buraiqa District.
Neighborhoods edit
The 8 districts are further divided into eight districts. These districts are
Arabic: حي hayy) is the fourth-level administrative division in Yemen's urban areas and the second-level of administration in the governorate. It consists of multiple adjacent blocks. Aden has
- Block (Arabic: حارة hara) is the lowest-level administrative division in urban areas of Yemen and within the governorate of Aden. They are defined as groups of adjacent buildings surrounded by a group of streets to separate them from other blocks.
These eight districts constitute the modern day Governorate of Aden.
| District | Population | Area (km2) | Neighborhoods | Blocks | Islands | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tawahi | 86,918 | 10 | 6 | 34 | 1 |
| 2 | Mualla | 79,138 | 4 | 5 | 38 | 7 |
| 3 | Crater | 122,477 | 13 | 6 | 43 | 2 |
| 4 | Al Mansura | 163,962 | 88 | 3 | 33 | |
| 5 | Sheikh Othman | 164,742 | 42 | 3 | 27 | 0 |
| 6 | Dar Sad | 130,119 | 37 | 2 | 17 | 0 |
| 7 | Khur Maksar | 74,150 | 61 | 6 | 19 | 1 |
| 8 | Al Buraiqa | 103,494 | 486 | 10 | 27 | 12 |
| Total | 925,000 | 741 | 41 | 238 | 23 | |
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City-Governorate edit
Districts edit
Capital city edit
Economy edit
Companies edit
Tourism and conventions edit
Creative industries edit
Media edit
Infrastructure edit
Transport edit
Roads edit
Rail edit
Water transport edit
Intercity buses edit
Public transport edit
Airports edit
Cycling edit
Rohrpost (pneumatic postal network) edit
Energy edit
Health edit
Telecommunication edit
Education and research edit
Higher education edit
Research edit
Culture edit
Galleries and museums edit
Nightlife and festivals edit
Performing arts edit
Cuisine edit
Recreation edit
Sports edit
See also edit
- List of fiction set in Berlin
- List of honorary citizens of Berlin
- List of people from Berlin
- List of songs about Berlin
Notes edit
References edit
Citations edit
Sources edit
External links edit
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Aden City, often referred to as Aden, is a bustling metropolis and the economic hub of Yemen. Situated along the coastline of the Arabian Sea, Aden City is a vital port city that has played a significant role in the region's history and development. With a rich cultural heritage, a thriving economy, and a strategic location, Aden City has emerged as a prominent center for trade, tourism, and cultural diversity.
As of 2023, Aden City has a population of approximately 1,080,000 residents, making it the largest city in South Yemen and one of the largest cites in Yemen. The city spans an area of 760 km2 (290 square miles), providing ample space for its growing population and diverse range of activities. Aden City is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, making it a gateway for international trade and commerce.
The city's historical significance can be traced back centuries. Aden City's roots can be found in its early establishment as a trading post by ancient civilizations. It has been a vital maritime and commercial center, attracting merchants from various parts of the world. Throughout its history, Aden City has been influenced by different cultures, including Arab, African, Indian, and European, giving it a unique and vibrant character.
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It has historically been an important port city. During the period when the British had control over Aden, the city was divided into different districts.
The main districts of Aden included , Crater, and most of Khormaksar. These districts constituted what was known as Aden at that time. Additionally, there was an area called Little Aden, which was situated on the western side of the harbor.
Today, the region known as Aden has transformed into the Governorate of Aden, which comprises several districts. These districts include Tawahi, Mualla, Crater, Khormaksar, Alburayqa (which incorporates Little Aden), Masnoura, Darsad, and Sheikh Othman. So, the Governorate of Aden now consists of these
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Aden and Little Aden. edit
History edit
Main sites edit
Aden has a number of historical and natural sites of interest to visitors. These include:
- The historical British churches, one of which lies empty and semi-derelict in 2019.[34]
- The Zoroastrian Temple
- The Cisterns of Tawila—an ancient water-catchment system located in the sub-centre of Crater
- Sira Fort
- The Aden Minaret[35]
- Little Ben, a miniature Big Ben Clock Tower overlooking Steamer Point. Built during the colonial period, this was restored in 2012 after 3 decades of neglect since the British withdrawal of 1967.
- The Landing Pier at Steamer Point is a 19th-century building used by visiting dignitaries during the colonial period, most notably Queen Elizabeth during her 1954 visit to the colony. This building was hit by an airstrike in 2015 and is currently in the process of being restored in 2019.
- The Crescent Hotel which contained a number of artifacts relating to the Royal Visit of 1954 and which currently remains derelict as a result of a recent airstrike.
- The Palace of the Sultanate of Lahej/National Museum—The National Museum was founded in 1966 and is located in what used to be the Palace of the Sultanate of Lehej. Northern forces robbed it during the 1994 Civil War, but its collection of pieces remains one of the biggest in Yemen.[36][37]
- The Aden Military Museum which features a painting depicting the 20 June 1967 ambush by Arab Police Barracks on a British Army unit when a number of the 22 soldiers killed that day were driving in 2 Landrovers on Queen Arwa Road, Crater.
- The Rimbaud House, which opened in 1991, is the two-story house of French poet Arthur Rimbaud who lived in Aden from 1880 to 1891. Rimbaud moved to Aden on his way to Ethiopia in an attempt for a new life. As of the late 1990s, the first floor of the house belonged to the French Consulate, a cultural centre and a library. The house is located in al-Tawahi—the European Quarter of Aden—and is politically and culturally debated for its French nature in an area previously colonized by Britain.[38]
- The fortifications of Jebal Hadid and Jebal Shamsan
- The beaches of Aden and Little Aden—Some of the popular beaches in Aden consist of Lover's Bay Beach, Elephant Beach and Gold Beach. The popular beach in Little Aden is called Blue Beach.[36] Some beaches are private and some are public, which is subject to change over time due to the changing resort industry. According to the Wall Street Journal, kidnappings on the beaches and the threat of Al Qaeda has caused problems for the resort industry in Aden, which used to be popular among locals and Westerners.[39]
- Al-Aidaroos Mosque[35]
- Main Pass – now called Al-Aqba Road is the only road into Aden through Crater. Originally an Arched Upper bridge known as Main Gate, it overlooked Aden city and was built during the Ottoman Empire. A painted crest of the 24th British army battalion is still visible on the brickwork adjacent to the Gate site and is believed to be the only remaining army Crest from colonial rule still visible in Aden. In March 1963 the bridge was removed by a British Army controlled explosion to widen the 2 lane roadway to the present 4 lane highway and the only reminder of this bridge is a quarter scale replica built at the end of the Al-Aqba road intersection known as the AdenGate Model roundabout.
Economy edit
Historically, Aden would import goods from the African coast and from Europe, the United States, and India.[40][41] As of 1920, the British described it as "the chief emporium of Arabian trade, receiving the small quantities of native produce, and supplying the modest wants of the interior and of most of the smaller Arabian ports." At the docks, the city provided coal to passing ships. The only item being produced by the city, as of 1920, was salt.[41] Also, the port was the stop ships had to take when entering the Bab-el-Mandeb; this was how cities like Mecca had received goods by ship. Yemen Airlines, the national airline of South Yemen, had its head office in Aden. On 15 May 1996, Yemen Airlines merged with Yemenia.[42][43]
During the early 20th century Aden was a notable centre of coffee production. Women processed coffee beans, grown in the Yemen highlands.[44] Frankincense, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and millet was also produced and exported from Aden.[45][46] The leaves and stalks of the alfalfa, millet and maize produced in Aden were generally used as fodder.[46] As of 1920, Aden was also gathering salt from salt water. An Italian company called Agostino Burgarella Ajola and Company gathered and process the salt under the name Aden Salt Works. There was also a smaller company from India, called Abdullabhoy and Joomabhoy Lalji & Company that owned a salt production firm in Aden. Both companies exported the salt. Between 1916 and 1917, Aden produced over 120,000 tons of salt. Aden has also produced potash, which was generally exported to Mumbai.[47]
Aden produced jollyboats. Charcoal was produced as well, from acacia, and mainly in the interior of the region. Cigarettes were produced by Jewish and Greek populations in Aden. The tobacco used was imported from Egypt.[48]
Since the outbreak of the Yemeni Civil War spread to Aden in 2015, the city has been struck by constant protests over a range of issues, but especially concerning electricity generation. Aden's power grid is composed solely of diesel generators and is thus heavily dependent on imported fuel.[49] The main power plant is al-Hasswa diesel power plant, which in June 2021 had only two turbines out of five running, producing up to 50 megawatts (MW) of power in a region where the deficit hovers around 300 MW. Nawfal al-Mojamal, the plant director, said "In its 35 years of existence, al-Hasswa station never had any kind of maintenance, except in 2016 ... when the two turbines were restored".[50]
Transportation edit
Historically, Aden's harbour has been a major hub of transportation for the region. As of 1920, the harbour was 13 by 6 km (8 by 4 mi) in size. Passenger ships landed at Steamer Point now called Tawahi.[40]
During the British colonial period motor vehicles drove on the left, as in the United Kingdom. On 2 January 1977, Aden, along with the rest of South Yemen, changed to driving on the right, bringing it into line with neighbouring Arab states.[51]
The city was served by Aden International Airport, the former RAF Khormaksar station which is 10 km (6.2 mi) away from the city, before the Battle of Aden Airport and the 2015 military intervention in Yemen closed this airport along with other airports in Yemen. On 22 July, Aden International Airport was declared fit for operation again after the Houthi forces were driven from the city, and a Saudi plane carrying aid reportedly became the first plane to land in Aden in four months.[52] The same day, a ship chartered by the World Food Programme carrying fuel docked in Aden's port.[53]
Climate edit
See also edit
- Hadhramaut Mountains
- History of the Jews in Aden
- Military history of Britain
- Postage stamps and postal history of Aden
- Yemen Ports Authority
Footnotes edit
References edit
- ^ Britannica, N.A. ""Aden". Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2023". Britannica. The Editors of Encyclopaedia. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
- ^ Central Statistical Organisation. "Yemen Statistical Yearbook for 2017". Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "Aden Population". World Population Review. Retrieved 29May2023.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ^ "What Languages Are Spoken in Yemen?". WorldAtlas. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ An Investigation about the Importance of Speaking English as a Second Research Paper." Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/social-science/1732558-an-investigation-about-the-importance-of-speaking-english-as-a-second-language-in-the-republic-of-yemen.
- ^ Rodrigues, Charlene. "From Aden to Trafalgar: Arabic leaves its mark on world's languages". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ "Yemen: Two Young Somalis Become Role Models In Their Community - Somalia | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 24 May 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ "Net", Definitions, Qeios, 7 February 2020, doi:10.32388/6tofbi, retrieved 27 May 2023
- ^ Peace, Yemen (27 March 2022). "The Other Side of Aden". Yemen Peace Forum. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
- ^ Modern Middle East Nations and Their Strategic Place in the World: Yemen, 2004, by Hal Markovitz. ISBN 1-59084-521-8
- ^ Lawrence G. Potter (2009). The Persian Gulf in History. p. 180. ISBN 9780230618459.
- ^ Dr Pirouz Mojtahed-Zadeh (2013). Security and Territoriality in the Persian Gulf: A Maritime Political Geography. p. 64. ISBN 9781136817175.
- ^ Ma Huan Ying-yai Sheng-lan, The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores, 1433, translated by J.V.G. Mills, with foreword and preface, Hakluty Society, London 1970; reprinted by the White Lotus Press 1997. ISBN 974-8496-78-3
- ^ Broeze (28 October 2013). Gateways Of Asia. Routledge. p. 30. ISBN 978-1-136-16895-6.
- ^ Port of Aden inner harbour[permanent dead link]
- ^ J. K. Laughton, 'Jourdain, John (c.1572–1619)', rev. H. V. Bowen, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, Jan 2008
- ^ Christie, Nikki (2016). Gaining and Losing an Empire: Britain 1763–1916. Pearson. pp. 53–55.
- ^ Great Britain Hydrographic Dept (1900). The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Pilot (5th ed.). Order of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. p. 348.
- ^ "From Barren Rocks...to Living Stones".
- ^ "Timeline: Al Qaeda's Global Context: Al Qaeda's First Attack". Frontline: The Man Who Knew. pbs.org. Archived from the original on 15 December 2007. Retrieved 30 November 2007.
- ^ Worth, Robert F. (28 February 2010). "In Yemen's South, Protests Could Cause More Instability". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 4 March 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
- ^ "Head of GCC visits embattled Hadi in Aden". The Daily Star. 26 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ "Yemen's President Hadi declares new 'temporary capital'". Deutsche Welle. 21 March 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
- ^ Hendawi, Hamza (20 March 2015). "Fierce gun battle between factions at Yemen airport". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 26 March 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
- ^ Fahim, Karim; Bin Lazrq, Fathi (10 April 2015). "Yemen's Despair on Full Display in 'Ruined' City". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ "Proxies and paranoia". The Economist. Economist Group. The Economist. 25 July 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
- ^ "Separatist clashes flare in south Yemen". BBC News. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
- ^ "Yémen: les séparatistes sudistes, à la recherche de l'indépendance perdue". Le Point. 28 January 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
- ^ "South Yemen separatists send reinforcements to Aden". Almasdarnews.com. 29 January 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
- ^ "All You Need To Know About The Killed Separatist Leader "Abu Al-Yamamah"". adennews. 13 July 2020.
- ^ a b "Yemen war: Deadly attack at Aden airport as new government arrives". BBC. 31 December 2020.
- ^ Hatem, Mohammed (30 December 2020). "Blasts at Yemen Airport Said to Kill 30 as New Cabinet Lands". Bloomberg News.
- ^ a b "Klimatafel von Aden-Chormaksar / Jemen" (PDF). Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world (in German). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
- ^ Jamal, Shafee (12 January 2012). "Aden's rich religious heritage." Yemen Times (YemenTimes.com). Archived 2015-05-04.
- ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b McLaughlin, Daniel (2008). Yemen. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 183.
- ^ "Arabia Antica: Pre-islamic Arabia, Culture and Archaeology: About". arabiantica.humnet.unipi.it. Archived from the original on 14 November 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
- ^ Taminian, Lucine (1998). "Rimbaud's House in Aden, Yemen: Giving Voice(s) to the Silent Poet". Cultural Anthropology. 13 (4): 464–490. doi:10.1525/can.1998.13.4.464. JSTOR 656569.
- ^ Abi Habib, Maria (6 June 2013). "Aden, Once The Lively Beach Resort of Yemen, Struggles Under Sway of Al Qaeda". The Wall Street Journal.
- ^ a b Prothero, G.W. (1920). Arabia. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 68.
- ^ a b Prothero, G.W. (1920). Arabia. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 69.
- ^ "North and South Yemen Airlines to Merge". Flight International. 10–16 April 1996. 10.
- ^ "Yemenia background Archived 2009-10-27 at the Wayback Machine". Yemenia. Retrieved on 26 October 2009.
- ^ Prothero, G.W. (1920). Arabia. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 83.
- ^ Prothero, G.W. (1920). Arabia. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 84.
- ^ a b Prothero, G.W. (1920). Arabia. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 86.
- ^ Prothero, G.W. (1920). Arabia. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 98.
- ^ Prothero, G.W. (1920). Arabia. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 99.
- ^ "Arabic press review: Yemen's Aden faces imminent blackouts amid fuel shortages".
- ^ Yaakoubi, Aziz El (7 June 2021). "Temperature rising in south Yemen as rivalries fuel power shortage". Reuters.
- ^ The Rule of the Road: An International Guide to History and Practice, Peter Kincaid, Greenwood Press, 1986, page 200
- ^ "Aden Airport ready to operate". Yemen Times. 22 July 2015. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
- ^ "New WFP Ship Arrives in Aden Port With Fuel For Humanitarian Operations". World Food Programme. United Nations. 22 July 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
- Garston, J. "Aden: The First Hundred Years," History Today (March 1965) 15#3 pp 147–158. covers 1839 to 1939.
- Norris, H.T.; Penhey, F.W. (1955). "The Historical Development of Aden's defences". The Geographical Journal. CXXI part I.
Further reading edit
- Khalili, Laleh (2020). Sinews of War and Trade: Shipping and Capitalism in the Arabian Peninsula. London: Verso Books. ISBN 9781786634818. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
External links edit
Aden travel guide from Wikivoyage- ArchNet.org. "Aden". Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: MIT School of Architecture and Planning. Archived from the original on 2 July 2007.
- Photos of Aden at the American Center of Research
 Yemeni cities and towns by population | |
|---|---|
| 1,000,000 and more | |
| 100,000-999,999 | |
| 10,000-99,999 | |
| <9,999 | |
- Aden
- Populated places in Aden Governorate
- Populated coastal places in Yemen
- Port cities in the Arabian Peninsula
- Ports and harbours of the Indian Ocean
- Gulf of Aden
- Port cities and towns of the Red Sea
- Russian and Soviet Navy bases
- Capitals in Asia
- Capitals of former nations
- Former colonial capitals
Today, Aden City is known for its bustling markets, vibrant street life, and architectural landmarks. The cityscape showcases a mix of traditional Yemeni architecture and modern structures, reflecting its dynamic nature. Aden City's skyline is adorned with towering skyscrapers, symbolizing its rapid growth and development.
One of the city's most prominent features is its natural harbor, which extends into the Arabian Sea. The harbor serves as a lifeline for Aden City's maritime trade, facilitating the movement of goods and fostering economic growth. The port of Aden is a crucial link in global shipping routes, connecting the region with international markets.
Aden City is also home to a diverse population, with people from different backgrounds and ethnicities residing within its borders. This multicultural environment has contributed to the city's linguistic diversity, with a multitude of languages spoken among its residents. Aden City embraces its cultural mosaic, fostering an atmosphere of tolerance, acceptance, and vibrant exchange.
In recent years, Aden City has made significant strides in economic development and infrastructure. The city has attracted foreign investments and established itself as a regional business hub. Its strategic location, coupled with a favorable business environment, has attracted companies from various sectors, contributing to job creation and economic prosperity.
Furthermore, Aden City boasts a thriving tourism industry, drawing visitors with its historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. Tourists can explore the ancient ruins of the old city, visit traditional markets, or relax on the beautiful beaches along the coastline. Aden City's cultural festivals, music, and arts events showcase the region's heritage and creativity, providing a unique and enriching experience for visitors.
Education also plays a vital role in Aden City's growth and development. The city is home to several universities and educational institutions, nurturing a new generation of scholars, professionals, and entrepreneurs. These institutions provide a platform for knowledge exchange, research, and innovation, further propelling Aden City's position as a center for intellectual pursuits.
As Aden City continues to evolve, it faces its share of challenges. The city is actively working towards improving infrastructure, ensuring sustainable development, and addressing social issues. Efforts are being made to enhance public transportation, promote renewable energy, and provide essential services to its residents.
In conclusion, Aden City stands as a vibrant and dynamic metropolis in Yemen, with a rich history, diverse culture, and a thriving economy. Its strategic location, cultural heritage, and commitment to progress make it a city