This is the only country that starts with the letter ‘Y'; 5 interesting facts
There are some 195 countries in the world but what are the odds that there's only one nation whose name begins with the letter 'Y' and that's Yemen. The country is all about ancient history, beautiful architecture, and deep-rooted culture and traditions.
Despite facing several political, financial and other challenges, the country holds an important place in global history.
Let's explore five interesting facts about this unique 'Y' country.
Home to one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world
Do you know Yemen is home to among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities called Sana'a, which also happens to be the country's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is more than 2,500 years old and the Old City of Sana'a is a UNESCO site known for its unique architecture.
The multi-story buildings here are decorated with intricate geometric patterns in white gypsum. Legend has it that the city was founded by Shem, the son of Noah, adding to its mythological importance.
Yemen's coffee (mocha) relation
Not many must be aware of the fact that Yemen played an important role in the history of coffee. The port city of Mocha (al-Makha) on the Red Sea coast used to be the hub for coffee trade in the 15th century. The word "mocha," now associated with the popular chocolate-flavored coffee drink.
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by Taboola
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Yemenis were among the first to brew coffee, and the country's unique dry-processing method is now world famous.
The unique
Dragon Blood Tree
Yemen isn't just desert as the country has one of the most diverse landscapes in the Middle East. The highlands can receive enough rain to support agriculture while the island of Socotra, often called the 'Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,' is otherworldly. It's home to hundreds of plants including the bizarre-looking Dragon Blood Tree.
Traditional Yemini dress
Yemen's cultural heritage is extremely rich and well-preserved. Traditional Yemeni dress has a distinctive item worn by Yemeni men. It is called the "jambiya" which is a curved dagger tucked into a ornate belt. It's a symbol of pride and cultural identity for Yemini people.
Ongoing conflict
However, this beautiful country, in recent years, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. There's a humanitarian crisis and civil conflict which started in 2014. These conflicts has deeply affected the country's natural beauty. However, even amid adversity, Yemen's people continue to preserve their customs, architecture, and cuisine. International efforts to protect heritage sites, like those in Sana'a and Shibam (another UNESCO site).
Yemen may be the only country starting with the letter "Y", but its beauty and uniqueness goes far beyond. With a rich history, cultural depth, and unparalleled biodiversity, Yemen is a true treasure of the Middle East.
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