Culture of Yemen
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The culture of Yemen has an ancient cultural history, influenced by Islam. Due to its unique geographic location, Yemen has acquired a very distinctive culture from its neighbors, historically and culturally.
Literature
Literature in Yemen encompasses both folk literature such as traditional songs, oral stories and poetry, as well as the works of modern writers of poetry, fiction, non-fiction and drama. According to Mark Wagner, an academic on Arabic literature, "Yemeni authors through the years have tackled a range of themes, including emigration, exile, racism, Muslim-Jewish relations, and cultural pluralism."[1] Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Saqqaf's 1927 book, "The Girl from Garut", is regarded as the first novel by a Yemeni writer.[2]
Besides the large number of works inspired by Islamic oral or written literature, there was a distinct Yemenite Jewish tradition of poetry and prose until the exodus of Yemenite Jews around 1950.[3]
Music
The music of Yemen is primarily known abroad for a series of pan-Arab popular stars. In the Arab world, Yemen has long been a cultural center. Yemen's national anthem is "
Theatre
The history of Yemeni theatre dates back at least a century, to the early 1900s. Both amateur and professional (government-sponsored) theatre troupes perform in the country's major urban centers. Many of Yemen's significant poets and authors, such as Ali Ahmed Ba Kathir, Muhammad al-Sharafi, and
Cuisine
Yemeni cuisine is entirely distinct from the more widely known Middle Eastern cuisines, and even differs slightly from region to region.
Cheese, butter, and other dairy products are less common in the Yemeni diet. Buttermilk, however, is enjoyed almost daily in some villages where it is most available. The most commonly used fats are vegetable oil and ghee used in savory dishes, while semn (clarified butter) is the choice of fat used in pastries.
Although each region has their own variation,
Other popular dishes include:
.Qat
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Qat, also known as Khat (Catha edulis), is a widely cultivated plant in Yemen and is generally used for chewing. When khat juice is swallowed it produces an amphetamine-like effect. Yemenis wear traditional costumes and chew the narcotic khat-plant in the afternoons. Chewing khat is also part of the Yemeni business culture to promote decision-making, but it does not expect foreigners to participate.
Sports
Football is the most popular sport in Yemen. The Yemeni national football team competes in the FIFA and AFC leagues. The country also hosts many football clubs. They compete in the national and international leagues.
Yemen's mountains provide many opportunities for outdoor sports, such as
The coastal areas of Yemen and Socotra island also provide many opportunities for water sports, such as surfing, bodyboarding, sailing, swimming, and scuba diving. Socotra island is home to some of the best surfing destinations in the world.
Education
Yemen is ranked 150 out of 177 in the 2006 Human Development Index and 121 out of 140 countries in the Gender Development Index (2006).[7] Yemen is still struggling to provide the requisite infrastructure. School facilities and educational materials are of poor quality, classrooms are too few in number, and the teaching faculty is inadequate, which is why education is very poor in Yemen.
The government of Yemen has made the development of education system their top priority. Their budget share dedicated to education has remained high during the past decade[
Architecture
The history of architecture in Yemen begins in ancient times, when a tradition of South Arabian architecture flourished in the region thanks to the rise of city states that grew wealthy on trade.[11] Developments continued during the Islamic period, displaying both local characteristics and external influences. The historic cities and towns of Yemen are also famous for their traditional tower-houses, built of mud-brick or stone and rising to several stories tall.[11] The old cities of Sana'a, Shibam, and Zabid are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.[12]
See also
References
- ISBN 978-0-19-934979-1. Retrieved 2022-01-08.
- ^ "Ahmad bin Abdullah al-Saqqaf". Katara Prize for Arabic Novel. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
- OCLC 906777608.
- ^ "UNESCO – Song of Sana'a".
- ^ "The Most Popular Food in Yemen: A Delicious Culinary Journey". StrawPoll. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ Martin, Sasha. "Spiced Skillet Eggs | Yemeni Shakshouka". Global Table Adventure. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Secondary Education Development And Girls Access Project. Project Appraisal Document" (PDF). Washington, DC: The World Bank. 2008. p. 1.
- ^ The World Bank 2008 EdStats database
- ^ Admin (2008). "Republic of Yemen, Ministry of Education Report 2008." The Development of Education in the Republic of Yemen."pp3" (PDF). International Bureau of Education.
- ^ "Old City of Sana'a". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2022-06-10.
- ^ ISBN 9780195309911.
- ^ UNESCO World Heritage Centre. "Yemen – UNESCO World Heritage Convention". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2022-12-04.
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