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Aden is believed to have been the main harbour of the pre-Islamic kingdom of Awsan, and after its annexation by the kingdom of Saba at the end of the 5th century, it continued to play an important role in connecting Africa with the Gold and Incense Road of Arabia. For many years there have been ambitious plans to establish a free-trade zone and to take advantage of the port’s excellent location to attract container transhipment traffic. By transhipping at Aden, main-line ships calling at the port can save three days in comparison with extra steaming required to reach ports in the Arabian Gulf.
The
Eastern Bay silted up before the British came, and in 1860, the old
harbour was replaced. The modern harbour lies between the peninsulas of
Aden and Little Aden and measures about 15 km east-west by 7 km
north-south. The Tawahi (Steamer Point) and Ma’alla sections, built
in European style under British rule, lie on the banks of Western Bay,
separated from Crater by the mountain ridge of Shamsan(1725 feet).
Tunnels cut through the rock lead from Ma’alla to Gold Mohur, an
area on the south side of the peninsula, which has been developed as a
beach resort for tourists. Arab culture in Aden is very lively. Music and theater performances attract large audiences, a sign of the Adeni’s worldliness and love of culture. Arabic and foreign plays in Arabic are staged frequently.
The Bureika Club in Little Aden has tennis courts and a football field. For those who like hiking, a climb up Mr. Shamsan (1625 ft) is most rewarding. It offers a panoramic view of the peninsula and Bay of Aden. The Tawila Tanks and Sirah Tower are other spots for an outing inside Aden. |
A
black volcanic massif jutting into the blue waters of the Gulf of
Aden, the Aden peninsula lies on the southwest coast of Arabia, 100 miles
east of the straits of Bab al-Mandab. Because of its strategic location
on the trade route between India and Egypt, its protecting backdrop of
mountains and its sheltered anchorage, Aden was settled by man far back
in history.
The
Aden peninsula is flanked to the east and west by large bays. To the east
is the old city and harbour, called Crater. Just offshore is Sirah
Island, a triangular rock with a castle.
Cinemas
featuring Arabic, Western, and Indian films are popular. Aden television
(channel 2) occasionally run programs in English, including Western
films. There are some music clubs in the 5 star hotels where you can
enjoy Arabic music. Swimming is the most popular sporting activity (for
Yemeni men) besides football, which is a favourite of children who play
in the streets. A number of beautiful small, sheltered sand beaches all
around the peninsula offer opportunities for swimming and other aquatic
activity.