Kawkaban

Entrance to Kawkaban

Kawkaban is a small village to the west of Sana'a in the Yemeni Mountains.

Understand

An ancient historical centers and a fortified citadel about 2800 m above sea level, the city is walled from the north and is fortified naturally from the other directions. It was a capital of Bani Sharaf Al-Deen in the 9th century AH (15th century AD) . It is characterized by beautiful architectural design. Most of its houses were destroyed in the past, and rebuilt. It was reputed as a school of music. It is said that it was named so because it had two palaces decorated with precious stones. Each of them was called " a star" (Literally Planet", so it is Kawkaban (two stars) attributed to these two palaces.

Get in

Kawkaban is accessible by road from Shibam number II near Sanaa. Important reminder, there are two Shibams in Yemen; Shibam number I is in the Hadramaut province toward the east some 400+ kilometers. Shibam number I is the one sometimes called the Manhattan of Yemen. The road climbs a steep hill and is covered. It is also possible to walk from Shibam to Kawkaban and the view makes this a good option but perhaps it's better go up to Kawkaban by car rather than walk there if you have heavy luggage. Shared taxis leave for Shibam from outskirts of Sana'a, trip takes about one hour. Travelpermit from tourist police in Sana'a is required before setting up for the trip.

See

The view from the cliffs on which Kawkaban is built is quite striking, particularly if it's reached by foot from Shibam. The old gate The old mosques "Almadrasa, Almansoor, ALsharefa, Harabat, ..." The old market located in the middle of the city The old rainwater reservoirs "Meseda, Alasdad, Sedalhamam, ..." The edges around the city overlook on Shibam city and Wadi alnaeem The very nice in old style hotels "Kawkaban Hotel, Jabal Kawkaban Hotel, Altaj hotel"

Do

Walk around Enjoy Yemenis music Sunlight bath Qat Traditional dance party

Buy

Kawkaban is very famous with the traditional issue. You can buy very nice and cheap food with the original favor and homemade. You can buy some mementos and gifts from the old market, which are handmade. Traditional clothes and galleries shops are around.

Eat

Funduq Kawkaban offers tourists a great traditional meal that is definitely worth the high price (between 700-100 riyal). The Taj Kawkaban hotel has very nice views and tradition food.

Drink

Only soft drink and hot drink Don't forget to try the Kawkabanian coffee "Qahwa Qisher". It has special favor.

Go next

Walking to Shipam using the old satires "Alaqabah" is very special experience