Photos

Haraz Mountains close the Sana'a plateau on the western side, towards the Red Sea. These mountains are very steep, with deep valleys between the peaks. But most interesting are the villages perched on the most improbable places: high on the slopes, on small rocky pinnacles, above the steep canyons. Built entirely of hand-cut stone blocks without concrete or other adhesives.

People in the past sought security in such lofty places - sometimes with success, sometimes not, but in any case transforming the landscape; not just by the villages, but also by making terraces to grow qat, coffee and other plants on steep slopes. Climate is dry, but there is some rain to support a meagre existence of a farmer. The way of life that has disappeared in many countries is here still a proud tradition. Augmented by some modern-time "necessities", like electricity, pick-up trucks, plastics and weapons, the landscape and its people have not changed much for centuries. That is what certainly makes a lasting memory on any visitor.