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Historical Background:
Historically, Hodeidah governorate was known by the name of “Tehama
of
Yemen” due to its location on the coastal plains of Tehama extended
along the Red Sea coasts. It is characterized by its hot climate and
calm winds. According to the ancient language of the Yemeni
scriptures, Tehama was mentioned as “Tod” the Mountain.
Hodeidah is by all means a splendid city characterized by its cultural
heritage, and climactic and geographical features such as, diverse
plains, a coast that is near the highlands, and many islands scattered
along the Red Sea, as well as the existence of hot water springs.
Climate:
Climate: Most of the area of the
governorate are found in the middle of the Tehama Strip (sometimes
spelled Tehama) and the Red Sea Coast of Yemen, while some parts may
be found on the mountainous highlands towards the interior. It is
crisscrossed with forests and rangeland with a natural protected
sanctuary in Bara'a with its forests that are frequented by tourists.
The climate is semi tropical (warm and humid in the Summer and
moderate in Winter). The highest temperature reaches 40∞ C during the
Summer and the highest temperature in winter amounts to 24∞ C. The
temperature are made milder by the seasonal monsoon winds. These
resources include the following:
Beautiful Beaches:
All along the western coastline of the
governorate there are enchanting islands and areas that are attractive
for marine tourism, especially for water diving and fishing.
Economy:
There are widespread agricultural investments and livestock
plantations throughout the Tehama Strip. The Tehama plains are of
great significance in the production of agricultural products
including tobacco, tomatoes, and cotton. Breeding of livestock and
fishing are also an important economic activity, with good promise for
future growth. Here we will be presenting the main economy sectors of
the governorate.
Agriculture:
The Tehama plains are considered of one of the most important
agricultural areas in Yemen as they provide livelihoods to about 70%
of the people of the region. The cultivable area amounts to about 2
million hectares and the area under cultivation is about more than one
million hectares.
Tehama’s products:
The most important products in Tehama are mainly maize, cotton,
barely, sesame, beans, tobacco, tomato, cucumber, watermelon, okra,
palm, mango, banana, onion, musk, peppers, sweet potato, guava, lemon,
limes, Arabia Jasmine, and henna.
Livestock:
the region depends on breeding of which 195,336 are cattle, 34,872
sheep,208556 goats, and 17m399 camels.
Fishing:
Many inhabitants of the governorate of Hodeidah are engaged in fishing
for there are different kinds of fish species in the Red Sea, among
which are shrimps, tuna, and lobster.
Handicrafts industry:
Handicrafts represent an important industry includes pottery, ceramic,
textile, silver, straw, and modern industries.
Pottery & ceramic industry:
This kind of handicraft is still popular in some of districts of
Hodeidah such as, Al-Suhra, and Al-Luhayyah. But, Hais is one of the
famous districts for making pottery and ceramic articles, such as,
plates, pots, earthen vessels, and jars.
Textile & silver industry:
Since time immemorial, Zabid was an important center for silver works,
cotton weaving, making blankets, and weaving men’s shawls. Beit al-Faqih
is also famous for its weaving industry and Durayhimi district is one
the popular centers for the production of shawls.
Straw Industry:
This industry can be found in Kamaran Island and ad-Dahi district.
This industry totally depends on palm leaves.
Modern Industry:
In Hodeidah, there is growth in the trend towards industrial
development.. there is a number of factories, and industrial complexes
in various sectors including foodstuff, dairy, beverages, plastic
articles, and cement. There is also a large number of shipping and
marine transport services companies.
Popular Markets:
One of the tourist attractions in the governorate of Hodeidah are the
popular traditional markets. These markets reflect the style of
day-to-day shopping of the people of Tehama. They are attractive to
all the tourists and visitors who visit Yemen.
Popular Market Days:
The Markt Day of Bit al-Faqih, Kawkhah, ad-Durayhimi, and al-Katee on
Fridays.
1. Al-Meghlaf
Market Day on Saturdays and Zabid Market Day on Sundays.
2. The
Market Day o fal-Marawi’ah,Ad –dahi, and Hais on Mondays.
3.
Az-Saydiyah Market Day on Tuesdays.
4. Al-Mansuriyah
Market Day on Wednesdays.
5. Al-Qanawis,
Al-Waedhat, Al-Kodn, Surdud Market Day on Thursdays.
Topography:
Hodeidah Governorate has a flat coastal strip that stretches towards
the Red Sea. The topographical divisions of Hodeidah Governorate are:
Coastal Plains:
Hodeidah’s 300km coast extends from Al-Luhayah in the North to Kawkhah
in the south and ranging from 60 to 150 km wide.
1. Highlands:
The highest peaks in the Governorate are:
_ Bura Mountain, which is 2,400 m above the sea level:
_ Rass Mountain which is 2,000 m above sea level.
_ Dabas and Mastoor Mountains in Hais.
_ Al-Rukb Mountain in Zabid.
_ Al-Shareef Mountain is located in the north of the City of Zabid and
has a fort in its peak called Al-Shareef Fort.
Valleys (Wadis):
There are several picturesque valleys in Hodeidah Governorate
including:
1. Wadi Mour
2. Wadi Surdud
3. Wadi Siham
4. Wadi Rima
5. Wadi Nakhla
6. Wdi Zabid
7. Wadi Al-Qanawis
8. Wadi Al-Waga
9. Wadi A-Lawia
.
Islands:
A long the coasts of the governorate are several beautiful islands
scattered along the Red Sea. The most of significant islands are:
Kamaran, Tikfash, the Greater Hunesh, and Smaller Huneish.
Kamaran Island:
is one of the densely populated islands of the Red Sea and enjoys a
very strategic location. It is located 6 nautical miles from al- Salif
Harbor. Now it has many tourist attractions such as a diving club and
other facilities.
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