There's an old adage that says - the more things change, the more things stay the same. With Yemen in the news these days for less than auspicious reasons, I came across some interesting history of this now volatile country.
What I love about the Middle East/Africa - the Old World is how it gives us a glimpse into our own soul. Where we've been tells us alot about where we're going. In Shibam, Yemen, you can find the world's oldest skyscrapers. The houses are made of mud and range from 5 to 11 stories. The mud keeps everything cool since Shibam is in the desert.
The high rise buildings are thought to have been built first around 2 AD. It just struck me how similar our tastes are with people living 2000 years ago. Bustling downtowns, lots of shops and a million things going on. We think sometimes we're so different, so advanced with our iphones and computers. Just makes me think at least....
Shibam was once a prosperous trade city, specializing in spices and incense. It was destroyed twice - 13th and 16th centuries.
With all the tragedies, natural disasters, and political and economic turmoil in the world - the world is still an amazing place.
- Denise
Websites
Amazing photo and amazing city !
Posted by: macpage | September 17, 2010 at 02:03 AM