Northern Yemenis

The Queen of Sheba came from Marib in Yemen. The spice roads passed through this area, a crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia for centuries. The Romans called this fertile and wealthy country Arabia Felix, in contrast to the relatively barren Arabian Dessert to the north. Due to isolation from the West until the 1960s, Northern Yemen balances between medieval tribalism and 21st century technology. It's an interesting and often humorous mixture. Alongside the charcoal tandoor (oven) is a modern refrigerator, a gas stove and a blender.

The iron-strong tribal alliances that grip Northern Yemenis have been unchanged for centuries. This loyalty is far stronger than political allegiance and is closely tied to Islamic beliefs. Rough mountainous terrain and lack of asphalt roads have added to the isolation of many northern villages and districts. Change comes slowly though is welcomed, especially in the form of improved healthcare and agricultural methods. In contrast, in the cities of the north, young people crave modern technology. Computers, Internet and satellite dishes are novelties. Young men desire a visa to the USA or Europe so they can study or make more money.

Most Northern Yemenis wear traditional dress. Men wear long flowing dresses (thobes) with a suit coat and head covering (musheda) and a jambia or curved dagger at their waist. Many of the men will also carry a machine gun of one variety or another. The ladies wear full dresses and bloomers (serwal) and colorful or black plain scarves. In the cities they don't leave the house without covering with a black coat and veil. The social custom of the afternoon Qat chew is widely observed by most men and many women. The easily grown Qat, a narcotic plant, is a large cash crop for the farmers. Selta, the stew dish of the north, is made of meat, vegetables, and frothy green fenugreek poured on top. Tea or qishr, a beverage made from the hull of the coffee bean, is served at every gathering. The hospitality of the people cannot be outdone. Even the tribes, who kidnap foreigners as bargaining chips with enemies, are required to treat the hostages honorably.

History:

Mattresses and large cooking pots, a small refrigerator and two tin charcoal grills are perched precariously on top of the Toyota landcrusier. It is amazing that the tires are still inflated... this car, the modern “camel of the desert”, is transporting a family whose history includes the Queen of Sheba and Islamic scholars. These people are known as the Northern Yemeni Arabs.

Living between Saudi Arabia and the southern part of Yemen, the Northern Yemeni Arabs are known for their fierce loyalty to their tribes, their independence and their commitment to honor and hospitality. The men wear flowing white robes, with red and white turbans on their heads and graceful daggers at their waists. The women wear black veils and robes over their colorful dresses and bloomers. They may finger their prayer beads, whispering the names of God or quoting a Koranic verse. Most are Muslims. All speak Arabic, the language of Heaven, they say.

Please commit to pray for the Northern Yemeni Arabs, on a daily basis. Pray that they will respond to the urgings of the Holy Spirit, to know God through Jesus

Northern Yemenis Prayer Requests // Northern Yemenis Facts