Southern Yemenis

Southern Yemenis have historically been a merchant, sea-faring people. Living along the southern and coastal areas of the Gulf of Aden, they have played a significant role in trade and the spread of Islam throughout the centuries. In Biblical history, two areas stand out in significance.

The first of these is now the city of Aden. Aden (or Eden) is first mentioned in the book of Ezekiel (ch. 27, v. 23), where the prophet Ezekiel described different areas of Arabia. Local tradition states that Aden was founded by Cain and Abel. Bab al Mandab, the strait which links the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, is one of the world's most active shipping lanes. Touted as the third busiest seaport in the world at the turn of the twentieth century, the new Container Terminal in Aden, alongside a developing Free Trade Zone, is seeking to reestastablish the role of Yemen in the Sea Shipping arena. Terrorist incidents, such as the attack on the U.S.S. Cole in October of 2000, seek to hinder the reestablishment of Aden in the shipping community. Aden is destined to become Yemen's “Window to the World” and the world's “Gateway to Yemen” during the new twenty-first century.

Other areas of significance among the Southern Yemenis include the governorates of Abbyan, Lahaj, and Shebwa. These areas are very isolated and difficult to sojourn. Southern Yemenis are made up of approximately 3.2 million people located throughout the country of Yemen, and in particular, the former Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen). They are predominately Sunni Muslim, although there is a small number of Suffi Muslim.

Southern Yemenis Prayer Requests // Southern Yemenis Facts