The red minaret
Brick in geometric patterns.
Fuad Al-Qrize — CC BY 4.0 · Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Fuad Al-Qrize — CC BY 4.0 · Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia — CC BY-SA 2.0
Queen Arwa Mosque is a historic mosque in the mountain town of Jibla, south-west of the city of Ibb, named after Queen Arwa al-Sulayhi, one of the best-known women to rule Yemen. The town stands at about 2,200 m near Jabal At-Ta'kar, and it and its surroundings are on the UNESCO tentative list. Its minarets crown a green town spread across the slope. After the assassination of Ali al-Sulayhi in 1067, Arwa's husband Ahmad became nominal ruler of Yemen, but he was bedridden and gave all his power to her. One of her first acts was to move the capital from Sanaa to Jibla, where she built a new palace. Sources say her old palace became this mosque and that she was buried here after her death. From outside you see a minaret of red brick with geometric patterns, a white dome and stone buildings packed around the mosque. Inside is a long arcade with white columns, red carpets and a decorated wooden ceiling. This is a place of worship, so keep quiet and avoid prayer times if you are only visiting. It is about 6 km in a straight line from Ibb. Dress modestly, women should cover their hair, and ask before taking photos. The town climbs up and down on stone stairways, so wear comfortable shoes. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to the whole of Yemen and tells anyone there to leave, so check official guidance before making any plans.
Brick in geometric patterns.
White columns, red carpets.
Decoration over the arcades.
Jibla, Ibb Governorate, Yemen
A Sulayhid ruler of Yemen who moved the capital from Sanaa to Jibla in the 11th century.
This may vary, so ask at the door and follow the instructions of the staff.