Taiz: The Uniqueness of Place and Greatness of History by Faisal Saeed Farea

Taiz: The Uniqueness of Place and Greatness of History by Faisal Saeed Farea

Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi
Writer and Researcher /Yemen

The city of Taiz is characterized by its vibrant cultural heritage and diverse geography, where its varied landscapes and strategic location reflect a unique interaction between humans and nature. In this context, Faisal Said Farea s book, Taiz: The Uniqueness of Place and Greatness Of History, stands out as an exceptional work that offers a holistic vision extending beyond mere historical narration. The book explores the archaeological, social, and cultural aspects that distinguish this ancient city, making it a valuable reference for readers.

The book transcends simple documentation to serve as a cognitive map that revitalizes the features of Taiz throughout the ages. Through his fluid style and deep passion, Farea illustrates how the city’s identity has been shaped by the continuous interaction between its inhabitants and their natural surroundings. This interaction allows the reader to feel as if they are walking through the historical streets of Taiz, experiencing the fragrance of the past alongside the marks of the present.

Moreover, Farea evokes the human and social dimensions that form a foundational building block in constructing national awareness. Thus, the book becomes not just a historical reference but a call to rediscover the Yemeni self through the lens of Taiz. In a time filled with changes, this book remains a beacon of knowledge and understanding, shedding light on a city that continues to thrive, carrying within it a rich heritage worthy of exploration and appreciation.

In the introduction to his work on Taiz, the author describes these pages as "a journey through time and space," offering a profound glimpse into a long and illustrious history. Although the book, in its current form, cannot encompass all the details of this vibrant entity teeming with movement and life, which hosts notable geographical features, it approaches some of its diverse manifestations, such as its terrain, hydrology, climate, and inhabitants, all of which contribute to shaping its unique identity over the ages.

The author acknowledges that addressing the subject of Taiz is no easy task, facing several challenges, the most significant being the scarcity of historical writings and modern studies focused on the city. This knowledge gap is concerning-;- however, it does not diminish the importance of the subject for him but rather fuels his passion and desire to delve into its details. Through this work, the author aims to grasp the components of Taiz, offering a modest contribution to a field that remains largely unexplored, not only for Taiz but for many Yemeni cities that deserve to be discovered and appreciated.

In a brief overview of the book Taiz: The Uniqueness of Place and Greatness of History, we find that it consists of a variety of chapters that document the history and life of this ancient civilization. The first chapter, titled "Taiz and the Uniqueness of Place," begins with a discussion of the city’s natural features, covering its naming, origins, and the flourishing of Taiz, in addition to the significance of its geographical location. This includes the city’s topography, climate, and water resources, which form an essential part of its identity.

The second section reviews the human characteristics of the city of Taiz, providing a detailed explanation of its population, -function-al structure, and the distribution of industrial facilities. This reflects the vitality and diversity of the Taizi community.
The book then transitions to the second chapter, which delves into the rich history and ancient civilization. The first section discusses the historical development of the Taiz region, examining prehistoric periods, including the Paleolithic era and the Achulean civilization, followed by the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. It also addresses the role of Al-Ma afir during the era of ancient Yemeni kingdoms, highlighting the kingdoms of Awsan, Saba, Qataban, and Himyar, to emphasize the impact of these civilizations on the city s history.

The book presents a coherent narrative of the archaeological evidence of Taiz and the Al-Ma afir region, covering the period from the advent of Islam to the establishment of the Sulayhid state. It highlights the governance of Mu ath ibn Jabal and the city of Al-Janad, leading up to the Sulayhid era.

In the second section, the book discusses the history of Taiz during the medieval and modern periods, touching on the Ayyubid and Rasulid dynasties. The second chapter examines the modern history of the city, including the Dhahirid state, the Mamluk campaign, and the Ottoman campaign, as well as the era of the Imams from the Al-Qasim family and the princes of the Sulaymani district, concluding with the second Ottoman conquest. The third chapter focuses on the contemporary history of Taiz, noting its status as the first capital of Imam Ahmed Hamid al-Din and the issuance of official newspapers in the province.

It also discusses the beginnings of the modern Yemeni political movement, highlighting Taiz s significant role in the September 26 and October 14 revolutions and its active contribution to achieving Yemeni unity.
The third chapter covers the mosques and fortresses in Taiz, discussing prominent mosques such as the historic Al-Janad Mosque, Al-Mu’dhafar Mosque, and Al-Ashrafiya School, along with Al-Mu’tabiyya Mosque and other mosques that reflect the religious history of the city. In the second section, the book highlights the forts and castles, presenting the historic Cairo Castle, the ancient Al-Maqatera Castle, Al-Damlu’a Castle, Samdan Fortress, Qadam Fortress, Muneef Fortress, and Pearl Fortress.

The fourth chapter addresses currency and coins, focusing on Qatabani and Himyari coins in the historic Al-Ma afir region. Finally, the fifth chapter presents Taiz through the eyes of ancient travelers, historians, and geographers. The first section examines European travelers, while the second focuses on Muslim and Arab travelers, historians, and geographers, such as Shihab al-Din Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Fadl Allah al-‘Umari al-Damashqi, Ibn Battuta, Al-Qalqashandi, and Ahmad Wasefi, adding historical and cultural depth to the city s narrative.

This work is considered a cornerstone for any historian, researcher,´-or-student, becoming an indispensable reference on the city of Taiz. It offers a rare documentary perspective that addresses manu-script-s and unique archaeological landmarks that distinguish Taiz province, enhancing its significance and depth of documentation.
Spanning 378 pages, the book contains a wealth of knowledge and cultural treasures worthy of exploration. In a moment of reflection, historian and researcher Faisal Said Farah adds a personal touch through his dedication at the end of the book, where he beautifully articulates his deep love for his city. In his address via the Dunia Al-Mughtaribin media network, he dedicates this book to every researcher and writer, extending a respectful salute to Taiz, a city that embodies glory, history, and pride. His message reads: "To my city… to Taiz, the eternal culture and civilization, I dedicate this humble effort."

These words reflect a spirit of belonging and pride, making this book not just an academic work but a living testament to the history and civilization of Taiz. The title of the book, Taiz: The Uniqueness of Place and Greatness of History, deeply embodies the richness of Taiz, expressing its geographical and historical uniqueness simultaneously. The phrase "uniqueness of place" reflects the distinctive characteristics of the city, from its varied terrain and moderate climate to its strategic location, which has made it a crossroads of diverse cultures and civilizations. Taiz is not merely a city that retains the essence of the past-;- it is a gem that sparkles in the heart of Yemen, exuding the scent of history.

On the other hand, "greatness of history" highlights the rich heritage carried by the city. It is not just an ordinary city but a stage for tales of struggle, culture, and the arts, having witnessed historical events that embody the strength of will and the resilience of its people. The title illustrates how Taiz, due to its uniqueness and historical significance, remains a symbol of national identity and a proud element of Yemeni history.

In summary, the book s title embodies the intertwining of geography and history, affirming that the city of Taiz is not merely a point on the map-;- it is a living entity that carries within it stories and achievements that reflect the greatness of its humanity.
In addition to being a prominent intellectual who has enriched the Yemeni cultural scene with his valuable contributions, Faisal Said Farah is considered one of the leading economic pioneers in the country. He has played a crucial role in developing the economic and financial sector, significantly contributing to Yemen s prosperity.
Through his diverse accomplishments, Faisal Said has demonstrated exceptional ability to shine and innovate in various fields of life, making him a role model for success and leadership at both personal and national levels.

We cannot overlook the beauty of his spirit and kindness. When we meet him in a Qat Session at his home, we find a welcoming openness that greets everyone, along with a calmness that allows him to manage discussions smoothly. He moves gracefully between topics with his refined ideas, lending a special character to the gathering.

At his home, intellectuals gather in an atmosphere of warmth and affection, where the spirit of creativity is reflected in every corner. Among them are the renowned writer, poet, and critic Alwan Al-Jilani, distinguished writer Mustafa Rajeh, journalist and poet Karim Al-Hanaqi, poet Mohammed Al-Louzi, and young writer and poet Imran Misbah, alongside several prominent names in the cultural realm.

In those sessions, conversations flow smoothly, transcending the boundaries of literature and poetry to explore the realms of art, history, sports, and technology. Topics transition seamlessly, creating harmony and coherence away from the noise of politics and its concerns.

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