Al-Qahira Castle

Al-Qahira, the castle of Cairo, climbs the lower slope of Jabal Sabir above Taiz in tiers of wall and tower, a fortress that goes back to the eleventh century and was extended by successive dynasties, holding cisterns, a mosque and quarters within the circuit. From the walls the whole of Taiz is laid out below with the mountain rising behind. The castle has been damaged in recent years and its condition has changed.

Background

The castle stands on Mount Sabr's northern slope, on rocky high ground above Taiz, and is regarded as the nucleus of the city. The area is said to have first been called old Taiz and only later Al-Qahira. The Sulayhid sultan 'Abd Allah ibn Muhammad al-Sulayhi ordered it built during the first half of the 12th century. Ali ibn Muhammad al-Sulayhi, his brother, enlarged it. The castle has two sections, one of them holding four palaces: Dar al-'Amara, Dar al-'Adil, Dar al-Shajarah and Dar al-Adab. Its wall connects with the old city wall of Taiz, a wall with four main gates. The site also holds a madrasa built by Sultan al-Muayyad in 1281.

Source: Wikipedia, "Al-Qahira Castle"

What you'll find

• The tiered walls - the fortress climbing the slope in stages.
• The cisterns - the water storage that let the garrison hold out.
• The city view - Taiz laid out below the walls.
• Jabal Sabir - the mountain rising behind the castle.

When to go

October to April is the cool season. Summer at this altitude is milder than the coast. Access depends on local conditions and should be checked.

Before you go

The castle has been damaged in recent years and access has been uncertain. The climb is steep. Access to mainland Yemen requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Taiz is below, and Jibla is north.

Key facts