Al-Mahwit

This past weekend we visited Mahwit‎. Al-Mahwit is one of the more fertile regions in Yemen. From its mountains the waters of several large wadis run into the coastal plain. Coffee beans, tobacco and various fruits grow here. The city itself is one of the most beautiful cities in Yemen in terms of geographical location and landscape - it is located 2100 meters above sea level. Mahwit was the center for the collection of coffee in preparation for transport to export ports from the late 15th to mid 18th centuries. It was also an important administrative center during the first Ottoman rule of Yemen (1538-1635 AD) The hike was nice, just a few hours long and much of it on an actual trail. Check out pictures of the scenery and an ad hoc game of football with some Yemeni kids at the side of the mountain - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94189&id=509602661&l=c5a7e43be0.