Yemen History

Yemen Wiki Topics

Yemen Beginning Research

Getting Started Online Learning Record Finder Research Strategies Finding Town of Origin

Record Types

Cemeteries Census Church Records Civil Registration Colonial Records Compiled Genealogies Directories Emigration & Immigration Newspapers Online Genealogy Records Religious Records Tribes and Clans

Yemen Background

Biographies Gazetteers History Languages Maps Naming Customs Social Life & Customs

Yemen Genealogical Word Lists

Arabic Russian

Local Research Resources

Archives & Libraries Societies Local FamilySearch Center

In other languages: العربية

Yemen

History

General History

Yemen's history dates back to ancient times, with the region being home to several prosperous kingdoms such as Saba, Ma'in, and Himyar, which thrived from around the 12th century BCE to the 6th century CE. These kingdoms were known for their advanced irrigation systems and trade networks, particularly in frankincense and myrrh.

Throughout its history, Yemen experienced periods of both independent and colonial rule. The Zaydi Imamate ruled large parts of Yemen from the 9th century until the 20th century. The Ottoman Empire first occupied parts of Yemen in the 16th century and reasserted control in the mid-19th century, ruling until the early 20th century. The British established a protectorate over southern Yemen, including Aden, in 1839, which lasted until 1967. North Yemen gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1918, while South Yemen gained independence from British rule in 1967, leading to the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990.

Yemen has seen significant waves of immigration and emigration. Historically, Yemen has been a transit point for migrants from the Horn of Africa seeking better opportunities in the Gulf countries. In recent decades, Yemen has experienced tremendous humanitarian crisis' which have been exacerbated by the civil war in 2015. Many Yemenis have emigrated due to economic challenges and conflicts, with significant populations settling in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

Despite these challenges, the rich Yemeni cultural heritage includes its resilience, hospitality, music, dance, family relationships, and cultural celebrations.

Timeline

• 12th century BCE - 6th century CE Prosperous kingdoms such as Saba, Ma'in, and Himyar thrive in Yemen, known for advanced irrigation systems and trade networks in frankincense and myrrh.
• 630 CE Arrival of Islam in Yemen.
• 9th century - 20th century The Zaydi Imamate rules large parts of Yemen.
• 16th century The Ottoman Empire first occupies parts of Yemen.
• 1597 Al-Mansur al-Qasim proclaims the Zaidi Imamate and begins the struggle to liberate Yemen from Ottoman rule
• Mid-19th century - early 20th century: The Ottomans reassert control over Yemen.
• 1839 The British establish a protectorate over southern Yemen, including Aden.
• 1918 North Yemen gains independence from the Ottoman Empire.
• 1967 South Yemen gains independence from British rule.
• 1990 Unification of North and South Yemen to form the Republic of Yemen.
• 21st century Significant waves of migration to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States due to economic challenges and conflicts
• 2015 Escalation of the civil war, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.

Resources

Online Resources

• al- Iklīl min akhbār al-Yaman wa-ansāb Ḥimyar by Hamdānī, al-Ḥasan ibn Aḥmad. Dimashq:Maṭbaʻat Jāmiʻat Dimashq, 1960. Online at: New York University; Famous historical text on the history, culture, language, and genealogies of Yemen, especially concerning the pre-Islamic era.
  • .الإكليل من أخباراليمن وأنساب حمير .الحسن بن أحمد الهمداني دمش:مطبعة جامعة دمشق ,1960
• Muqaddimat tārīkh al-ʻArab al-ḥadīth 1500-1918 by Gharāybah, ʻAbd al-Karīm Maḥmūd. Dimashq:Maṭbaʻat Jāmiʻat Dimashq, 1960. Online at: New York University; Modern history of the Arabs, with focus on Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula.
  • .مقدمة تاريخ العرب 1500-1918 الحديث .عبد الكريم محمود الغرايبة دمش:مطبعة جامعة دمشق ,1960