Sanaa'

Sanaa', the former capital of the Imáms of Yemen, is situated 200 miles N. by W. of Aden, in a broad grassy valley, sheltered by hills 1200 and 1500 feet high, and is itself 4000 feet above the sea. The population of the city was estimated at 40,000, and of the valley at about 70,000, in 1836; the former is now probably about 20,000. The city and its suburbs are surrounded by walls, and overlooked by a couple of ruined fortresses. Few of the buildings are older than the 16th century, although the city has been in existence from the remotest ages. It was long the capital of the independent Imáms of Yemen, and during that period was noted for its handsome buildings, and gardens, its palaces, mosques, baths, &c. In 1872 it submitted to Turkish rule, and has since then declined in commercial importance, and been allowed to fall into decay.