Yemen : God, Country, Revolution, Unity

Yemen, officially known as the Republic of Yemen, is a country located in the southwestern region of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is a country with a rich cultural and historical background, with a history that spans over 3,000 years. Yemen has been the center of many ancient civilizations and has been a strategic location for trading and commerce for centuries. In this article, we will delve into the rich history of Yemen, from its earliest days to its modern era.

Pre-Islamic Yemen

The ancient history of Yemen is closely intertwined with the history of Arabia, which was home to many ancient civilizations. The earliest inhabitants of Yemen were the Sabeans, who lived in the southern region of the country, and were known for their sophisticated irrigation systems and the trade of frankincense and myrrh.

In the 3rd century BCE, the Sabaean Kingdom emerged as a major political and economic power in the region. The Sabaean Kingdom was renowned for its wealth, and the legendary Queen of Sheba is believed to have come from this kingdom. The Sabaean Kingdom flourished until the 6th century CE, when it was destroyed by the Abyssinian invasion.

After the fall of the Sabaean Kingdom, other kingdoms emerged, such as the Himyarite Kingdom in the south and the Kindah Kingdom in the north. The Himyarite Kingdom was a powerful empire that controlled the trade routes between the Arabian Peninsula and India. The Kindah Kingdom was also a significant power in the region and played an important role in the spread of Christianity in Arabia.

Islamic Yemen

In the 7th century, Islam emerged in Arabia, and Yemen played a crucial role in the early days of the religion. In 632 CE, the Prophet Muhammad sent his companion Ali ibn Abi Talib to Yemen to spread Islam. Ali was successful in converting many people to Islam, and the religion spread rapidly throughout the country.

In 628 CE, the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was signed between the Muslims and the Meccans, which allowed the Muslims to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca. Many Yemeni Muslims traveled to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage, and they brought back with them the teachings of Islam, which helped to further spread the religion in Yemen.

In 628 CE, the Prophet Muhammad sent a letter to the ruler of Yemen, inviting him to accept Islam. The ruler, al-Najashi, accepted the invitation and became a Muslim, which helped to further solidify the religion in Yemen.

In the 9th century, the Zaydiyyah sect of Islam emerged in Yemen. The Zaydiyyah were followers of Zayd ibn Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and they believed that the Imamate, or the leadership of the Muslim community, should be based on the principles of justice and fairness. The Zaydiyyah established a number of dynasties in Yemen, including the Rassids and the Sulayhids.

Ottoman and British Yemen

In the 16th century, Yemen came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans ruled Yemen for over 300 years, and during this time, they introduced many reforms and modernized the country. However, the Ottomans also faced many challenges in Yemen, including the Zaydiyyah uprising in the 17th century and the Wahhabi invasion in the 18th century.

In the 19th century, the British Empire began to take an interest in Yemen, as it was an important location for trading and commerce. The British established a number of trading posts along the coast of Yemen, and they also supported the establishment of the Aden Protectorate, which was a federation of states in southern Yemen.

Racism is a pervasive issue that affects many countries across the world, and Yemen is no exception. In Yemen, racism is mainly directed towards Ethiopian and Somali migrants who face various forms of discrimination and prejudice in their daily lives. The issue of racism in Yemen is a complex one, and its roots can be traced back to historical and cultural factors.

Historical Background

Yemen has a rich cultural and historical heritage that spans over several centuries. The country has been a crossroads of trade and commerce for centuries, with people from different parts of the world settling in Yemen over time. The influence of these cultures can be seen in the architecture, food, and traditions of Yemen. However, the country has also experienced periods of conflict and instability, which have had a significant impact on the treatment of migrants.

In the early 20th century, Yemen was part of the Ottoman Empire, and many Ethiopian and Somali migrants were brought to Yemen as slaves or servants. This legacy of slavery has contributed to the perception of these communities as being inferior and has created a caste-like system in which Ethiopians and Somalis are at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

In the 1960s, Yemen was divided into two separate countries: North Yemen and South Yemen. North Yemen became a republic in 1970, and the government implemented policies to encourage Yemenis to return to their homeland from abroad. This policy excluded Ethiopian and Somali migrants, who were viewed as undesirable and unwanted. This exclusion led to the marginalization of these communities and their exclusion from Yemeni society.

Current State of Racism

Today, Ethiopians and Somalis are still viewed as outsiders in Yemen. They are often referred to as “Bantus,” a derogatory term used to refer to dark-skinned individuals from East Africa. This term has become so ingrained in Yemeni culture that it is now commonly used to refer to all Ethiopians and Somalis, regardless of their skin color.

Ethiopian and Somali migrants face various forms of discrimination in Yemen. They are often subjected to physical abuse, harassment, and intimidation by Yemeni citizens and security forces. They are also denied access to basic services such as healthcare and education, and are excluded from the formal labor market.

One of the most significant challenges facing Ethiopians and Somalis in Yemen is the lack of legal protection. Migrants are often subject to arbitrary detention, and their rights are frequently violated. They are also vulnerable to exploitation by their employers, who take advantage of their undocumented status to pay them low wages and subject them to poor working conditions.

The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has led to the displacement of thousands of people, including Ethiopians and Somalis. Many of these individuals have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in Yemen, where they face even greater risks due to the lack of protection and the presence of armed groups.

Efforts to Address Racism

There have been some efforts to address racism in Yemen. The government has taken steps to improve the conditions of migrants, including the establishment of a department within the Ministry of Human Rights to address the issues faced by Ethiopians and Somalis. However, these efforts have been limited, and the government has struggled to implement them effectively.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also played a critical role in addressing racism in Yemen. They have provided legal aid, shelter, and other services to migrants, and have advocated for their rights. However, the work of NGOs has been challenging due to the conflict and the lack of funding.

Conclusion

Racism is a significant problem in Yemen, and it is essential to address this issue to create a more inclusive and just society. This requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of racism and ensures that migrants are safe.