Aden
عَدَنْ 𐩲𐩵𐩬 | |
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Clockwise from top: Aden Little Ben Clock, Queen Victoria Statue, Port of Aden, Abyan Beach, Crater District, Mualla District | |
![]() Aden map | |
Coordinates: 12°48′N 45°02′E / 12.800°N 45.033°E | |
Country | Yemen |
Region | Aden Region |
Governorate | Aden |
First settled[1] | 7th century BC |
British occupation | 19 January 1829 |
Aden Settlement | 1829 |
Province of Aden | 1932–1937 |
Colony of Aden | 1 April 1937 |
State of Aden within the FSA | 18 January 1963 |
Independence | 30 November 1967 |
Government | |
• Governor | Dr. Ahmed Lamlas |
• Governing body | Aden Local Council |
• Aden Police Director | Maj Gen Mutahar Al-Shuaibi |
Area | |
• Total | 760 km2 (290 sq mi) |
Elevation | 6 m (20 ft) |
Population (2017)[2] | |
• Total | 863,000 ![]() |
• Estimate (2023)[3] | 1,079,670 ![]() |
• Density | 1,135.52/km2 (2,941.0/sq mi) |
Demonym | Adeni/Adenies |
Ethnicities | |
• Majority | Arabs |
• Minorities | Afro-Arabs, Indians, Somalis |
Languages | |
• Official | Arabic MSA (Education and Government) |
• Spoken | Adeni Arabic (Majority) Hindi,[6] Somali[7] (minorities) |
Time zone | UTC+3 (AST) |
Area code | 02 |
Aden (Arabic: عَدَنْ, romanized: ʿAdan, Old South Arabian: 𐩲𐩵𐩬) is a port city located in Yemen in the southern part of the Arabian peninsula, positioned near the eastern approach to the Red Sea. It is situated approximately 170 km (110 mi) east of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and north of the Gulf of Aden. With its strategic location on the coastline, Aden serves as a gateway between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, making it a crucial maritime hub connecting Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. As of 2023, Aden City has a population of approximately 1,080,000 residents, making it one of the largest cities in Yemen.[8]
The city, with its rich trade history, embraces a vibrant blend of Arabic, Indian, and African influences.[9] Positioned near the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, a vital maritime route, it serves as a crucial seaport. The city boasts key infrastructure like Aden International Airport and notable healthcare institutions including Aljoumhouria Teaching Hospital (Queen Elizabeth II), Aden General Hospital, and Friendship Teaching Hospital. Aden is divided into eight districts: Tawahi, Mualla, Crater, Khur Maksar, Al Mansura, Dar Sad, Sheikh Othman, and Al Buraiqa. These form today's Aden Governorate. During British Colonialism, Aden referred to the area along the north coast of the Gulf of Aden, encompassing Tawahi, Mualla, Crater, and much of Khur Maksar District. The western harbor peninsula, known as Little Aden, now falls within the Al Buraiqa District.
Before gaining independence, Aden comprised distinct sub-centers: Crater, the original port; Ma'alla, the modern port; Tawahi, formerly "Steamer Point"; and Gold Mohur resorts. Khormaksar, on the isthmus connecting Aden to the mainland, hosts diplomatic missions, Aden University's main offices, and Aden International Airport. On the mainland, sub-centers include Sheikh Othman, an old oasis area; Al-Mansura, a British-planned town; and Madinat ash-Sha'b (formerly Madinat al-Ittihad), the former capital of the South Arabian Federation, now housing a large power/desalination facility and additional Aden University faculties.
Aden encloses the eastern side of a vast, natural harbour that constitutes the modern port. A long time ago this necessitated the existence of Aden's reservoirs, the Cisterns of Tawila. As described by 14th century scholar Ibn Battuta, "These reservoirs accumulate rainwater for the sole purpose of drinking for the city's citizens." Little Aden became the site of the oil refinery and tanker port. Both were established and operated by British Petroleum until they were turned over to South Yemeni government ownership and control in 1978.
Aden used to be the capital of South Yemen until its unity with North Yemen in 22 May 1990. It is currently the temporary capital of Yemen since the 2014 Coup d'état, hosting some members of the Cabinet of Yemen mainly in al-Maashiq Palace. It is also the seat of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council, which exercises control over the city.[10]
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