Seiyun
Seiyun (also transliterated as Saywun, Sayoun or Say'un; Arabic: سَيْئُوْن Hadhrami pronunciation: [seːˈwuːn], Literary Arabic: [sæjˈʔuːn]; Old South Arabian: 𐩪𐩺𐩱𐩬 S¹yʾn) is a city in the region and Governorate of Hadhramaut in Yemen. It is located in the middle of the Hadhramaut Valley, about 360 km (220 mi) from Mukalla, the capital of Mukalla District and the largest city in the area, via western route. It is also 12 km (7.5 mi) away from Shibam and 35 km (22 mi) away from Tarim, other large cities in the valley.
Seiyun
𐩪𐩺𐩱𐩬سَيْئُوْن Say'un | |
|---|---|
City | |
The Sultan Al Kathiri Palace, the most prominent landmark of Seiyun. | |
Seiyun Location in Yemen | |
| Coordinates: 15°58′N 48°47′E | |
| Country | Yemen |
| Federal Region | Hadhramaut |
| Governorate | Hadhramaut |
| District | Seiyun |
| Population (2015) | |
| • Total | 135,000 |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (Yemen Standard Time) |
It is said that the origin of the city was a resting point for travellers. There was a cafe with a woman named Seiyun there, and the area was named after her in her honor. Since then, the city has become the largest area of Hadhramaut valley. The most prominent villages surrounding the city include Madurah, Mérida, Burr, Hazkir, and Houta Sultana.
It is served by Seiyun Airport. It is also well known for the Seiyun Palace of the Sultan of Kathiri built in 1920s with mud and stones. It oversees the market place for merchants coming from outside.