Sanaa
the former capital of the Imáms of Yemen; 200 miles N. by W. of Aden, in a broad grassy valley, sheltered by hills 1,200 and 1,500 feet high; is itself 7,250 feet above the sea. The the sea. 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, though 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, etc. In 1872 it submitted to Turkish rule and has since then declined in commercial importance and been allowed to fall into decay. Pop. about 25,000.