Al-Hawtah
Al-Hawtah,' also known as Hawtat al-Faqih Ali,' is a village in east-central Yemen. It is located in Shabwah Governorate.
History
Al-Hawtah was founded in the 14th century, specifically in 727 AH by scholar and jurist Ali Muhammad bin Omar al-Habani al-Khawlani according to Yemeni sources. The name "al-Hawtah" literally translates to "village" or "small settlement," while "al-Faqih Ali" is meant to honor the town's founder. Historically, the town had once acted as the main urban area and commercial hub of eastern Yemen, and a bridge for trade with western Yemen. Regional tribes and trade caravans from many areas, including al-Bayda, Marib, Najran, Beihan and Hadhramaut, would gather at the town's famous marketplace during an annual event commemorating the birthday of al-Khawlani. Products traded in the marketplace were mostly livestock and foodstuffs.Asides from trade, the town also attracted a reputation for peace and harmony since its inception; those entering the town were required to forfeit their weapons at its entrances, ensuring safety. This made it a prominent meeting point where regional tribes would sign peace agreements and treaties. This peace was maintained throughout its history by scholars, preachers, and the overall religious environment, and allowed al-Hawtah to remain most untouched by conflict, which was historically abundant the between tribes of Shabwah.
Al-Hawtah's status as a trading hub had ended by the late 1950's as dirt roads had been built in the area and cars began replace camels as transport. Due to its location upon a river bank, the town has been prone to flash floods, the worst of which occurred in 1996, destroying large amounts of farmland and houses, and killing around 30 locals.