May 22: Unity Day in Yemen
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Yemen.
History Note
In ancient times, Yemen was a major source of frankincense and myrrh, two important trade goods mentioned in the Bible. Yemen, located on the southwestern part of the Arabian peninsula, played an important role in trade networks connecting Africa and Asia through the Middle East. The Ma’rib Dam was a major ancient architectural work. When it finally collapsed around the 6th century, it had provided irrigation for over 1,000 years.
Islam spread rapidly in the area in the 7th century, but local and regional rulers continued to compete for power. Coffee became an important commodity in international trade during the 15th century.
By the 19th century, the British has established control in the southern and eastern part of Yemen, and the Ottoman Empire controlled the northwest. During the 20th century, these areas became two independent nations—the Yemen Arab Republic (known as North Yemen) and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (known as South Yemen), which was a communist state.
The discovery of oil and the looming collapse of the Soviet Union led officials in North Yemen and South Yemen to agree to unify the two countries in 1990. On May 22, each country’s legislature agreed to a new constitution that went into effect that day.
The modern Republic of Yemen has a population of 32 million. The large majority are Arabs who are also Muslims, with Islam being the official religion of the country. The country has struggled with political instability in recent years. The Houthis are one group who have fought against the government and have attacked ships passing through the Red Sea.
Yemenis continue to observe May 22 as Unity Day, hoping that one day the declaration will become more of a reality.
Sanaa is the largest city in Yemen. Its history goes back to around the time of Christ. Photo by javarman / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Socotra is a remote island in the Indian Ocean that is part of Yemen. It is home to a variety of fascinating landforms and endemic plants and animals. Enjoy a drone tour of Socotra in this video.
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