Why Yemen's ancient terraces are my wonder of the world
Briefly

The article describes a thrilling journey through the mountains of Yemen to witness the stunning terraces, which are an extraordinary feat of human engineering. Built through communal effort, these terraces showcase intricate stonework that successfully retains soil and water, transforming single steep slopes into productive agricultural lands. This innovation has allowed for the cultivation of coffee, with historical ties to global trade originating from the Mokha port. The deep connection between farmers and their land is highlighted, reflecting centuries of tradition and sustainable practices in challenging environments.
The Yemeni terraces, a staggering achievement of communal effort, transform steep slopes into fertile, productive land showcasing intricate workmanship and centuries of care for resources.
These terraces, stacked from summit to valley, beautifully illustrate the resourcefulness of Yemeni farmers in managing soil and water in harsh environments.
Yemen's rich agricultural history features coffee grown on these terraces, once served at London's first coffee house in 1652, originally sourced from Mokha.
The craftsmanship involved in building the terrace walls speaks volumes, showcasing not just stone-mason skill but a deep-rooted tradition of sustainability among the farmers.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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