Yemen: (3 x 30 mins)

1. The Curved Dagger Dancer - and the old city of Sana'a
2. Haven Aden - the harbour between east and west
3. Camels, Umbrellas, Moons and Deserts - election in Yemen
   

Within the old city of Sana'a's ancient city wall are beautifully decorated high tower-houses which were built from pressed earth centuries ago.  The capital of Yemen is more than 2,500 years old. Once a major centre for the propagation of Islam, its religious and political heritage can still be seen in the 100 mosques and over 6,000 houses which were built before the 11th century. Even today, Yemen maintains much of its native character and old traditions. People still wear national costume, and the custom of chewing the narcotic leaves of the Qat plant is widespread. Modern life is catching up with them too, with traffic jams, noisy streets and new buildings emerging around the old city wall. In recent years Yemen has been modernising and opening itself  up to the outside world. Whilst Sana'a has attracted the curiosity of a growing number of visitors, the country still has a reputation as a haven for Islamic militants. This film provides a rare and fascinating insight into one of the oldest cities on our planet and a culture which few people in the west ever get to experience.