Picture hanging gardens cascading from towering cliffs, where you enter through pathways carved into the mountains and relax in caves transformed into spacious rooms. This extraordinary experience—and much more—awaits you at Al-Sukoon Park, one of Yemen’s most stunning tourist attractions. Here, your imagination becomes a spectacular reality.
Perched alongside Al-Turba, the crown jewel of Taiz Governorate, the park unfolds as a series of hanging gardens defying gravity, suspended above the verdant valleys of Lahj. At an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level, it appears like a majestic ship gliding through the clouds of Aden, open to skies adorned by seasonal rain clouds arriving from Africa and the Indian Ocean.
The park’s diverse terrain features dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and natural caves, creating an awe-inspiring landscape. Its precise dimensions are difficult to determine, but recent field studies and engineering surveys estimate the area to be approximately 0.45 square kilometers—around 10% of Al-Turba’s total size. This efficient use of space showcases meticulous planning and innovative design, seamlessly blending natural topography with architectural ingenuity. Natural caves have been masterfully transformed into rooms and walkways, while the hanging gardens have been sculpted to follow the land’s natural slopes. The result is a harmonious fusion of nature and craftsmanship, offering visitors an unparalleled retreat of beauty and tranquility.
The Boldness of the Dream: From Imagination to Reality
Al-Sukoon Park was not just a dream—it was a formidable challenge that transformed into an inspiring reality, all thanks to the vision of Yemeni engineer Mohamed Saif Al-Khaled. After inheriting a large plot of land in the village of Hasbarah, now part of Al-Turba, Al-Khaled, who owns one of Abu Dhabi’s leading architectural firms, set out to turn this land into a remarkable architectural masterpiece.
In a brief interview with Yemen Platform, Al-Khaled explained the significant challenges he faced at the project’s inception. The land was fragmented and intertwined with other properties. However, through persistence and a clear vision, he was able to acquire the surrounding lands and consolidate the area. In 1993, Al-Khaled began transforming part of this land into the Emirates Cooperation Farm, which soon became a green oasis providing fresh fruits and clean oxygen to the city. Adding to its value, he constructed a tower that offered stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Al-Khaled shared that this tower inspired him to create Al-Sukoon Park, as he envisioned transforming the land into a vast hanging garden, inspired by the breathtaking views he experienced from the top of the tower.
The development of Al-Sukoon Park began in 2007, with a total investment of 1.3 billion Yemeni riyals. The park officially opened in 2012. Despite a temporary halt in expansion due to Yemen's challenging circumstances, the park continues to stand as a testament to human resilience and transformation. Al-Khaled’s dream of turning a barren plot of land into an architectural marvel was realized.
Al-Khaled’s design made full use of the region’s rugged terrain. Natural caves were integrated into the park, transforming them into rooms and passageways. Hanging gardens were created to complement the land's natural incline, while at the highest point of the park, lush gardens filled with fruit trees were planted, offering visitors a space for relaxation, reflection, and enjoyment of nature’s beauty.
In his design, Al-Khaled drew inspiration from various cultures and civilizations. He combined the grandeur of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon with the art of rock sculpting, the sustainability practices of Shenzhen’s gardens, the botanical diversity of Kew Gardens in London, and the symmetry of traditional Persian gardens. Yet, despite these global influences, the park unmistakably reflects Yemen’s identity, from the use of locally sourced natural stone to traditional Islamic motifs and indigenous plants.
Today, Al-Sukoon Park stands as a global model for sustainable gardens that honor both cultural heritage and natural history. It is not merely a park but an architectural masterpiece—a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and our ability to transform nature itself.
The Paradise of Your Escape to Inner Peace
Visitors to Al-Sukoon Park find a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Here, they can soak in breathtaking landscapes, explore caves and valleys, and enjoy hiking trails. The park also offers a unique play experience for children with a variety of traditional games. Winding stone pathways blend seamlessly with lush greenery, while illuminated caves provide quiet havens for relaxation. Hanging gardens cascade from the mountain's edge, offering panoramic views that make you feel as though you’re soaring above the world.
Dr. Olfat Al-Dubai, a sociology professor at Taiz University, notes that Al-Sukoon Park is more than just a place to unwind—it is a true refuge for inner peace and reflection. In this space, where nature’s beauty merges with green architecture, visitors can deeply connect with both themselves and the world around them. Dr. Al-Dubai adds that walking slowly along the stone paths, listening to the calming sound of flowing water, and sitting under the shade of trees all contribute to an atmosphere of tranquility, making the park the perfect environment for meditation and yoga.
Despite the severe challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Yemen since 2015, Al-Sukoon Park has preserved its charm as a popular tourist destination, with its popularity growing year after year. The park’s annual visitor statistics show an average of 300 visitors per day, rising to 500 during holidays, and reaching up to 4,000 visitors daily during peak seasons. Engineer Wadhah Al-Nadhari, the park's director, confirms that this steady influx of visitors from across Yemen is a clear success for the project and its appeal to tourists. However, it has also placed considerable strain on the park's infrastructure and services. Nonetheless, these challenges present valuable opportunities to further develop the park into an internationally recognized tourist destination by diversifying activities, enhancing services, and increasing marketing efforts.
Mohamed Al-Husseini, a visitor from Ibb Governorate, describes the park as “a refined, family-friendly destination with an outstanding design.” Sally Afif from Aden shares, “The atmosphere is beautiful, and the initiative is remarkable. We absolutely loved the place.”
The park attracts visitors from all parts of Yemen, especially during the summer, offering a refreshing escape from the coastal heat. With its mild climate year-round, Al-Sukoon Park is an ideal spot for relaxation and immersion in nature.
Journalist Fatima Mutahar describes the park as “a place where the soul finds peace,” noting that every corner is imbued with unique beauty. She adds, “The park was built on a mountain overlooking a lush valley, with everything sculpted from stone in stunning artistry. Among its most distinctive features are the stone-carved room and bed, as well as the nearby fruit farm.”
The Turkish City and the Legend of the Jinn Village
The story of Al-Turba and the nearby village of Al-Hanan is one of resilience, creativity, and enduring mystery. While Al-Hanan lay adjacent to Al-Turba, it was separated by a steep, treacherous slope. Despite this natural barrier, life in the village thrived as its residents depended on agriculture and livestock. However, local legends speak of jinn inhabiting Al-Hanan, a belief that drove its inhabitants to abandon the village and seek refuge in Al-Turba. Today, the remnants of this abandoned settlement, perched in solitude, can be seen from Al-Sukoon Park, radiating an aura of intrigue.
The city of Al-Turba was established in the late 19th century when Ottoman forces sought sanctuary from epidemics that ravaged their troops in the lowlands. Historian Ahmed Al-Wazir, a native of Al-Turba, explains that the Ottomans chose this location for its moderate climate, which offered relief from disease. Its strategic proximity to Al-Maqatera Fortress, a key site of regional conflicts, further elevated Al-Turba’s importance. The elevated terrain not only provided a healthier environment but also ensured protection, making it an ideal refuge for Ottoman forces.
During their settlement, the Ottomans noted the locals’ remarkable knowledge of the region’s natural environment and its hidden secrets. Some believe this expertise was a legacy of the ancient Hanan tribe, whose traces have vanished over time. According to legend, this tribe possessed maps revealing the locations of freshwater springs and hidden treasures. These mysterious maps, passed down through generations, have sparked endless speculation. Many believe that these treasures remain concealed within the park or the abandoned village, waiting to be discovered.
To this day, local explorers continue their quest, driven by the promise of unearthing Al-Hanan’s hidden riches and uncovering the secrets buried within its history.
The City’s Green Lung
As Al-Turba has expanded over the years, Al-Sukoon Park has become a vital force in maintaining the city’s ecological balance, especially amidst the rapid and unplanned urban growth driven by large-scale migration. The park serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and an expansive green space that absorbs carbon dioxide and generates fresh oxygen, which solidifies its role as the city’s natural lifeline.
Until the early 2000s, Al-Turba enjoyed a stable climate. However, urban sprawl began encroaching on surrounding farmland, gradually altering the local environment. Amid these challenges, Al-Sukoon Park emerged as a natural barrier against climate change, helping to stabilize temperatures and protect the city from the adverse effects of urbanization.
Lina Jamil, Executive Director of the Yemeni Green Media Center, describes the park as “the city’s green lung.” She explains: “Through its nature-inspired design and sustainable practices, Al-Sukoon Park not only improves air quality but also fosters biodiversity and provides a haven for wildlife.”
According to Jamil, “Beyond its environmental contributions, Al-Sukoon Park has become a vibrant social and economic hub. It offers a tranquil space for relaxation and connection, strengthening community ties. Additionally, it generates local employment opportunities and contributes to the regional economy.”
Looking ahead, plans are in motion to elevate Al-Sukoon Park into a global tourist destination. Proposed developments include hotels, restaurants, enhanced infrastructure, and diverse recreational activities, ensuring the park remains both sustainable and appealing to visitors.
Preserving Al-Sukoon Park is a shared responsibility. Its sustainability is essential for future generations, not only as a testament to environmental resilience but as a model of how nature and modernity can thrive together. With continued support and investment, the park has the potential to become a global icon of eco-tourism, showcasing Yemen’s commitment to sustainability and its unparalleled natural beauty.
