The story started more than 80 years ago when Imam Yahya Hamid Al-Dean decided to keep Jews out of the old city of Sana’a for the reason that they were very famous for selling alcohol.
To keep Yemenis cautious from Jews and to distinguish them from Muslims, Imam Yahya also had them keep their hair in a special way, where two locks of hair would come down the side of their face. These locks were called “Zana’nir”.
(Ga’a Al-Yahood) was a famous neighborhood in Sana’a where Imam Yahya had most Jews live. It had two gates: Al-Boonia Gate and Al-Shebh Gate. The Jewish neighborhood was divided into many zones. In every zone there was a synagogue. After the Jewish migration, this neighborhood became a market for Yemeni people, but until today it still conserves all signs of Jews lives. Signs of the Jewish society that remain include old shops, special decorated windows, narrow alleys, and its two gates.
Ali Salem, a resident in this neighborhood today said that there was a bodyguard room in front of Al-Shebh gate to watch people as they come and leave the neighborhood. This was aimed to not allow Jews and Muslims to mix a lot in order for customs of both religons not to change. After the Jews migration, Yemeni people decided to live in the neighborhood. The Star of David is still seen in some old houses in the neighborhood.
Hobshosh Palace
Hobshosh was a rich Jewish leader who owned the Hobshosh Palace. He owned gold and silver shops, but after he died his grandchildren sold the palace to a Yemeni official as they migrated to Jerusalem. The palace is now worth about 140 million rials, ($600,000) said Mohammed Al-Samni, a resident in the neighborhood.
The most important features in Jewish houses are the small size of the outer doors. The reason for them being small is to make people bow when they enter Jewish houses.
Jews usually built their homes without coordination or plan, because of the psychological instability and living conditions. Imam Yahya ordered that their houses do not exceed two floors.
Jews had many occupations in Yemen such as Handicraftsmen, workings in blacksmithing, gold and silver, as they also worked in trade and agriculture. The Imam ordered Jews to teach Muslims those occupations so that Muslims can benefit from them.