http://www.english.hadhramaut.info Damoon Al-Hajrein, town of Aad and poets [The Source: http://www.yementimes.com - 06/09/2009] Al-Hajrein is one of the oldest villages of Wadi Hadramaut, where the ruins of the ancient state of the people of Aad can be observed on the peak of a mountain that looks down on this village.One of the most beautiful villages in all of Yemen, Al-Hajrein is an important archeological village located in Wadi Hadramaut in eastern Yemen. Its name was derived from the word ‘Hajran’ meaning ‘town’ in the ancient Yemeni language. Roughly 100 years before the Islamic calendar began, the town of Al-Hajrein was in its glory as the center of the state of Kinda. Kinda is famous for being the home of the famous 6th century poet Imru’ Al-Qais, who was the last king of this tribe.Al-Hajrein is situated at the corner of one of the curves of the Hadramaut valley between Saqa Al-Kasr and Wadi Dawan. It is divided into adjacent sections on the banks of the curve overlooking a forest of date palms.It is one of the oldest villages of Wadi Hadramaut, where the ruins of the ancient state of the people of Aad can be observed on the peak of a mountain that looks down on this village.Al-Hajrein is bordered by Wadi Dawan in the east and Wadi Al-Ghabr in the west. Both valleys slope into the huge Wadi Hadramaut.Al-Hajrein is known as one of the most heavily fortified regions in Hadramaut. On top of its mountain, one can easily keep watch for the arrival of invaders from every direction.This town is famous for its old commercial markets, being located on an important ancient travel route that linked Hadramout with other trade routes along coastal roads leading to the cities of Shabwa and Tamna.Al-Hajrein is known for being one of the locations from which the advent of the month of Ramadan can be announced through observation of the crescent moon’s appearance in the sky.The visitor to this town will undoubtedly be attracted by the magnificent style of architecture. Among the ancient buildings that differentiate this city from other areas are the old mosques, of which there are 11.Al-Hajrein Mosque is the most significant of these mosques. It was built in the center of the city as early as the year 1200, 600 years after the hijra, and was expanded several times in the 16th and 17th centuries.This particular mosque is not only a place for worship but is also a center for studying Sharia, or Islamic Law, embracing scholars and students alike from different regions.Other mosques are located in the center of the town, most notably Ba'a Feef Mosque, Al-Qadi Mosque, Al-Sheikh Taher mosque and Omar Mosque.The city of Al-Hajrein is known for the traces of ancient history left by the people of Aad. On top of Al-Moneiysor Mountain, one can observe traces that left indications of the type of life the Aad people once lead in that area.Fireplaces still remain in this area as well as special stones called ‘marahi’ that were surely used by those ancient people for grinding grain. In addition to this, special places called ‘gwabi’ can be seen that were made for storing water. There are also inscriptions and engravings which have undergone deterioration caused by natural forces, and now they are difficult to recognize.On the western side of the mountain there remain the ruins of houses of Al-Hajar, the tribe of Wael Ben Hajar Al-Kendi who was a companion of the prophet Mohammed.In this area there is also the remains of a water stream named Ghail Ahmed which was severely destroyed after Hadramout was invaded long ago by Ma'an Bin Zaeda. Al-Hajrein in total encompasses a number of eight main villages which are Ghar Al-Sudan, Saiyla, Khareghar, Al-Ghaza, Al-Gadfara, Nahawala, Mekh and Al-Mashahad, in addition to other outlying villages.The results of a Yemeni-Russian expedition that carried out excavations in this area confirm that Al-Hajrein is an archeological city comprising a lot of traces of ancient civilization. Some remains in caves located there are proof that the Aad people once dwelled this area. The story of these people was mentioned in the Quran, as they used these caves as their shelters and homes.To get to Al-Hajrein, one must take a mountain pass called She’eb Al-Qazza, which was earlier named as Damoon. The pass embraces different unidentified inscriptions engraved on very big stones that are difficult to transport. However, concerned authorities have to play their role to protect these inscriptions.In a place called Al-Sharma situated at the top of a mountain in the west of the city, there is a mine for material resembling gunpowder. This was used for the purpose of stuffing old guns known as Abu Fateel.The town of Al-Hajrein is known for its craftsmanship and light manufacturing activities. Handcrafts like carpentering, construction, blacksmithing, and sewing are among the most famous. In addition to this, activities related to gold and silver smithing are also found throughout the city.Other work like beekeeping and tending goats and sheep while working on farms are among the sources of livelihood for today’s villagers.One of the most striking features of the town is its architecture and the style of the construction of houses. It is part of the Hadramaut governorate after all, which is famous for its unique skyscrapers built with mud and stones.The favorite meal in the city is porridge made out of wheat flour and often mixed with dates. Al-Dugr is also popular, which is made from legumes which used to be cooked long before the use of rice. These days the dish of rice and fish has become one of most famous dishes served in Hadramaut.Al-Hajrein is well-known for its sources of pure water spread across the city. It is worth mentioning that the town of Al-Hajrein, being located on the route of trade, has been known for its stations supplying water for travelers and visitors.These water stations were called ‘sakkayat,’ whereby water was made available for anyone to drink and was meant to be supplied for charity. Such sakkayat are available along caravan routes and in entrances and outlets of the town. The most famous sakkayat in the area are Al-Gabali, Nakheel, Badmoon, Harshaf and Shawoosh.The city of Al-Hajrein in Hadramaut is also known for its famous poets. Of these lyrical poets, the deceased poet Salem Ba'abood Basaeed was famous for reflecting the happenings of daily life in his poetry. He expressed the conditions of people, hard and happy times alike.In addition, the poet Mohamed bin Saeed Al-Sayyari came from Al-Hajrein. His poetry is characterized by a richness of content, wise implications and love of nature and its beauties.Al-Hajrein, as such, has all the best features of a historical town. It has a picturesque collection of various landscapes and a richness of folkloric scenery. Any visitor to Al-Hajrein will perceive the magnificent traces of a unique heritage that has survived over numerous centuries.