HISTORY OF YAFA
History
Yafa, divided into Upper and Lower Yafa, has a fascinating past marked by its dynastic rule and strategic importance within the British Aden Protectorate. The stories of Upper Yafa, governed by the Harharah dynasty, and Lower Yafa, under the Al Afifi dynasty, intertwine to form the tapestry of Yafa’s legacy. From the bustling ports of Aden to the serene capital towns of Mahjaba and Jaar, Yafa’s journey from autonomous sultanates to being part of the modern Republic of Yemen is a testament to its enduring spirit and resilience. Explore the captivating chronicles of Upper and Lower Yafa and discover the enduring heritage that continues to shape the region today.
UPPER YAFA
Upper Yafa or the Sultanate of Upper Yafa, was a state in the British Aden Protectorate and the Protectorate of South Arabia. It was ruled by the Harharah dynasty and its capital was Mahjaba. Within its area were the sheikhdoms of Busi, Dhubi, Hadrami, Maflahi, and Mausatta. In the 1960s, Upper Yafa did not join the British-sponsored Federation of South Arabia but became a part of the Protectorate of South Arabia. It was abolished in 1967 upon the founding of the People’s Republic of South Yemen and is now part of the Republic of Yemen.
LOWER YAFA
Lower Yafa or the Sultanate of Lower Yafa, was a state in the British Aden Protectorate. It was a founding member of the Federation of Arab Emirates of the South in 1959 and its successor, the Federation of South Arabia, in 1963. It was ruled by the Al Afifi dynasty and its capital was at Jaar. Its last sultan, Mahmud ibn Aidrus Al Afifi, was deposed and his state abolished in 1967 upon the founding of the People’s Republic of South Yemen and is now part of the Republic of Yemen.
