Sulya (Arabic ثلاء‎) is a small city in Yemen, located halfway between the sister cities of Shibam and Kaukaban in the south and the city of Amran in the north in the governorate of the same name. From Soule to each of the cities a little more than 10 km. The city of Sulya is located above sea level at an altitude of about 2763 meters. The capital Sana’a is located about 50 km to the southeast.

Description of the city
The city is located on a square-shaped hill to the northwest of Sana’a city, at the bottom of a mountain range extending to the east. Today’s old city covers an area of ​​twenty hectares and is surrounded by a stone wall about 1162 m long, 5 to 7 m high and 3 m wide, has 26 round watchtowers and 9 gates. About 600 stone houses and all in the same style are mixed with numerous mosques, the oldest of which was built in the 12th century. The decor of the houses is in harmony and makes the entire architectural ensemble unique. The city is considered very beautiful, built almost entirely of stone houses. Some houses have five floors. Stones for buildings are purchased from stone quarries in the immediate vicinity. Often the solution was not used as a binding element. The walls, window frames and doors are elaborately decorated.

Climate
Sulya is located in an area with a mild climate.

History
Sulya, together with Shibam and Kaukaban, were the main settlements (capital) of the Yafurids in the 7th and 8th centuries.
In the 16th century, Imam Mutahhar bin Sharaf ad-Din set up his residence in Sula, turned it into an impregnable fortress, and from here organized resistance to Turkish troops, which contributed to the growth of his authority. In 1570-1575, these lands were conquered by Sinan Pasha.

World Heritage Status
It is one of the five cities in Yemen that is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Dated from the Himyar period, the city is well-preserved, as if mothballed, and includes traditional houses and mosques.
This site was added to the World Heritage Provisional List on July 8, 2002, under the Culture category.