Taiz, Yemen

🇾🇪 Taiz is a city in south-western Yemen. It is located in the Yemeni Highlands, near the port city of Mocha on the Red Sea, at an elevation of about 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level. It is the capital of Taiz Governorate. It is the third largest city in Yemen after the capital Sana'a and the southern port city of Aden.

Due to the ongoing campaign as part of Yemen's civil war, Taiz is a battleground and a war zone. Once known as the "cultural capital of Yemen", the war has bestowed a new title, "city of snipers".

Economy Historically, the mountainous city of Taiz was known for coffee production. The Mocha coffee produced in Taiz was considered some of the finest in the region in the early 20th century. Today, coffee remains a major part of the economy but mango, pomegranate, citrus, banana, papai, vegetables, cereals, onions, and qat are also grown in the surrounding landscapes. Taiz is also known for its cheese. It is produced in rural areas like Araf, Awshaqh, Akhuz, Bargah, Barah, Jumah, Mukyas, Suayra, Kamb and Hajda and sold in Bab al-Kabeer and Bab Musa markets.

Industries in the city of Taiz include cotton-weaving, tanning and jewelry production. Taiz today is the largest industrial base in Yemen.

Transport Taiz has many road connections with the rest of the country. The city is served by Ta'izz International Airport.

As of 2020, all roads to and from Ta'iz, except for one, are controlled by the Houthi movement.

Zoo Like Sana'a Zoo, this zoo held fauna caught in the wild, such as the Arabian leopard, besides exotic animals such as African lions and gazelles.