The Yemeni city of Aden has been a unique case of coexistence and diversity in the region, where numerous groups lived together despite their differing beliefs. The city’s strategic location — along the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — made the town an enticing locale for colonial powers. The last occupiers were the British, who ruled the city from 1839 to 1967, and over its history Aden became a meeting point for various nationalities.

Aden boasts important landmarks tied to many historical periods. Its soil is home to churches, synagogues and Hindu temples, all serving as witnesses to the diversity that is currently struggling to survive. These buildings have become targets in a war that has been raging since March between the government forces of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and Shiite Houthi forces.

Throughout Yemen’s neighborhoods, Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of other denominations and sects lived side by side. Many streets were named after their inhabitants, such as Indian Street, Jewish Street, Somalia Street and so forth, their homes interspersed among the houses of Muslims.

Asmahan al-Alas, a history professor at Aden University, told Al-Monitor, “The city presented itself to the world as one that embraces all people of various sects, doctrines and religions, living in unrivaled coexistence and peaceful fraternity. Aden’s geographic nature and strategic location made it a prime spot for embracing all kinds of people.”