Who colonised Yemen? Is Yemen still under British rule?

The rich tapestry of Yemen’s history is woven with threads of colonial influence, shaped by the ebb and flow of empires that left a lasting impact on this West Asian nation. In this article, we delve into Yemen’s colonial past, tracing the footsteps of the Ottoman Empire and British rule, and dispelling any notion of contemporary British control.

Yemen’s Geopolitical Landscape: Yemen, officially known as the Republic of Yemen, is strategically positioned at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. Its borders touch Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the northeast, with maritime boundaries connecting it to Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia. The capital, Sana’a, serves as the cultural and political heart of the nation.

Ottoman Empire and North Yemen: During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the northern part of Yemen was under the sway of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans, with their expansive reach, left an indelible mark on the region before their empire collapsed in 1918. Post-Ottoman rule, North Yemen emerged as an independent republic.

British Influence in South Yemen: The southern part of Yemen, known as South Yemen, witnessed a different colonial trajectory. British influence took root in 1839 when the British captured the strategic port of Aden. This marked the beginning of British involvement in the region, shaping the destiny of South Yemen for years to come.

Independence and British Withdrawal: The collapse of the Ottoman Empire paved the way for North Yemen to declare its independence and establish itself as a republic in 1918. Meanwhile, South Yemen continued under British influence until the year 1967 when Britain decided to withdraw. The departure marked the end of formal British rule in the region, allowing South Yemen to chart its course as an independent entity.

Contemporary Yemen: An Independent Republic: In the present day, Yemen stands as the Republic of Yemen, with no vestiges of direct colonial rule. The nation’s history, however, bears the imprints of Ottoman and British influences, shaping its political, cultural, and social landscapes.

Yemen’s journey through colonial epochs reflects the complex interplay of empires and their legacies. The Ottoman Empire’s imprint on the north and British influence in the south have left an enduring impact on the nation’s narrative. However, Yemen’s emergence as an independent republic signals a departure from formal colonial rule. Today, the nation navigates the challenges and opportunities of the present while honoring the echoes of its storied past.