High elevated areas in Yemen are known for being the first place to cultivate coffee after it was brought to the region in the 15th Century by Sufi Monks. From here, it grew with coffee being exported it the 16th Century from the port of Al-Makha which gave birth to the name of the Mocha drink known around the world today.
In the 19th Century exports of coffee reached more than 57,000 MT at its peak which is a very different story to today with less than 20,000 MT. The coffee is produced on small, terraced farms in high mountains in very simple ways. All coffee is hand-picked, grown with the use of natural organic fertilizers and dried and dried on raised beds or roof tops.
Yemen quickly became the centre of coffee cultivation and trade. The port of Al-Makha was used to export coffee to the far corners of the world. Yemeni coffee, known for its distinct flavor profile with hints of chocolate and spices, gained popularity. Coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh, became cultural and social centers, where people gathered to discuss politics, art, and society over a cup of coffee.
However, the era of Yemeni coffee faced a significant challenge with the rise of qat, a narcotic plant. Qat cultivation spread rapidly due to its higher profitability and shorter growth cycle compared to coffee. This shift led to a decline in coffee farming, as many farmers abandoned their coffee fields for qat. The once- blooming coffee industry in Yemen suffered, and the country’s economic and cultural fabric began to tear.
The Haraaz region has been home to thousands of Dawoodi Bohras, who have called these mountains their own for generations. Under the guidance of his father
(52nd Dai-al-Mutlaq, Sydena Mohammad Burhanuddin), Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin initiated a program aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of the Yemeni community. One of the most significant initiatives was the campaign to uproot qat (Catha edulis), a drug that impacted Yemen's economic and social development. This initiative encouraged farmers to replace qat with sustainable agricultural enterprises, including coffee plantations, strawberry farms, animal husbandry, and beekeeping.Soon, the fertile terraces that had once been overrun by qat were revived, and coffee, once the pride of Yemen, began to flourish again.
This renaissance in the Haraaz region has not only revitalized the soil but also restored a sustainable way of life. Yemeni coffee, particularly from the Haraaz mountains, is now celebrated worldwide again for its unique Arabica blend, offering a glimpse of Arabia Felix's historical glory. The efforts of the Dawoodi Bohras have proven that with dedication and vision, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome, bringing a brighter, more prosperous future.
