Sirah Island, Aden 1963

The fort dates back more than a thousand years and has been mentioned in ancient Yemenite inscriptions. Throughout history it has defended  Aden against invaders and raiding freebooters from across the sea.

No one knows for certain the builder of this fortress, the reason being the scarcity of archeological studies in the area and, above all, difficulty in financing a project concerning archeological exploration of this castle and the surrounding site.

However, it is possible the original construction of the fortress relates to Prince Othman Al-Zangabili Al-Takriti, the Turkish "Wali" of Aden appointed from Istanbul by the Ottoman Empror Turan Shah. Unverified records state that it was constructed during the year 1173 A.D. (569 Hijria). The Turkish Wali of Aden (envoyed as ruler of Aden) was the first to use stones in building of walls and fortresses around Aden City and harbor. Perhaps to confirm this historical testimony, is the fact that the Master-Plan of this Castle, together with the pattern of its towers, are somewhat similar to those found in Egypt, Syria and Lebanon, which were built by the Ayoobi rulers.

Sirah Fortress stood against attacks by the Portugese, and played a vital role in defence against the Turkish army in 1517 A.D. The British later modified the original design and architecture of the fort. A report by  Captain Foster dated March 1839 indicated orders to his soldiers to place guns and artillery in the fort together with additions of army establishments and military stores.

Arabs would say, "In the bowels of Sirah is a raging, fiery furnace which Allah will summon forth on the day  of gathering."