All praise is due to Allah The most gracious, the most merciful

Discover

THE YEMENI PROJECT

Exploring the rich history and contributions of the South Shields Yemeni community.

Our Story

About Us:

Back to our roots.
The arrival of Muslim, Yemeni immigrant seamen into the port of South Shields changed the landscape of the town permanently. The Yemeni Project aims to showcase this vast history by documenting the stories, impact, sacrifices, and contributions of these men within the wider South Shields community.

It is a project consisting of stories, photographs, and artifacts. These have been donated by members of the community or their descendants who are keen to preserve their legacy. It also consists of research from primary and secondary sources.

This is a part of history which starts in the 19th century, spans the entirety of the 20th century and continues in differing forms to the present day. A, direct consequence of the British Empire and the colonisation of Aden. The history has many layers and complexities. For instance, this is also the history of British women of differing faiths who married Arab seamen despite the controversy it caused. These were brave, strong women who faced isolation and insult with strength and integrity. It is a story of mixed-race children, navigating dual identities, cultures, and religions. It is a story of friendship, collaboration, business ties, and respect. It is a story directly impacted by 2 World Wars where many Yemeni seamen also paid the ultimate price under the Union Jack. It is also a poignant reminder that Muslims have existed in Britain without issue for over a century and it reminds us that this legacy is one to be celebrated and should not be forgotten.

Visual Journey

Explore Historical Archives Through Images

British Colonisation – Aden

The catalyst for Yemeni migration to South Shields: The British presence in Aden 1839 – 1967.

Yemeni/British Integration

The original Yemeni men who came to the town were seamen who worked on British ships in very difficult conditions. They risked their lives to feed their families, and many ended up settling in the port town of South Shields.

The Boarding Houses

Boarding Houses were lodgings designed to cater for sailors docking on Tyneside. Comparative to modern day bed and breakfasts. The first Arab boarding house was opened in South Shields by Ali Said in 1894.

The Alleged Race Riots
In South Shields

Once the wartime requirement for Yemeni manpower on British ships subsided, competition for jobs, women, and racial tensions eventually overspilled. First, in 1919 and again in 1930.

Islamic Schools in
South Shields

With many first-generation Yemeni seamen choosing to marry and settle in South Shields, the task of preserving the Yemeni culture and Islamic religion for their children began.

Muhammed Ali Visits
South Shields

1977 was a year that truly put Al-Azhar Mosque on the map as it received a visitor in the form of heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Muhammad Ali.

The Zaoia’s & Britain’s
First Mosque

Zaoia’s were non-consecrated buildings/ converted buildings used by Yemeni migrants to pray. Finally, in 1972 the Yemeni community realised their dream and built the 2nd purpose-built Mosque in the country.

Yemeni Contribution in WW1-WW2

1 in 4 of the men lost from South Shields in the Merchant Navy during WW1 were Yemeni. South Shields Yemeni men were interned at Ruhleben Concentration Camp and Muslim Yemeni men also fought for Britain in WW2.

British Or Alien

A look into the challenges faced by Yemeni seamen and their British wives in the interwar periods. As the demand for manpower ceased, legislative control over their status as British citizens increased.

Community insight

Voices of the Community

Emma Lewell-Buck, Member of parliament for South Shields

“South Shields’ Yemeni community makes a great social and cultural contribution to our town. The first generations of merchant seamen who arrived in the 19th century were a vital part of the shipping industry that was the heart and soul of local life, and that legacy is still with us today. Our shared history is something we can all be proud of.
 
People from outside the North East are often surprised to hear that South Shields was –and still is – home to the first settled Muslim population in the UK, as well as the first purpose-built mosque. To me it isn’t a surprise; it says a lot about the successful integration of the Yemeni community and the respect and tolerance our town has for other cultures. We have always depended on visitors and traders and I think that has made us an open and welcoming community.

The example of the Yemeni community is a fantastic demonstration of how different cultures can live together in modern Britain, with different traditions but shared goals and values. Previous generations worked and lived side by side, shared ideas, and started families together, and that process of sharing has enriched our community.
 
I’m delighted that the Yemeni Project is committed to preserving this fantastic history and making sure that the story of the Yemeni community in Shields lives on.”

Remembering Kenneth McRitchie

Kenneth McRitchie- a founding friend and contributor to the Yemeni project who shared his stories and had a longstanding love of his Yemeni identity.

Remembering Mohamed Al-Sayyadi and
Mohamed ibn Mohamed Al-Sayyadi

Mohamed Al-Sayyadi (Ahmed Ali Hussein) (left) Co- founder of Al-Azhar Mosque, chairman and a leader of the Yemeni people, He came to England in 1945 as a donkeyman on British ships. He got married to Selma, also of Yemeni origin, whose father had arrived in South Shields as a fireman from Aden in the early 1920’s. They had a family and opened a Boarding House in Regent Street, before moving to Cuthbert Street then eventually Brunswick Street. Al-Sayyadi was an inspiration to the founding of this work and the preservation of our Muslim and Yemeni identity. Also in remembrance of his son, Mohamed Ibn Mohamed Al-Sayyadi (right) who was a proud Yemeni and a contributing factor to the success of this project. He helped with the launch event for the website, helped with interviews and championed its completion. Allah yerhamhum. May Allah swt have mercy on their souls and grant them the highest rank of Jannat al Firdows. Ameen

Dear Leyla, I think the project is a great idea for those who had fathers and grandfathers who came from Yemen. For me, my Grandfather was the most precious person I had in my life. He was one of the first Yemeni men to come to South Shields. He had a barber’s shop and a fruit shop and was very generous with his time and money. He came from the same place as the Muckbles. thanks again, yours sincerely Kenny McRitchie

Kenneth McRitchie
South Shields – 3rd Generation British Yemeni

 I think the Yemeni project is a lovely idea as I have been interested in learning  more about my grandfather’s native Yemen for many years. I feel the Yemeni people are amongst some of the most generous hearted in the world. It is great to share resources, especially photos and the project will help preserve a record of what has become, in South Shields a diminishing community. I am happy to support such a project!

Michelle Hern
South Shields – 3rd Generation British Yemeni

  Everyone can benefit from this project, especially those who don’t know much about their own Yemeni origins. The Yemeni’s have brought diversity in religion, clothing and food…. and have also added colour and beauty to the town.

Jemeela Al-Sayyadi
2nd Generation British Yemeni

 (This history is…) Very important. As far as I know I don’t have any connection to any Yemeni people sadly, but have always been very interested in how the culture of South Shields has integrated with the Yemeni culture and the effects that these joint cultures have developed over the years.

Lesley Richardson
South Shields Resident

The story of the connection of Britain to Yemen is a vital story for understanding current British Muslim identity. They were the first settled Muslim community in Britain, and South Shields is one of the sites of the first wave of Arab and Muslim migrants. Over five generations have been integrated now and It’s largely a successful story. Multiculturalism and integration both work in this small town”.(1)
“The community is (or must be!) one of the most remarkable and delightful pockets of the diversity of Britain”.(2) 

Tina Gharavi
Film Maker and Academic, Creator of
“Last of the Dictionary Men”
Newcastle University

Every effort has been made to obtain the appropriate copyright permissions and provide accurate citations. If you believe any material has been used in error, please contact us so we can address the issue promptly.

Discover More

Explore the Legacy of the Yemeni Community Today

Join us on this journey to uncover the untold stories and rich history of the Yemeni community in South Shields. Start exploring now.

Explore Now