What is that chant?
Who is chanting it?
They are from the
land of Bilqis, these
melody and chord

Hundreds of kingdoms and civilisations in the Arabian Peninsula, many dating back over 3,000 years, have left traces in Yemen. The echoes of these cultures are still apparent in Sheba, the land of Bilqis, a queen who was one of the world’s most famous monarchs. In the eyes of Yemeni poet Abdullah al-Baradouni, Sheba is the place where chants, melodies and chords originate. In this issue, we explore enduring Yemeni figures from the past and the way artists reimagine Arabia Felix, the ancient name for Yemen, in their work. Contributors share stories of celebration, creativity and communication with other cultures whose timeless intricacies offer inspiration for the present moment.