From the land of Queen of Sheba...

It is a country within the city. Traditional and god-fearing folks, distinct clothes, mouthwatering guavas, apparel and artificial jewelry brought from West Asia, irresistible dish haleem that is available for 365 days a year… This is Barkas, known as mini Yemen in the old city of Hyderabad.

The residents here are descendants of home of the Queen of Sheba, settled in the city a century ago. A group of Yemenis migrated to Hyderabad to join the army of Nizam and settled here, overwhelmed by the beauty and culture of the city. The Yemeni families used to live in the barracks made for army personnel during the Nizam’s Rule. The barracks later came to be popular as Barkas.

Comparing to other parts of the city, Barkas has an entirely different culture and lifestyle. People here live like their counterparts in Saudi Arabia or Yemen. They are very religious, truthful, and they love sports, especially wrestling. Majority of people in this area mostly eat meat.
Instead of tea, the people drink decoction, made by adding tea powder and sugar in boiled water. It is said to have medicinal powers that can prevent stomach deceases. Another drink - Ghawa - is served to the guests. Interestingly, no hotel in the area prepares tea with milk.

Men wear special dress - Toop or Kurta with lungi for lower body while women wear full hijab (burqa that covers the entire body from head to toe) at home and outside. Specially designed Arabian slippers are worn by youngsters and men. For young girls, there are lots of apparels brought from different countries. Many people come here for shopping as quality stuff is available here for cheaper rates.  

“Marriages here are done in a simple manner. We don’t waste money on lavishness and dowry,” Abdur Rahman, a resident, said. “Elders choose the bride and then in a simple home ceremony, the marriage is performed,” he added. “We do not encourage the dowry system.”

“The youth in our area have been brought up with discipline. They don’t dare to tease girls,” said Haji, a businessman. “Our ladies don’t go for shopping in Barkas as elders don’t like it,” he said. “As far as home requirements are concerned, men take up the responsibility,” he said.

People of Barkas get up early in the morning and go to bed early at night. Business starts after the Fajr prayers (early morning Namaz). One the darkness descends, everyone prepares to close their shops and go home.

Barkas is famous for guava fruits. People come from faraway places only to have the mouthwatering guavas available here. One can find variety of bangles and artificial jewelry brought from the Gulf. They are sold for a song. Other household goods are also sold here.

Hyderabad’s special food haleem is available 365 days in Barkas, but you have to get here early and have it before 11a.m except in the month of Ramadan.

However, if you want to see Yemen in Hyderabad, it’s time to head for Barkas!