Tucked away between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, Socotra Island is also known as the "Galapagos Islands of the Indian Ocean". Located about 380 kilometers south of Las Fatak in Yemen, the island is one of the representatives of wonder, mystery, happiness, mysticism and, in contemporary times, a science fiction archipelago.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008, Socotra plays a key role in biodiversity and wildlife conservation, as it is considered one of the top five islands in the world that play an important environmental role. Known for its resins with therapeutic properties and aromatic aromas, the world's finest aloe vera, dragon's blood tree, Socotra is home to over 825 plant species, 37% of which are endemic, and Socotra is home to a variety of plants and animals not found anywhere else on earth.
The archipelago consists of four main islands, Samha, Darsa, Abdulcury and Socotra, divided into three different terrains, including the igneous Haghill Mountains, limestone plateaus and coastal plains.
Dragon's Blood Tree
This endemic tree species spreads throughout the island in limestone plateaus and granite mountains. Over the past few centuries, the red sap of the dragon's blood tree has been used for medicinal purposes and as a food source for livestock, as small amounts of berries are fed to cattle and goats to make them health-friendly. Some of its medical properties include: anti-diarrhea, anti-ulcer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Used in the past to dye wood, as a breath freshener, spiritual ritual and magic, this tree is considered a panacea.
As early as 2400 BC, the blood of the dragon's blood tree was rubbed against the wounds of gladiators to speed up the healing process. The peculiar umbrella-shaped appearance comes directly from science fiction, but is just another way that the species subtly adapts to its environment.
Cucumber tree
In 1882, Scottish botanist Isaac Bailey Balfour was the first to describe this strange tree. The cucumber tree is an endemic species that doesn't reach the length of the dominant in height, but it does have a very unique neck shape, which gives it another nickname: the bottle tree. The tree's flowers are yellow or orange, and the fruit it produces is cylindrical with sharp ends. In order for the cucumber tree to survive, it needs a dry, hot and windy climate.
In addition, it is used for its medical benefits, including the treatment of urinary problems, liver problems and diabetes, as well as for decorative purposes, but it will always be a remnant of an alien planet for us.
Sokotlan Chameleon
Chameleons are native to Socotra, Yemen, and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. When panicked, the reptile makes a slightly clucking sound. Its ability to change the color of its skin to adapt to its surroundings is another impressive feature of this reptile that makes it almost invisible. While not an endangered species, the main threat to chameleons is overgrazing by humans.
Naturist beach
The pearl sand dunes of Socotra Beach are submerged on pure white sand that can reach hundreds of meters high, allowing people to experience the sky of an alien island. Facing the beach to the north, hawksbill turtles come here to lay their eggs. At the southern tip of the island is the longest and most isolated beach of the archipelago - Amac Beach. Expansive panoramic views of the Indian Ocean make this beach the perfect place to camp.
On the west side of the island is The Beach of Calancia, a gem of Socotra, an hour's boat ride to Shuab Beach to observe dolphins up close and witness several species of birds, stingrays and coral reefs on the island. On top of that, it's almost possible to call these beaches your own private beaches, as the experiences are very private.
Socotra Aboriginal
In addition to being the home of the world's most eccentric, mysterious and beautiful sights, flora and fauna, Socotra is home to some 50,000 locals who not only coexist with the environment of the archipelago, but are also its faithful guardians. They have played a vital role in preserving the island's rich biodiversity, using its resources for thousands of years and creating a system of traditional rules that help protect the sacred environment.
The island's natives speak their own Semitic language, known as Sokotri, which consists of a variety of different dialects. As a pre-literate language without written form, the language may have become extinct due to the development of Socotra, and it is increasingly open to the Arab region.
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Middle East Arab Heritage Series – Four World Heritage Sites in Yemen