The Yemeni poetry as a primary source of relations between the South Arabia population and foreigners in Modern and Contemporary Periods

Poetry in South Arabia has always played a special role in people's life; it reflects the social and political life of Yemen that makes it possible to use it as a primary source. In this article the author considers Yemen poetry as a source of history of relations between the local population and foreigners. Having analysed poems of different historical periods with images of the Portuguese, the Turks, the British, etc. the author comes to the conclusion that partly by composing verses where “us” was opposed to “them”, aliens, the Yemenis realized themselves as a nation. Besides, some poems provide valuable historical descriptions that can be an important addition to the already existing narrative.