Assistant Professor of Islamic History and CivilizationFaculty of Arts, Dhamar University

Abstract

This study sheds light on Socotra Island, which is considered one of the most important Yemeni islands throughout history due to its strategic significance and its location connecting the East and West. Many powers have sought to control it because of its role in global trade, leading to the settlement of diverse nationalities alongside the indigenous population and the spread of various religions. Socotra is a unique geographical area, home to rare birds, trees, and products that exist only there, as documented by historians and geographers. The study's importance lies in investigating the historical and geographical information about Socotra, starting from its name and location and extending to its economic significance as a prominent trading center in the Arabian Sea. The island possesses highly sought-after products, making it a focal point for trading powers such as the Byzantines, who navigated the Arabian Sea to India and the African coasts. Additionally, the study examines the population, the religions that emerged, the arrival of Islam, the relationship between Socotra and Oman, and the myths associated with sorcery. The researcher adopted a descriptive historical approach to collect and organize the information chronologically, while analyzing and critiquing the sources. The research is divided into an introduction and several sections, including: its name, location, commercial importance, foreign ambitions, resources, population, and religions.