Tarim is situated on the east bank of Wadi Hadramout some 35km to the northeast of Seiyun.It has received much attention in the historical narratives for the importance of its role throughout the ages. The town was a capital of Kinda Kings for a period of time. After Islam, it became one of the religious centers. Until recently, it was a town of knowledge and one of the most important teaching centers in Yemen. A lot of its inhabitants emigrated to the western coast of India and established commercial settlements in Singapore and Indonesia since 1220 AD.

Tarim citadel is an important historical site of the town. There are also a number of old fortifications and castles, the most important of which are Al-Urr Fortress(Husn), Al Muhdar Mosque (1915AD), its 125 foot high square minaret, and Ahqaf library which is one of the most important Yemeni house of Manuscripts.