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List of World Heritage Sites in Yemen

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Location of World Heritage Sites in Yemen. Red dots represent cultural sites, the green dot is a natural site.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage which have been nominated by countries which are signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.[1] Cultural heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites). Natural features (consisting of physical and biological formations), geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened species of animals and plants), and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty, are defined as natural heritage.[2] Yemen ratified the convention on 7 October 1980.[3]

As of 2023, Yemen has five sites on the list. The first site, the Old Walled City of Shibam, was designated in 1982. The most recent site listed was Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba in Marib in 2023.[4] The Socotra Archipelago was listed in 2008, and it is the only natural site in Yemen, while the other four are cultural.[3] All four cultural sites are listed as endangered. The Historic Town of Zabid was listed in 2000 because of the deteriorating state of the historic buildings.[5] Shibam and the Old City of Sana'a were listed in 2015 and Marib in 2023 due to Yemeni Civil War threats.[6] Yemen has nine sites on its tentative list. The country served as a member of the World Heritage Committee in the years 1985–1991.[3]

World Heritage Sites

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UNESCO lists sites under ten criteria; each entry must meet at least one of the criteria. Criteria i through vi are cultural, and vii through x are natural.[7]

  † In danger
World Heritage Sites
Site Image Location (governorate) Year listed UNESCO data Description
Old Walled City of Shibam† High mudbrick buildings Hadhramaut 1982 192; iii, iv, v (cultural) The 16th-century walled city of Shibam is located on the edge of a giant flood wadi between the mountains on an important caravan trade route. The city has several multi-storey mudbrick houses, representing one of the oldest examples of high-rise urban planning. It is also a prominent example of the traditional architecture of the Hadhrami people between the 16th and 19th centuries. Floods pose a risk to the city as traditional water management systems have been gradually abandoned. Furthermore, installing a modern water supply with inadequate drainage and changes in livestock management have contributed to the deteriorating city condition. The site has been listed as endangered since 2015 due to the threats posed by the Yemeni Civil War.[6][8]
Old City of Sana'a† Walled city with traditional mudbrick houses decorated with white details Sanaa 1986 385; iv, v, vi (cultural) The city of Sana'a has been inhabited for more than 2500 years. It played a crucial role in Islam's early years, with the Great Mosque being the first mosque constructed outside Mecca and Medina. The city is one of the original centres from which the faith spread. The walled city comprises many traditional multi-storey houses built of rammed earth and burned brick, decorated by patterns made in brick and white gypsum. The city is threatened by new constructions and improper conservation practices. The site has been listed as endangered since 2015 due to the threats posed by the Yemeni Civil War.[6][9]
Historic Town of Zabid† Houses in traditional style, look from an elevated perspective Al Hudaydah 1993 611; iii (cultural) The coastal town of Zabid was Yemen's capital from the 13th to 15th century. It was a fortified town, with four gates, watchtowers, a citadel, and wall fragments still remaining. It was an important centre of learning during the early Islamic period from the 7th century on, with a large number of mosques and madrasas. The architecture, in particular the Tihamah-style courtyard house, is typical for the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The historic character of the town is threatened by new concrete and steel constructions and overhead electrical cables. The site has been listed as endangered since 2000 because of the deteriorating state of the historic buildings.[5][10]
Socotra Archipelago A large tree in a rocky landscape Socotra 2008 1263; x (natural) The Socotra Archipelago comprises four islands and two rocky islets. Both land and marine area are exceptionally rich in biodiversity. The islands are home to many endemic plant species (Dracaena cinnabari pictured), as well as endemic reptile and land snail species. The islands support land and marine bird populations while the marine areas are home to coral reefs with numerous species of fish, crab, lobster, and shrimp.[11]
Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib† Temple ruins with several standing columns Marib 2023 1700; iii, iv (cultural) Marib was the centre of the Sabaean Kingdom, possibly the Kingdom of Sheba. The kingdom controlled much of the incense trade across the Arabian Peninsula and played a major role in cultural exchange with the Mediterranean and East Africa. The monuments date from the 1st millennium BCE to the arrival of Islam around 630 CE. They include the Barran Temple, the Awam Temple (pictured), the ancient city of Marib, Old Marib Dam, and the ancient city of Sirwah. The site was immediately listed as endangered due to the threats posed by the Yemeni Civil War.[12]

Tentative list

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In addition to sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, member states can maintain a list of tentative sites that they may consider for nomination. Nominations for the World Heritage List are only accepted if the site was previously listed on the tentative list.[13] As of 2023, Yemen has listed nine properties on its tentative list.[3]

Tentative sites
Site Image Location (governorate) Year listed UNESCO criteria Description
Historic city of Saada Mudbrick house with decorated windows Saada 2002 i, iv, v (cultural) Saada was founded by Imam AI-Hadi Yaya in the 9th century. It became the cradle of Zaydism, a powerful Muslim spiritual school in Yemen. The city is surrounded by a wall with 52 watchtowers and 16 gates. In the city, there are multi-storey houses built of earth and brick, palaces, and 14 mosques from the 10th to 16th centuries. The Zaydite cemetery, located outside the walls, is the largest and oldest in Yemen.[14]
The Historic City of Thula Look from above at fortification steps and a city below 'Amran 2002 i, iii, iv (cultural) The city of Thula dates to the Himyarite Kingdom period. The walled city is well preserved, with stone houses with three to five floors built in a consistent style, narrow streets, a 12th century mosque, and a 15th century hammam. There is a fortress on the top of a cliff under which the city is located.[15]
The Madrasa Amiriya of Rada A mosque with a minaret in white Al Bayda 2002 i, iv (cultural) The mosque and madrasa date to 1504 and are masterpieces of the Tahirid architecture of Yemen. The interiors and exteriors were decorated with paintings, stucco, and qadad. The monument was in poor condition until 1978 when several foreign missions began to understand its importance and uniqueness. Renovation took place, where new generation of artisans learned to work with traditional techniques.[16]
Jibla and its surroundings A town on a slope of a hill with houses and minarets Ibb 2002 ii, iv, v (cultural) Jibla was the highland capital of the Sulayhid dynasty in the 11th and 12th centuries. The city is located in a mountain setting with river gorges and well integrated into the environment, forming a cultural landscape with terraces and small hamlets. The houses in the city are decorated with stucco patterns and the doors are made of carved wood. The Queen Arwa Mosque dates to 1088.[17]
Jabal Haraz Mountains with terraces and a house on the slope Sanaa 2002 (mixed) The mountainous region of Jabal Haraz was a caravan stopping point during the Himyarite Kingdom and a stronghold during the Sulayhid dynasty in the 11th century. The cultural landscape comprises fortified villages on the mountain slopes and the terraces in these slopes that were used to grow alfalfa, millet, coffee, khat, and other crops. Settlements include Manakha and AI-Hajjara that both date to the 12th century.[18]
Jabal Bura A valley with some vegetation Al Hudaydah 2002 (mixed) Jabal Bura is a mountain where the western side is covered by dense tropical vegetation and the eastern side comprises a cultural landscape of hamlets and terraces used for farming. There are five vegetation zones spanning over 2,000 m (6,600 ft), with bananas being grown at the bottom, coffee in the middle, and durum wheat at higher altitudes. The area is threatened by logging, firewood harvesting, and the construction of newly constructed roads in a fragile environment.[19]
Balhaf/Burum coastal area A crater filled with water in a desert Shabwah 2002 (mixed) The area comprises the oasis of Balhaf, Qana, a major port of the Incense trade route since the period of the ancient Hadhramaut Kingdom, a volcanic crater lake (pictured), a fishing port of Burum, and the surrounding landscape.[20]
The Hawf Area Look from a high point down to the sea, the slope covered by lush vegetation Al Mahrah 2002 vii, x (natural) The area in Hawf District, together with the Dhofar Governorate in the neighbouring Oman, is important in view of its plant diversity. While most of the rest of the country is arid, Hawf is covered with trees and is home to several animal species. The area is threatened by the expansion and intensification of agriculture.[21]
Sharma/Jethmun coastal area Two camels on a beach Hadhramaut 2002 (natural) Ash-Shihr is a small ancient city with the remains of buildings that were built in a mixture of Yemeni, Arab, and Hindu styles. The area is popular with tourists. Bada village has hot spring baths.[22]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The World Heritage Convention". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2010.
  2. ^ "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d "Yemen". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 27 October 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  4. ^ "Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Twenty-fourth session" (PDF). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 September 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  6. ^ a b c "Yemen's Old City of Sana'a and Old Walled City of Shibam added to List of World Heritage in Danger". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  7. ^ "The Criteria for Selection". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 June 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  8. ^ "Old Walled City of Shibam". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  9. ^ "Old City of Sana'a". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  10. ^ "Historic Town of Zabid". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  11. ^ "Socotra Archipelago". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  12. ^ "Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  13. ^ "Tentative Lists". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2010.
  14. ^ "Historic city of Saada" (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  15. ^ "The Historic City of Thula" (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  16. ^ "The Madrasa Amiriya of Rada" (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  17. ^ "The Madrasa Amiriya of Rada" (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  18. ^ "Jabal Haraz" (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  19. ^ "Jabal Bura" (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  20. ^ "Balhaf/Burum coastal area" (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  21. ^ "The Hawf Area". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  22. ^ "Sharma/Jethmun coastal area" (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
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