Yemen’s Historic Zabid Becomes Latest Casualty of Houthis

A view of the historic city of Zabid in the Hodeidah province. (Local media)
A view of the historic city of Zabid in the Hodeidah province. (Local media)
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Yemen’s Historic Zabid Becomes Latest Casualty of Houthis

A view of the historic city of Zabid in the Hodeidah province. (Local media)
A view of the historic city of Zabid in the Hodeidah province. (Local media)

Despite being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Yemeni city of Zabid is facing increased danger due to neglect of the Iran-backed Houthi militias, who run the historic town.

The Houthis have failed to protect and preserve all heritage sites in areas under their control, as seen with the damage to Old Sanaa’s architecture and the risk of further destruction and artifact trafficking.

Recently, heavy rains caused the northern part of the old market’s roof in Zabid, a city in western Hodeidah province, to collapse. Residents have closed off the area to prevent further damage and potential collapses.

Last week, residents of Zabid reported serious damage to the northern part of a historic corridor to local authorities and the Houthi-controlled Historic Cities Preservation Authority, but no significant action has been taken.

Residents have also asked UNESCO to step in and help save the city’s landmarks from being removed from the World Heritage List.

Four years ago, heavy rains caused several archaeological sites to collapse and damaged many homes in Zabid. Cultural activists have called on the UN to protect the city from further harm.

Zabid, which was Yemen’s capital in the 13th to 15th centuries, was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 but was moved to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2000 due to construction violations and damage to its historic sites.

The city was a major intellectual hub in the Islamic world, with 85 Islamic schools representing various religious and philosophical traditions.

Many of these schools still exist and house rare manuscripts and important texts. The city also features historic sites and symbols that highlight its former prominence in the region.

UNESCO plans to restore 400 historic homes in four Yemeni cities this year, with 100 homes in each city: Old Sanaa, Aden, Zabid, and Shibam Hadramawt, according to Khaled Salah, Director of UNESCO’s Gulf States and Yemen office.

Salah revealed discussions with the UN Office for Project Services about urgent sanitation upgrades in Old Sanaa. The outdated sewage system poses a risk of collapse due to unstable ground beneath the homes.

UNESCO is working to encourage donors to increase support for Yemen, focusing on expanding development projects and preserving cultural and historic sites.



Saudi Culture Ministry to Host Cultural Week in Greece

The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom. SPA
The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom. SPA
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Saudi Culture Ministry to Host Cultural Week in Greece

The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom. SPA
The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom. SPA

The Ministry of Culture is set to launch Saudi Cultural Week in Greece, taking place from September 27 to October 1 at the historic Zappeion Hall in Athens.

The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom, showcasing the cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Greece and highlighting the shared values between the two nations.

Various commissions under the Ministry of Culture and Saudi cultural institutions will present multiple elements of Saudi culture. Craftsmen will display traditional arts and handcrafts, including the creation of the Bisht (a traditional men's outer cloak), weaving Al Sadu (traditional textile), and crafting Mibkhara (incense burners). Workshops will be organized to highlight these traditional arts, featuring collaboration between Greek and Saudi artisans. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in conventional weaving and experience these time-honored crafts firsthand.

Attendees will also discover traditional Saudi fashion through collections by local designers, with pieces available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Saudi fashion heritage. The Saudi fashion exhibition will also highlight contemporary designs and display attires from renowned creators in the field.

Throughout the five-day event, visitors can explore an exhibition of replicas of Saudi Arabia's historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into the Kingdom's vast heritage. Additionally, another exhibition will feature rare manuscripts that highlight the linguistic legacy of the Arabic language.

The event will include culinary experiences, with Saudi chefs conducting live cooking demonstrations of popular traditional dishes from the Kingdom. Saudi coffee, a cultural symbol of Saudi hospitality, will be served to visitors, and a boutique store will display Saudi food products such as dates and Madinah dried rose.

Moreover, the event will feature live performances of traditional Saudi music, dance, performing arts, and theater, showcasing the Kingdom's rich musical and performance arts heritage. Visitors can also enjoy screenings of popular Saudi short films.

Saudi Cultural Week in Greece aims to celebrate and encourage cultural dialogue and collaboration, featuring a variety of activities and exhibitions that showcase the Kingdom's cultural heritage, contemporary art, and culinary artistry. The event will provide a platform for shared cultural values and ongoing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Greece.