Historic Yemeni city struggles to survive war, corruption
The ancient city of Zabid, located in Yemen’s western coastal plains, is threatened by the ongoing fighting in the country and the corruption of local officials.
SANAA, Yemen — One of Yemen’s most important ancient cities, Zabid, is struggling to maintain its cultural significance amid the destruction of war and simple neglect by city officials.
The armed conflict that has erupted in Yemen has resulted in serious damage being inflicted to most of the country’s cultural and heritage sites. Some historic buildings and cities have been the scenes of clashes, and archaeological sites and museums have sustained damage from bombing.
The threats facing Yemeni sites prompted UNESCO to announce an emergency plan in May to deal with these risks, which have become a real challenge that could severely damage Yemenis’ cultural and material heritage.
While it is not unique in its situation, the historic town of Zabid near Yemen’s western coast holds particular scholarly and religious significance for Yemenis. The city is on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger.
