The Reality of the Architectural Heritage in the Yemeni Environment: Its Problems and Ways to Preserve It

Abstract

Yemen is rich in many ancient architectural monuments. It represents a
heritage for which history has witnessed the greatness of its civilizational
achievements throughout its long history. These monuments and this
heritage are still present in the face of the factors of demolition and removal
to survive and continue through time. In the same time, we find many of
these monuments are threatened by either falling or disappearing, due to
many factors, perhaps the most important of which are: neglect and
tampering (intentionally or unintentionally), modern urban expansion (the
so-called urban renewal in cities), tribal rivalries, political crises and wars
(that Yemen has been suffering from since ancient times, the latest of which
is what happened and is happening in Yemen since the end of March-2015).
Natural disasters is another factor that trespass antique such as fires,
earthquakes, sand drifting, torrential rains and torrential torrents (as
happened in late October, 2008 when some cities of Hadhramaut along with
some parts of their historical and archaeological landmarks were subjected
to devastation and destruction due to torrential torrents). All these are
considered the most important environmental factors that threaten the urban
heritage leading to its demise and obliteration of its features in the Yemeni
environment.