The Status Quo of the Sabaean Archeological Monuments and Inscriptions in Mārib Oasis-Yemen

Abstract

This paper discusses the current situation of the Sabaean archeological monuments in Mārib Oasis. It is conducted by using a field survey on the reality of these monuments, and the vandalism which they have been recently exposed to, such as looting, destruction, acts of distortion and neglect even though they cultural significance and extraordinary value, which are an evidence for the emergence and development of the Sabaean civilization in Mārib Oasis since the 2^nd millennium BC. to the 6^th century AD. These monuments is worthy of being included in the World Human Heritage list.  

Undoubtedly, such acts of vandalism which triggered these archeological monuments in Mārib Oasis have harmed it and its authenticity, its historical, scientific and aesthetic standards. These archeological monuments are the most critical in the history of their civilizational and cultural process. Unless they are remedied sooner, the contents of such monuments, such as antiquities, inscriptions and architecture, will disappear, especially under the current political situation Yemen is experiencing, which led to creating an environment that causes destruction, looting and distorting the archeological and cultural heritage in Mārib and Al-Jawf governorates.

These cultural and archeological monuments are Ancient Mārib Town, the capital of Sabaʾ kingdom, which recently had drifting, destruction and architectural innovation that damaged a number of its archeological monuments, in addition to Awām temple (Maḥram Bilqīs) which was exposed to acts of looting, tampering, neglect and destruction to its blocks and Sabaic inscriptions  The northern  drains of Ancient Mārib Dam was also exposed to shelling and destruction, as well as Bar’ān temple and the Ancient irrigation systems in Mārib Oasis.

This paper gives a clear image of the reality of such archeological monuments, the risks to which they are exposed, and presenting some expected suggestions towards their protection and maintenance, and recording a urgent call to the Yemeni government and all international organizations which are concerned with the protection of the Yemeni cultural and archeological heritage for a urgent and immediate intervention to save the monuments and inscriptions of Mārib Oasis and suggesting some viable solutions for its protection.