People and Heritage in Yemen: Where to?

Yemen's conflict has devastated its historic cities, with over 233,000 fatalities and a 50% economic contraction between 2015–2019. This study reveals the profound urban challenges faced by Yemenis, including extreme poverty, unemployment, and severe infrastructure damage, while also assessing the impact on heritage sites like Shibam. The research combines personal observations, interviews with heritage specialists from GOPHCY, and visits to Sana'a and other historic cities to explore how conflict has reshaped attitudes toward heritage and its current status. Findings highlight the urgent need for integrated recovery strategies that address both human trauma and cultural preservation.

Alshawesh, S., & Hadžimuhamedović, A. (2025). People and Heritage in Yemen: Where to? Heritage Reconstruction and People: Integrated Recovery after Trauma, 221–243. https://doi.org/10.56500/c-r2119