Protecting a Moveable and Immoveable Feast: Legal Safeguards for Yemen’s Cultural Heritage

Yemen's cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Town of Zabid and the Old City of Sana’a, faces significant threats from political instability, economic crises, and security challenges. A recent legal framework aims to address these issues through a new law protecting historic cities, but ongoing problems such as smuggling persist. The study highlights the urgent need for stronger legal safeguards to combat neglect and criminal activity, ensuring the preservation of Yemen's rich heritage. It underscores that effective legal measures are essential not only for maintaining Zabid’s UNESCO status but also for broader conservation efforts across the country.

Steinbeiser, S. (2014). Protecting a Moveable and Immoveable Feast: Legal Safeguards for Yemen’s Cultural Heritage. Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 16(2), 163–177. https://doi.org/10.1179/1350503314z.00000000080