Years of conflict have taken a toll on the ancient city of Sanaa in Yemen, with neglect and war-induced degradation threatening its esteemed World Heritage status. As the decade-long war persists, local historians and authorities voice concern over the lack of support for the restoration efforts urgently needed to safeguard this cultural treasure.
The ancient city of Sanaa in Yemen, boasting a history spanning over 2,500 years, stands as an architectural marvel, characterized by its unique mud homes and ancient legacy. Renowned globally for its rich cultural heritage, distinct architecture, and magnificent mosques, Sanaa's old city faces significant challenges jeopardizing its historical significance.
With its high towers, elegant arches, and traditional mud brick and limestone constructions, this UNESCO World Heritage site embodies the essence of Yemeni civilization.
"The city of Sanaa is distinguished by its beautiful ancient streets, the scent of history emanating from its alleys, its mosques and the beautiful, magnificent markets, as well as the decorated ancient buildings and the wonderful traditional Yemeni architecture that stands out for its unique design unparalleled anywhere else on earth," said Hafez Al-Araj, a local historian.
Nearly a decade of war in Yemen has inflicted severe damage upon the historic city of Sanaa, with airstrikes and heavy rains taking their toll. Numerous old homes have sustained damage, putting their World Heritage status at risk. Currently, around 6,000 homes in the city are under threat of further harm.
The Historic Cities Preservation Authority in Sanaa has lamented the inadequate financial support from both the government and the international community, which is impeding maintenance and restoration efforts.
"This historic city has been subjected to many natural disasters, or human actions such as wars, like the ongoing war in Yemen since 2015. The city has been subjected to numerous airstrikes within the areas of Al-Qasim and Al-Falih, resulting in damage to some buildings, the collapse of others, and effects in other neighborhoods. The current levels of rainfall and climate change have also greatly affected the city, and there's a degree of neglect and a lack of maintenance by citizens in terms of regularly looking after their homes. This has led to the further deterioration of the condition of the buildings," said Rashad Al-Muqattari, deputy head of the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities.
The General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities is actively working to repair houses damaged by both war and natural disasters in the old city of Sanaa.
However, they emphasize that their efforts are hampered by limited resources and stress the need for assistance from relevant authorities to safeguard its heritage and uphold its position on the World Heritage List.
Yemen's Sanaa at risk of losing world heritage status
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a restrictive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, during which they had in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of common concern.
The world is undergoing changes unseen in a century and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, Xi noted, adding that in the face of the ever-evolving world landscape with volatility and turmoil, China has maintained its strategic resolve.
He said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome various difficulties and challenges, and are striving to promote high-quality development and Chinese modernization.
China is willing to work with Russia and other countries to enhance solidarity and cooperation, steer global governance in the right direction, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote world peace and common development, Xi said.
Noting that China's development is unstoppable and that no force can contain China's growth and progress, Putin said that Russia is willing to improve cooperation with China and other Global South countries to promote international fairness and justice, and to work toward a more equal and multipolar world.
The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis.
Xi elaborated on China's consistent position and efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, stressing that to deal with any major issue, it is necessary to address both the symptoms and the root causes, and to plan for the present as well as for the long term.
He said the core of the Global Security Initiative is advocating the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and the fundamental solution to the Ukraine issue is to promote the establishment of a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.
Xi said China supports the convening of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine at an appropriate time with equal participation and fair discussion of all options, so as to push for an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.
Putin introduced the relevant views and positions of Russia, saying that Russia appreciates China's objective, just and balanced position on the Ukraine issue and welcomes China to continue to play an important and constructive role in the political settlement of the issue. Russia is committed to resolving the Ukraine issue through political negotiations and is willing to demonstrate sincerity and maintain close communication with China in this regard, he said.
Xi said that over the years, they have had many meetings and every exchange has been candid, in-depth and fruitful.
Xi said he is ready to stay in close contact with President Putin and work together to steer the development of China-Russia relations in the right direction, guide the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to achieve steady and lasting progress, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute to world security and stability.
Putin thanked Xi for his warm hospitality, saying that he is willing to maintain close communication with Xi, implement the important consensus reached between them, and ensure the full development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
