Yemen's Sanaa at risk of losing world heritage status

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

Students in Gent, a city in the northwestern part of Belgium, are holding demonstrations on campus to mark the 76th anniversary of Nakba, the massive exodus of Palestinians that occurred in 1948 following the establishment of the state of Israel.

Protesters at Gent University and a number of universities across Europe and the U.S. have been calling on their institutions to sever ties with Israel over its war in Gaza.

The students used a bike parade to mark the Nakba anniversary, with the parade kicking off at the university's UFO building, a site that has been occupied by protesters since May 6.

In a direct action, over 100 Gent students occupied a university building to demand transparency regarding the university's ties to Israel.

Since Monday, more than 60 staff and faculty members have joined the students and set up tents in the building's lobby.

The university's rector Rik Van de Walle said he shared the concerns over the underlying problems in the region, but added that third party collaborators that the university works with are subject to a thorough human rights test.

Protests have been taking place across a number of universities in Belgium mirroring demonstrations that have engulfed some high-profile academic institutions in the U.S. over recent weeks.

And in the Netherlands, the University of Amsterdam has shut most of its campus buildings for two days citing security concerns following protests on Monday.

The occupation in Gent isn't just focused on the situation in Gaza. Students also asked for more concrete steps taken by the university when it comes to its 2030 climate action plans.

"We have clear demands with regards to our university committing to a sustainability plan, clear demands with regards to them cutting ties with Israeli institutions. And unless these demands are met, we are going to continue occupying," said Joelle, one of Gent Students for Palestine.

University officials said that some occupiers have been invited for a meeting with the rector.

For over a week, protesters have been sleeping on tents or on mattresses on the floor. Some people have banged on the windows or ripped down posters, but protesters said they are unmoved though they are missing sleep.

Students in Belgium combine Nakba observance with ongoing climate action occupation