Architectural Heritage of Yemen

'This timely book shows how in Yemen mud technology has been stretched to its limits to produce buildings perceived as staggeringly beautiful by outsiders, and which are highly satisfying places in which to live and work, finely tuned to their environment, and with a strong sense of identity. But it also stresses just how vulnerable this architecture has become to changing social structures and, even more so, to the devastating impacts of recent conflicts. If this is all to survive, there needs to be a strong, shared understanding of its enormous value to humanity and of the skills and social structures needed to sustain it: this collection of essays offers a very substantial contribution to that task.' -Susan Denyer, World Heritage Adviser, ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites);'Architectural heritage of Yemen: Buildings that fill my Eye is an absolute must for anyone interested in the marvels of Yemeni architectural design. It offers a remarkable insight into the varied history, use and meaning of the country's many domestic and public places, ranging from the famous tower houses and the many citadels, minarets, mausoleums and mosques, to the narrow streets and alleyways that connect as well as divide them. Sadly, because of the impact of intense and prolonged conflict, this remarkable, rich and distinctive architectural heritage is now under serious threat of being damaged, abandoned or lost. Architectural heritage of Yemen is an excellent and timely reminder of the need to document and preserve, in Marchand's words, 'one of the world's finest treasure-troves of architecture', and to raise awareness of the need to protect not just the buildings, but also the people who have created, lived in and cared for it.'-Dr Marcel Vellinga, Reader in Anthropology of Architecture; Research Lead, School of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University; 'Yemen's rich and diverse cultural heritage has shown all its fragility in recent times and it is more than ever in need to be valued, protected and brought to the attention of the world. The richness and quality of scholarly contributions in this publication helps us to see beyond the beauty of the architectural expressions of different regions of the country. It helps us to appreciate the human creativity and ability to craft complex structures at times in very harsh environments, using a variety of locally available materials to adapt to climatic conditions and yet maintain a high quality in the design and in the diversity of the decorations. An intangible "savoir faire' that has been transmitted verbally for centuries though generations of local craftsmen and that is still present but also at risk of disappearing under the present circumstances. Prof. Trevor H.J. Marchand is taking us on an architectural journey around the country but he also reminds us very eloquently how much architectural heritage and the knowledge which made it possible, is at risk of disappearance and the first thing to do is to remind ourselves of our responsibility of citizens of the world to respect it and defend its values.'-Anna Paolini, Director of the UNESCO Office in Doha