After Shibam Zabid attracts attention of Germany [Archives:2007/1106/Front Page]
Hamed Thabet
ZABID, Nov. 25 ) The Yemeni-German project, “Economic Development of Historic Cities in Yemen” began its first activities in Zabid yesterday, with the purpose of developing the city and its inhabitants.
Dr. Irene Fellmann, Development Cooperation Counselor for the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, said, “The project, which is under the auspices of German company GTZ, will cost around 7.5 million Euros and be expected to finish in 2015. The Development Social Fund is contributing around 2.5 million Euros, with the Federal Republic of Germany covering the remaining cost.”
The announcement was welcomed by locals in Zabid, who expressed their happiness through traditional dancing, singing and performing horse dances.
“Zabid is a world famous city, and has -rightly so- been placed on the list of World Heritage sites, thus giving it great potential,” declared Germany's ambassador in Yemen, Michael Klor-Berchtold, who added, “We want to contribute in developing the city so that its World Heritage status is not only maintained, but also and foremost that everyday lives Zabid's inhabitants are improved through a combination of restoration and development of the city's economy. Working contracts will increase, there will be more job opportunities, and demands for building materials and traditional construction skills will be created. Families who participate in preservation efforts are expected to increase their household income by an annual average of 20% until 2010.”
The ambassador also confirmed that the project puts particular focus on helping women to profit from the economic development measures.
Recently, many reports and studies warned that Zabid may be removed from the list of World Heritage sites if expansion of new construction, which threatens Zabid's historic and cultural buildings, continues. “We will not be lenient with anyone who wants to destroy historic places in Hodeidah, especially in Zabid,” said Ahmed Al-Hajri, governor of Hodeidah, explaining that anyone attempting to demolish valuable antiquities in the city would be punished. He added, “This historic city is not only for Zabid's residents, but for all Yemenis, and it is our responsibility to do our best to protect what is left.”
According to Al-Hajri, many of Zabid's ancient monuments and historical places have been blotted out. “Today we and the German government want to start a new page and join hands to restore this city.” He continued, “Everyone here should know that we are not here to confiscate lands or to take the place of the city's residents. Our only purpose is to serve.”
Abdullah Al-Methwahi, General Manager in Zabid, demanded, “Demolishing new buildings in Zabid, which represent new architecture, is very necessary, because this city must only be historical, as in former times. However, in order to achieve this goal, we need a factory for making yajour (a brick material used to construct traditional buildings); we have this material, but due to a lack of financial support we cannot do anything with it. Also, we should teach locals here how to use yajour whenever they want to repair their houses.” Al-Methwahi additionally noted that construction materials should be affordable for Zabid's inhabitants.
Ahmed Al-Baishi, whose house dates back to ancient times, was the first resident to cooperate with authorities in restoration efforts, agreeing to put control of his house under control of the Germany Embassy and local assembly to save it from collapse.
Since 2000, Germany's government has provided funds supporting efforts by the Yemeni Ministry of Culture for the preservation and economic development of Shibam, another World Heritage site. “Shibam is an example of a successful project. We want to bring the same success to Zabid,” mentioned the German ambassador.
To date, more than half of Shibam's spectacular 6-9 story mud buildings have been upgraded and rehabilitated. Traditional skills for mud construction created a large demand for labor. “The project helped not only to create jobs for traditional builders, it also developed the city's economic situation through trade, shop owners, tourism, agriculture and women's handcrafts,” confirmed the ambassador.
In September, the project in Shibam was awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Muslim Architecture, one of the most renowned international architectural awards. In its decision, the jury highlighted that “The Shibam Urban Development Project has approached the city as a living community rather than a historical artifact frozen in time.”
The ambassador concluded, “This shows the philosophy of the project: not only the preservation of unique historical architecture, but equally the improvement of living standards in the city. What was accomplished in Shibam can be realized in Zabid.”
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