Emergency Intervention Project for the Preservation of Private Library Manuscripts in the Historic City of Kawkaban
About the Project
Amid the ongoing war in Yemen, the cultural heritage sector has not been spared from aerial assaults and targeted attacks. The historic city of Kawkaban was severely affected, particularly on February 15, 2016, when large parts of the city were destroyed by coalition airstrikes. These strikes resulted in civilian casualties and extensive damage to historic infrastructure, including landmarks and manuscript libraries.
In urgent response to the need to protect Yemen’s scientific heritage (manuscripts), a project was launched to safeguard Zaydi libraries dating from the early 8th century to the mid-20th century. These libraries contain some of the oldest Qur’anic texts, as well as significant works in Arabic linguistics, astronomy, agriculture, history, medicine, engineering, and more—many of which remain undiscovered and are of inestimable value.
Project Objectives
Manuscript Protection
To ensure the effective protection of manuscripts in both private and public libraries from airstrikes, violations, environmental factors, and poor storage conditions.
Community Awareness
To raise public awareness of the importance of cultural heritage.
Accessibility
To enable access to these manuscripts for scholarly and cultural research.
Project Activities
Assessment: Evaluating the condition of the targeted manuscripts and libraries.
Preliminary Cataloging: Indexing the manuscripts to facilitate access and reference.
Digitization: Digitally photographing the manuscripts to ensure safe preservation.
Restoration: Repairing damaged manuscripts to ensure their longevity.
Preservation: Implementing conservation measures to protect the manuscripts in secure environments.
Statistics & Achievements
Manuscript Count
The Emergency Intervention Project in Sana’a and Sa’dah includes a total of 400 manuscripts.
Project Duration
The project spanned 16 months between 2021 and 2023.
Achievements
Complete assessment and restoration of 400 manuscripts, and cataloging and digitization of 500 manuscripts.
Project Manuscripts
You can explore all manuscripts documented and preserved through the Emergency Intervention Project for the Protection of Private Library Manuscripts in the Historic City of Kawkaban.