Since 2015, the civil war in Yemen has remained one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. Widespread poverty, displacement, famine and diseases have dismantled the country. More than 80% of Yemenis struggle to access food, safe drinking water and adequate health services. The ongoing conflict and oppressive system continue to limit and deny Yemenis their fundamental human rights and freedoms.

However, Yemen’s cultural heritage fosters a profound sense of belonging, identity and resilience amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis and conflict. Several initiatives are preserving and restoring historical archives, while instilling Yemen’s cultural pride and opportunities in the young generation. The Yemeni House of Music, Takween Cultural Club and the UNESCO Cash for Cash project are initiatives promoting artistic and creative industries, increasing employment and creating social cohesion among the Yemeni population.

Yameni House of Music and Art

Yemeni House of Music and Art (YHMA) is dedicated to preserving Yemen’s rich musical and artistic heritage. By digitizing 10,000 recordings, the lyric and audio heritage has been safeguarded. This has encouraged new research, helping to revive Yemen’s cultural heritage efforts. Additionally, there is a push to instill cultural pride in the younger generation by getting them involved in crafting and playing the Yemeni lute, Al Quanbus.

This endangered traditional musical instrument has been revived and honoured by Yemeni youth. YHMA promotes artistic expression through performances and exhibitions celebrating the richness of Yemeni culture. Likewise, The Heritage Symphony echoes a similar message and recently hosted composer Mohammad Alghoon, who plays a significant role in preserving Yemen’s musical legacy.

Alghoon’s ability to blend authenticity with modernity creates a distinct image of contemporary Yemeni cultural pride. Both celebrate Yemeni musical heritage, creating spaces of love, connection and identity, while promoting cultural pride.

Takween Cultural Club

The Takween Cultural Club ensures safe and expanded access to cultural artefacts and experiences. In particular, the restoration of the Alsutania Library has transformed the oldest library in Hadramout, becoming one of the first modern libraries in the Arabian Peninsula. The Writing Foundation supported the restoration project by reviving 3,000 manuscripts through basic repair strategies. During this process, damaged texts were digitized by newly trained library staff and volunteers.

More than 800 people participated, especially young men and women who gained practical IT and library management training. Both bookbinding and digital archiving formed the basis for ensuring the library’s longevity. After six months of conservation work, the library saw a 600% increase in visitors. Researchers, writers and university students can work safely and contribute to the archives. The library became a symbol of Yemeni cultural pride and community. It also became a hub for education and discussion through seminars and events, enriching public engagement.

UNESCO Cash for Cash Project

UNESCO Cash for Work supports Yemen’s disadvantaged youth by promoting social welfare opportunities. Launched in 2018, Cash for Work creates jobs related to cultural preservation for Yemen’s urban youth. The project seeks to develop sustainable short- and long-term employment opportunities since young people comprise 70% of the Yemeni population. These are focused on regeneration activities and the restoration of historic buildings.

This provides economic benefits and fosters a sense of cultural pride, social cohesion and peace-building through these restorative efforts. Additionally, Cash for Work addresses urban youth well-being and livelihood as it gives young people a purpose and skill set, preventing them from being influenced by radicalization movements.

Going Forward

Yemen’s cultural pride is at the nation’s heart, destabilized by the ongoing conflict. For many Yameni, these three initiatives have provided a sense of belonging, identity and community spirit. They have also successfully instilled a strong sense of cultural pride and purpose in the young generation of Yemenis to continue preserving, celebrating and restoring their rich and profound heritage into the future.

– Jule Riemenschneider

Jule is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr