Hodeida: A meeting at the Hodeida branch of the General Organization of Antiquities and Museums on Tuesday discussed plans and programs to protect antiquities, archaeological and historic sites, and landmarks across the governorate and preserve their cultural heritage. The meeting, chaired by Branch Director Darwish Madhouni, reviewed plans to strengthen the inventory, documentation, and protection of antiquities, castles, mosques, and archaeological and historic houses, while establishing priorities for sites requiring urgent interventions to preserve their remaining architectural and historical features.
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting also discussed efforts to inventory demolished archaeological and historic houses in Al-Yemen, Al-Sur, Al-Turk, and Bab Mishrif neighborhoods of Hodeida City. The areas contain important examples of traditional architecture and urban heritage. The inventory will help establish an integrated database of historic buildings and sites, assess their condition, and identify their restoration and maintenance needs.
The meeting further discussed mechanisms to develop the branch's documentation and archiving work and make use of field data and information in preparing future studies and programs, helping provide a clear picture of the state of archaeological and historical heritage across Hodeidah. It addressed measures to raise community awareness of the value of antiquities and historic sites and strengthen the role of local residents in protecting and preserving them as a national treasure and a testament to Hodeidah's history and architectural and cultural diversity.
The participants reviewed inventory and survey work covering historic buildings and sites, the periodic updating of data, and proposals for restoration, rehabilitation, protection, and preservation of historic landmarks and the rich heritage of Hodeidah Governorate. Madhouni stressed the importance of intensifying survey, inventory, and documentation efforts for archaeological and historic sites and landmarks and preparing the necessary studies to develop practical programs for their protection and the preservation of their architectural and historical characteristics. He said these efforts would help safeguard the governorate's cultural identity and heritage passed down through generations.
He also highlighted the importance of unifying the efforts of relevant authorities and institutions and strengthening coordination among the branch, local authorities, executive offices, local councils, and the community to ensure an integrated approach to protecting antiquities, museums, urban heritage, and historic sites. The branch director affirmed his commitment to monitoring the condition of castles, mosques, houses, and historic landmarks and giving sites of archaeological value priority in inventory and documentation efforts. He also stressed the need to submit technical reports on their condition and identify appropriate interventions to preserve them in accordance with established heritage conservation principles and standards.