Sanaa: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums and the Sheherazade Cultural Foundation, organized a symposium titled "Yemeni Looted Antiquities Between Legislation and Recovery Mechanisms." This event was supported by the Cultural Heritage and Development Fund.
According to Yemen News Agency, the event opened with remarks from Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr. Ali Al-Yafai, who highlighted the critical issue of antiquities looting in Yemen. He noted the importance of developing strategies to halt these violations and emphasized the need to preserve and recover Yemen's stolen artifacts. Dr. Al-Yafai acknowledged Yemen's rich historical heritage and lauded the efforts of the Antiquities Authority and Sheherazade Foundation for organizing the symposium and the accompanying photo exhibition of looted antiquities sold in global auctions.
Dr. Al-Yafai also pointed out that certain governorates have become hotbeds for antiquities smuggling, stressing the ministry's dedication to reclaiming looted items as part of Yemen's historical legacy. Dr. Mona Al-Mahagri, head of the Sheherazade Foundation, addressed the symposium's focus on the illegal trade of Yemeni antiquities and the necessity of holding perpetrators accountable under constitutional and legal frameworks.
The symposium featured four working papers, starting with a discussion by archaeology professor Dr. Ghailan Hamoud on illegal tampering with heritage properties. Abdulkarim Al-Barkani, Director of Antiquities Protection, spoke on the role of heritage protection institutions, followed by Major Mohammed Al-Waeli's presentation on the contribution of security agencies. Dr. Al-Mahagri concluded with an examination of civil society's role.
Recommendations from the symposium called for the Antiquities Authority to expedite the registration and fencing of archaeological sites, document museum collections using modern systems, and establish a national alliance against illegal trafficking of heritage properties. The symposium also emphasized enhancing community awareness, reviewing national heritage laws, improving security monitoring, training guards with surveillance tools, and building capacities of heritage professionals. It underscored the importance of collaboration among government, legislative, judicial, and civil society institutions in protecting and recovering Yemeni antiquities.
Minister Al-Yafai and Deputy Minister Dr. Issam Al-Sanini inaugurated the photo exhibition showcasing looted Yemeni antiquities that have been displayed and sold at global auctions.