Barran Press
On November 14, 2024, the U.S. Mission in Yemen announced two significant initiatives aimed at preserving and restoring Yemen's valuable cultural heritage.
In a statement released on its official website, the U.S. Embassy in Yemen emphasized that these projects reaffirm "the United States' enduring commitment to protecting Yemen's historical and cultural identity amid ongoing challenges."
The first initiative focuses on the restoration of the Cairo Castle, a 12th-century fortress located in Taiz, in collaboration with Yemen's Ministry of Culture and funded by the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. This initiative aims to restore key areas of the castle and rebuild its museum, which was damaged during the conflict.
U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Stephen Fagin remarked, "This castle is not just a monument; it symbolizes Yemen's rich and diverse history and cultural resilience." He added that "preserving Cairo Castle ensures future generations of Yemenis can access their shared history and heritage."
The second initiative addresses the "combat against the illicit trade of cultural property," supported by a grant to implement the Cultural Property Agreement (CPAIG). This project aims to prevent the illegal trafficking of Yemeni cultural heritage.
The U.S. Mission's statement noted that this initiative will help establish a specialized law enforcement unit dedicated to combating the illicit trade of cultural properties. It will provide capacity-building programs, enhance regional and international cooperation, and increase community engagement through educational campaigns and public outreach.
Ambassador Fagin emphasized that this project reaffirms "our shared commitment to preserving Yemen's cultural heritage for future generations." He stated, "We are honored to work alongside the Yemeni government in this vital effort to protect Yemen's historical and cultural identity."
The statement also highlighted that these initiatives are based on the Cultural Property Agreement signed between the United States and Yemen in August 2023, which imposes U.S. restrictions on the import of Yemeni cultural materials, thereby enhancing bilateral cooperation in heritage preservation.