How a city saves its 500-year-old heritage from decay

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• In August 2022, heavy rain in Sanaa led to the collapse of at least ten historic buildings and damaged over 80 others.
• The centuries-old houses in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were unstable and severely damaged by the moisture.
• Craftsmen, residents and restorers are using traditional building methods to safeguard the cultural heritage.

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In August 2022, a heavy monsoon downpour hit the old town of Sanaa in Yemen.

Within a few days, at least ten historic buildings collapsed and over 80 others were severely damaged. The torrential rain flooded the famous mud-brick buildings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and made many of them unstable.

What had stood firm for centuries became a danger for residents in a matter of hours and was in danger of disappearing as a historical monument.

Rescue in the midst of war and crisis

Three years later, craftsmen, residents and restorers are fighting to save the cultural heritage using traditional building methods.

Despite the war and difficult circumstances, layer after layer is being restored to preserve Sanaa's unique cityscape for future generations.

blue News has the full story - and the impressive pictures to go with it.

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