The United States announces the launch of a project to restore the historic Cairo Citadel in Taiz

The US Embassy in Yemen announced today, Thursday, two important initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving Yemen's cultural heritage, noting that these projects confirm the United States' ongoing commitment to protecting Yemen's historical and cultural identity in light of ongoing challenges.

The embassy said in a statement on its official website that, in partnership with the Yemeni Ministry of Culture, it is announcing the launch of an important project to restore the historic Cairo Citadel in Taiz. Funded by the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, this initiative will focus on restoring key areas and rebuilding its museum, which was destroyed during the war.

The statement added that the 12th century Cairo Citadel in Taiz is a prominent landmark in Yemen's rich cultural history, standing as a testament to the nation's resilience and heritage.

“This castle is not just a memorial site; it is a symbol of Yemen’s rich and diverse history and cultural resilience,” said U.S. Ambassador Stephen Fagin. “Preserving Cairo Castle ensures future generations of Yemenis have access to their shared history and heritage.”

Ambassador Fagen also highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the project, saying: “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, the local authority and executive offices in Taiz Governorate, and to our partners who are committed to implementing the project.”

The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, established by the U.S. Congress in 2001, supports the protection of cultural sites, monuments, and traditional expressions around the world.

The statement explained that since its establishment, the fund has supported more than 1,000 projects to preserve cultural heritage in more than 130 countries, including Yemen.

He pointed out that the Fund helped restore sites of historical importance such as the Aden Lighthouse, the guest house in the city of Zabid, which is listed on the World Heritage List, the historic Asha mud palace in Tarim, and the preservation of the murals in the 16th century Al-Amiriya School Mosque.

On the International Day Against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, we are proud to partner with #Yemen to protect its rich cultural heritage, and together we work to build capacity to combat illicit trafficking of antiquities and preserve cultural heritage for future generations. https://t.co/POqnwJrlSM … pic.twitter.com/bV2d3f8RBk

— US Embassy Yemen (@USEmbassyYemen) November 14, 2024

The US Embassy in Yemen also said that it is about to launch a project aimed at preventing the illicit trafficking of Yemeni cultural heritage, with support from a grant to implement the Convention on Cultural Property.

According to the statement, “This initiative, in cooperation with the Yemeni Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Interior, will help establish a specialized law enforcement unit to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.”

He added that the project "will provide capacity building programmes, enhance regional and international cooperation, and foster community engagement through educational and public awareness campaigns."

“This project underscores our shared commitment to preserving Yemen’s cultural heritage for future generations,” said Ambassador Fagin. “We are honored to work alongside the Yemeni government in this vital work to protect Yemen’s historical and cultural heritage.”

The statement explained that this initiative is based on the Cultural Property Agreement between the United States and Yemen signed in August 2023, which imposes US restrictions on the import of Yemeni cultural materials, thus enhancing bilateral cooperation in preserving heritage.

The two initiatives highlight the crucial role that cultural heritage plays in the social and economic fabric of Yemen and the global importance of preserving the country’s rich historical legacy.

The statement concluded by stressing that the US Mission in Yemen remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and promoting Yemen's cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.