The Tawila Cisterns, a network of ancient water reservoirs carved into Shamsan mountain, have been included in the Arab Architectural and Urban Heritage list by the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).
The move marks a significant milestone for one of Yemen’s oldest cultural landmarks.
ALECSO is a Tunis-based institution of the Arab League concerned with the development and coordination of the activities related to education, culture and sciences in the Arab World. It announced in July the inclusion of Aden's Cisterns in the first batch for the Arab world's architectural and urban heritage list.
Nestled in the heart of Aden, the cisterns reflect centuries-old ingenuity in water management, that used to serve the needs of both the city’s residents and passing ships, according to Haifa Makawi, a Professor of Islamic Archaeology and Civilization at the University Of Aden.
The historic site continues to draw visitors and researchers alike. The network of cisterns, once numbering around 50, are now a total of 18 surviving reservoirs.
"Tawila Cisterns are one of the most important landmarks of Aden City and also of Yemen," added Makawi. "The importance of these cisterns was linked to the importance of providing water to the residents and ships. Its importance was also due to its protection of the city from the floods caused by heavy rains.”
Collectively, the remaining cisterns have a total capacity of around 25 million gallons, according to Makawi.
The recent ALECSO recognition has encouraged cultural pride and raised hopes that the site will gain international attention.
"If we want to get to know the Yemeni people, we must visit the historical landmarks to see how our ancestors were able to conquer the East and West of the earth. They did so only through their greatness, and they built these landmarks with their greatness," said Anis Al-Kharaz a visitor at the cisterns.
Two people have been rescued alive from a tunnel in Nepal, nine days after catastrophic floods devastated the country, as rescuers continue se...
The Trump administration pressured U.S. space companies not to attend a high-profile space summit in Paris orga...
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, acc...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
Britain's King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited the exhibition housing the historic Bayeux Tapestry on Wednesday (2 September), which depicts the conquest of England by the monarch's ancestor William I in 1066.
Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose songs, unmistakable style and warmth made her one of America’s most enduring entertainers, has died aged 80, her family said on Tuesday.
Kanye West’s first solo concert in Central Asia delivered an estimated five billion tenge ($11 million) tourism boost to Almaty, drawing 31,000 spectators from more than 50 countries.
American actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in TV shows such as Nashville and Heroes, has died at the age of 36, ABC News reported on Sunday, citing her representative.
Four artworks by 15th-century painter Antonello da Messina have been stolen overnight from the Museo Regionale di Messina, Italy's culture minister said on Sunday, expressing confidence in the police inquiry.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment