Qahim and Atifi Inaugurate Photo Exhibition of Archaeological and Historical Sites in Hodeidah
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mohammed Qahim, and Governor of Hodeidah, Abdullah Atifi, inaugurated today a photo exhibition of the governorate’s archaeological and historical sites. The exhibition, organized by the local branch of the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums in cooperation with Hodeidah University, is being held under the slogan “Protecting Antiquities is Everyone’s Responsibility.”
Minister Qahim, Governor Atifi, First Deputy Governor Ahmed Al-Bashari, and President of Hodeidah University, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ahdal, toured the exhibition, which will run for four days at the College of Fine Arts. It features photographs documenting prominent historical landmarks, including mosques, fortresses, castles, shrines, and palaces, that characterize the Red Sea governorate.
During the opening, the Minister of Transport and Public Works stated that preserving antiquities is a crucial aspect of resisting attempts to erase Yemen’s deeply rooted historical identity. He noted that the exhibition conveys an important message about the significance of cultural heritage in the hearts of Yemenis.
He explained that the systematic targeting of archaeological sites by the Saudi-led coalition is part of an attempt to erase cultural and historical identity, necessitating concerted official and community efforts to protect this human heritage and enhance its presence in public consciousness.
For his part, the Governor of Hodeidah pointed out that the governorate is rich in historical heritage that represents a part of the authentic Yemeni identity, emphasizing the local authority’s commitment to supporting activities that contribute to highlighting this heritage.
He noted the importance of partnership between official bodies, academic institutions, and the media in disseminating archaeological culture and raising community awareness of the dangers of smuggling and vandalism of antiquities, thus contributing to their preservation for future generations.
In turn, the First Deputy Governor, Ahmed al-Bashari, explained that the exhibition embodies a part of Hodeidah’s rich history and reflects the magnitude of the challenges facing archaeological sites in light of the aggression they have suffered.
He stressed that the current stage requires activating the role of the community in protecting antiquities as a collective responsibility, alongside the role of the relevant authorities in documenting and monitoring violations against historical sites. Dr. Mohammed Al-Ahdal, President of Hodeidah University, emphasized the crucial role of academic institutions in supporting archaeological awareness efforts, promoting scientific research related to heritage, and connecting students to their cultural identity.
For his part, Darwish Madouni, Director of the Hodeidah branch of the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums, explained that the exhibition is part of the branch’s efforts to protect cultural heritage, aiming to cultivate genuine community awareness of the importance of antiquities and strengthen a sense of responsibility towards them.
He stressed that the exhibition’s core message is to reinforce the conviction that antiquities represent identity and history, and that preserving them is a religious and national duty, especially given the threats they face from targeting, tampering, and smuggling.
He noted that the exhibition also includes photographs of Yemeni artifacts smuggled out of the country through illicit means, which were tracked through international auctions, highlighting the scale of the crime targeting national heritage.
He pointed out that the exhibition also features examples of archaeological sites in the governorate that have been targeted, some of which are listed as World Heritage sites, in an attempt to erase cultural and historical identity. Madouni emphasized the crucial role of media in raising archaeological awareness and highlighting the state’s efforts in combating antiquities smuggling, stressing that society is the cornerstone of protecting archaeological sites and preserving their shared history.
The opening ceremony was attended by Hassan Hadish, Head of the Technical Education Sector in the governorate; Majid Al-Ahdal, Director of the Geological Survey Authority branch; Abdul-Habib Al-Dhabhani, Director of Antiquities in Zabid; Hassan Taha, Director of Antiquities in Al-Marawa’ah; Dr. Mohammed Al-Muqri, Dean of the College of Fine Arts; and Dr. Abdul-Wadood Muqashar, a member of the Scientific Committee of the Antiquities Authority.
