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THE WORLD CULTURE JOURNAL | published by WebdaK Communications | -62x62.gif) |
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THE WORLD CULTURE JOURNAL | published by WebdaK Communications | |
| "With the assistance of Nobel Prize-winning author Günter Grass, the German Development Service (DED) in Bonn is supporting a project to help preserve the architectural heritage of Yemen. The joint effort will include technical assistance and a training school for local artisans in Wadi Hadramaut, a district known for its elegant high-rise buildings, built in the 16th century from mud and clay. Known as "the Manhattan of the dessert," the Yemeni city of Shibam has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its remarkable architecture. But many of its buildings are in fragile condition, and only a few older Yemenis have the expertise needed to repair them. To ensure that their knowledge is passed on and expanded, the DED, working in cooperation with Grass, the Germany Association for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), the Shibam city council and the Yemeni office for the protection of historic monuments, has agreed to support renovations and a training program for local workers. [follow link to read on] A DED architect will be sent to the city this year to advise owners of historic buildings on steps to take for their preservation. Artisans will be offered the opportunity to learn new techniques in the classroom and on site during restoration projects. The goal of the project, scheduled to run through 2006, is economic development for the entire city, including infrastructure improvements and new facilities for health and education. Organizers of the project hope the economic boost will spread to the district as a whole, promoting further development. As part of the initiative, Grass is helping the city found a trade school where traditional skills can be passed to a new generation of craftspeople. Shibam officials are planning to rehabilitate one of the city's mud-brick palaces for classrooms and a central office for restoration. Grass is expected to attend the opening of the school in December. The DED is a federally funded organization that sends specialists in a variety of fields to Africa, Asia and Latin America to provide assistance on locally initiated projects. Close to 1,000 DED workers are currently stationed in approximately 40 countries."
(from German News Service (2003-05-09 via www.germany-info.org) |
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