The director word

Since its establishment by the University Rector’s Resolution No. (401) for the year 2008, the Center of Historical, Archaeological, and Cultural Heritage strived to expand the circle of knowledge in the field of history, archaeology, and heritage. It aims to provide modern information and necessary resources to faculty members, their assistants in Yemeni universities, and postgraduate students in relevant departments in different colleges. The Center also seeks to utilize historical, archaeological, and heritage knowledge to contribute to the development of social awareness, strengthen the cultural identity of Yemen, deepen the sense of national belonging, and serve the community in future strategic plans.

The Center has taken upon its shoulders the responsibility of preserving Yemen’s cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible forms, despite the lack of material resources to manage its activities and research. The Center is working on preparing and compiling an encyclopedia of printed Yemeni publications, as well as a dictionary of the works of Yemeni scholars in the diaspora. Additionally, it is preparing a dictionary of Master’s and Doctoral theses in Yemeni universities, as well as a comprehensive collection of scattered Yemeni manuscripts.

Regarding the field of folk heritage, which represents the true identity of our beloved country, the Center seeks to adopt a national strategic project aimed at reviving traditional handicrafts, preserving the remaining ones, and working on their development. This will be done in partnership with various government and civil institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Industry, the Capital Secretariat, the Ministry of Technical Education & Vocational Training, and other relevant bodies. The aim is to encourage young people to master and learn these cultural crafts to ensure their sustainability and continuity, as well as create job opportunities for the unemployed to propel the development process and reduce unemployment rate among youth.

As for the second path, the Center has worked to open and approve a Master’s program in the field of industries and handicrafts to develop these industries based on scientific and knowledge foundations. This is to qualify young graduates from Yemeni universities in the field of crafts and handicrafts to contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts and even develop them to become factories that rival modern products. This can reduce our dependence on importing similar products from abroad, thereby supporting the national economy and utilizing available natural resources. This could provide the country with foreign currency and improve individual income in society.