Yemeni Academic Urges Emergency Measures to Protect Marib's Heritage

A prominent Yemeni academic has issued an urgent appeal for a "societal and cultural state of emergency" to safeguard the historical and archaeological sites in the Marib Governorate, most notably the Temple of Awam (Mahram Bilqis) and its associated necropolis, and the Temple of Baran (Throne of Bilqis). Dr. Amida Shalan, a professor of archaeology and ancient Arab inscriptions, warned of escalating threats that imperil this ancient civilizational legacy.

In a statement published on her Facebook account, Dr. Shalan emphasized that the persistent silence and inaction regarding the deterioration of Marib's heritage represent a grave dereliction of duty by the official bodies responsible for cultural preservation, as well as the local authorities.

She pointed out that protecting these historical landmarks requires immediate field actions, including enhanced security measures, continuous site monitoring, and the formation of specialized national teams to rescue threatened monuments, rather than relying on rhetoric and superficial declarations.

Dr. Shalan cautioned that ignoring these repeated calls places the responsible parties before a historical and ethical reckoning. She stated that any damage inflicted upon the Temple of Awam or its archaeological cemetery would be recorded in history as one of the worst instances of negligence and abandonment of Yemeni national identity and heritage.

In this context, Dr. Shalan urged researchers, academics, media professionals, and civil society organizations to unite and exert serious pressure on the authorities to implement urgent protective measures and hold negligent parties accountable. She reminded them that Marib's historical sites constitute a human and civilizational heritage belonging to all Yemenis and future generations, not exclusive to any specific region or generation.

She concluded her statement by announcing an open call for signatures on the appeal under the hashtag #EmergencyStateToSaveMaribAntiquities, a move aimed at mobilizing broad societal and academic momentum to protect and preserve these foremost living testaments to the genius of ancient Yemeni civilization.