BY MUJAHED AL MUSSA'ABI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
mujahed75ye@ yahoo.com
The cultural heritage of Yemen is not pertaining to the written literature or folklore. It rather includes the architectural heritage and historic cities which spread along the country. They still steadfast to tell about the deep-rooted civilizations it witnessed throughout centuries. If we would like to speak about historic cities, it is as to speak about great living museums of living objects. Imagine a city dated back 3 or 4 centuries while still existing in good conditions and the people still have the same traditions, norms and values! How nice it is to see people proudly practicing their daily life activities similar to those of decades ago using the same materials, tools and styles.
So, a historical city of good economic conditions and infrastructure is a living city. It is exactly like a big museum, but of live objects, among modern city. Unfortunately, it seems that the future of these cities, in the absence of a clear protection policy, is at risk since inhabitants are shifting to urban cities leaving their historic cities to collapse and deteriorate. This can be mainly ascribed to the deteriorating living conditions and economic depression in those cities. Not only that, but what is more regrettable is the irresponsible changes of the historic features of these cities by inhabitants or authorities equally by adding new structures to it or destroying its valuable assets.
Thus, historic cities have two choices, either to be distorted and surrender to the approaching modernization or to be vacant dead cities. In fact, it is a very complicated problem of various sides. First we cannot convince those inhabitants to live there without providing them with the essential needs of life or without creating more job opportunities. Undoubtedly, without the economic recovery of a historic city, it will be a dead city and people will leave it for the sake of a better life somewhere else.
Therefore, one of the key reasons for immigration from historic cities is the lack of economic growth which is necessary for populations to settle down. So, it is the responsibility of the government and private sector to invest in these historic cities, raising awareness of the people, and assisting them to repair and protect their cities by different means. We should indicate that the government of Yemen is yet unconvinced of the urgent need to consider the cultural heritage as a vital developmental sector. It is sustainable wealth which we should invest well not only for tourism, which has become the future industry, but because it is a witness of our glory, our character and identity. However, every historic city has its own conditions and problems which cannot be generalized on all historic cities.
There are different ways of revitalizing our historic cities and saving our built heritage. The city of Zabid, for example, was a famous city of scholars in which people from different countries stayed to get knowledge and study different sciences in its small schools or (Arbetah)). Now, it suffers a lot from economic depression which will turn it to a dead city. If the government invests in this area and enhances the scientific and the economic movement in the city, it will be revived and returned to what it was in the past or even better. So it is a matter of setting a suitable policy to protect and revitalize our cultural heritage representing in the historic cities.
However, at last the government started to recognize the immanent danger facing historic cities , asking friendly countries for help. Now, there is great cooperation between our country and the government of the Netherlands resembled in the Urban Cultural Heritage Program UCHP. This program, which initiated its activities in 2001, is working in full swing to raise people's awareness and provide different technical assistance for the protection of our historic cities. Such a project, needs a hand up and positive reaction from concerned authorities and the public as well to carry our its mission successfully.

On September 4th 2001, a Global Youth Network was created following the International Youth Summit and the World Conference Against Racism in Durban South Africa. The network was created to coordinate and liaise between youth from around the world in an effort to initiate a solid joint program for action and dissemination of information around shared goals. This entity would also facilitate the implementation of the International Youth Declaration and Plan of Action. The Global Youth Network further breaks down into sub-regional networks representing, America's, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Yemenite Global Network emerged as the representative of Yemen in this network.
The Asia Youth Network, amidst creating its structure from youth NGO's to represent their countries, has invited the Yemenite Global Network of Volunteers for Development to represent Yemen. The invitation was extended in the form of attending a workshop for human development as well as a general meeting for the delegates representing 43 countries from the Asia region. The meeting was concluded with the adoption of a new name for the network, a new organizational structure and a democratically elected steering committee. Yemen, in the person of Mr. Hisham Al-Omeisy, was elected in the post of a General Coordinator for the Middle East Region (West Asia) within the newly elected Steering Committee for the Asia Youth Network, amongst 4 other coordinators for the, East Asia, South East Asia, South Central Asia, and Asia Pacific.
On another level, the Yemenite Global Network has recently hosted a Workshop for Human Development in coordination with the Asia Youth Network for Human Development. The workshop was funded mainly by the UNDP and aimed at empowering high school students by educating them on their rights and equipping them with capacity building skills. The workshop followed a general theme of volunteerism in the field of development, specifically Human Rights, as a follow up to the International Year of Volunteers. Henceforth, the YGN has enlisted several high-school volunteers nominated by their schools, Yemen Modern School, Sam International School, Al-Hussein School, Pakistani School, Queen Arwa School, and Turkish School.
The volunteers from the above schools, upon receiving the proper training, will carry out projects aimed at educating youth in their respective schools on the material and skills they have learned during the workshop.
The 2002 Workshop for Human Development has been inaugurated on the 31st of August by Dr. Waheeba Fare'e, Minister of State for Human Rights, attended by Dr. Waleed Al-Saqqaf, Yemen Times Chief Editor, Ms. Kalthoum Adam, Program Officer of the UNV Program in Yemen, Ms. Shanti Risal, Program Coordinator of the Human Rights Strengthening Program, and Mr. Khalid Saleh Al-Omeisy, YGN Official Sponsor in the name of Coral Est and Moulinex. Amongst the honorable guests were, Mr. Abdu Hussein, Political Advisor for German Embassy, Mrs. Zainab Al-Ashtal, Yemen International Bank, Mr. Ali Al-Khali, Al-Akhali Pharmaceuticals, and Mrs. Fawziah Sharyan. The work
The workshop kicked off with a good start and an awe-inspiring support given through an opening speech addressed by Dr. Waheebah Fare'e. The workshop carried on smoothly from there on for a period of 5 days, under the supervision and guidance of two principal trainers, Mr. Hisham Al-Omeisy and Mr. Issmat Al-Akhali. And within the workshop, special sessions were delivered by Ms. Kalthoum Adam on Volunteerism, Ms. Shanti Risal on Human Rights, and Dr. Waleed Al-Saqqaf on Freedom of Speech. These sessions contributed vastly to the education and training of the 22 volunteers and a special thanks is due to the above individuals for their input and exceptional role during the proceedings of the workshop.
The workshop was concluded with a closing ceremony hosted by Mr. Hisham Sharaf, Deputy Minister of the Ministry for Planning and Development. Mr. Hisham Sharaf addressed the volunteers with a speech that asserted his and the government's full support for youth initiatives stressing the role of youth in building and strengthening developed and democratic societies. Closing words were also given by Ms. Kalthoum Adam and Ms. Shanti Risal on their support for youth efforts and elaborated on the responsibility garnered within this generation to push for a superior society, and a better future.
The ceremony was finalized by giving all the volunteers certificates of attendance and token gifts such as T-shirts by Mr. Hisham Sharaf whom endowed the event with a spirit of hope and continuation for the workshop initiatives. Gratitude was paid to him for his role in the success of the event and for his wise words and encouragements.

FAROUK MOQBIL
FOR THE YEMEN TIMES
The Adani incense is a traditional handwork with a long-standing history. Whenever Aden comes to your memory, the first thing that you remember would be its incense. There are many different ways to prepare incense, many of which are still used today.
Since a very long time, Yemen was known for the extraction and exportation of incense to the neighboring countries and other countries of the world.
Yemen was known as the incense rout and was called then by Greek globetrotters as the Blessing Land. Trade caravans were headed to several countries of the world. They were passing through deserts to export this valuable incense trade to India, Egypt and Asham countries, (known as Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon).
Incense was widely used by Yemenis, but the question which we need ask ourselves is "what happened to this valuable trade?"
A journey with incense
Historical evidence indicate that the Arabia Felix (Yemen's ancient name) was famous for extracting incense and exuding gum. Those products were exported to other countries of the world. Incense products used to be carried by camels and boats to the Qani port, an old Yemeni port then. These trade caravans used to head for Najran, and from there they would go to Asham countries and arrive to their final destination in Gaza City in Palestine.
In addition to this, Egyptian trade expeditions were sent to Yemen to bring incense and gum with them to be used on special occasions and religious rituals.

Incense reality today
Nowadays, it has become more and more difficult to get the original incense of Aden. The reason behind that is because different cheap ingredients are now used and mixed in original incense. That is why the incense has lost its originality in comparison with the past. Despite all of that, the original Adani incense still receives high demand and therefore its customers and lovers are still in thousands.

Kinds of incense
There are different kinds of the Adani incense such as regular, troche, and al-Araesi. The latter is the best of quality. Several expensive ingredients are used in the incense preparations.
Historical evidence indicates that the main ingredients used in the incense preparations were extracted from the gum tree.
Ingredients used in the incense preparations are as follows: ambergris, aloes, musk, perfumes, barley sugar, and white-black aloes powder.
Incense ingredients have been mainly dependent on gum trees found between Hadhramout and Aseer.

Imitation incense
Like other popular handicrafts, incense has gained wide popularity. But incense preparation of today is not similar or even close to that of the past.
Om Ahmed, a lady from Aden said, "Fake incense products have been sold cheaply. Those have been prepared by mixing some original incense with other material that results more incense but in low quality. This way, producers would gain more profit, but the reputation of the Aden's incense would be in stake."
When we asked the lady if she could tell us how her 'original' incense is made, she refused to allow us to her working place and show us how it is done because she said it was a "trade secret".
Incense market
Incense has been prepared mostly at homes. Rare and expensive ingredients have been used in preparing high quality incense. Only limited amounts of incense products are prepared and made by housewives.
Aden's incense is demanded and sold many Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and some of it is also exported to the US.
Until today, most incense products are prepared by individuals. But there is no doubt that its quality and demand is in the decline.
What has remained of this trade? Unfortunately nothing but its 'old' name and reputation, and low-quality incense sold here and there.