Al-Qahira Castle of Taiz is located on the northern slope of Sabr Mount, over a rocky hill that overlooks the city. It was destroyed by the Islamic State in June 2015 and we have been working on a reconstruction project to bring the castle back to its splendour.
Supported by the ALIPH Foundation and the University of the West of England, Heritage for Peace has been able to make significant progress in 2024.
The project embarked on a transformative journey to mitigate risks and safeguard lives by meticulously reconstructing collapsed walls and fortifying vulnerable sections.
Through strategic interventions like the clearance of water channels, drains, and debris, deterioration progression was reduced, ensuring the preservation of the castle.
Moreover, a full plan of the castle was made in order to preserve traces of its history. The data gathered was converted to a 3D photogrammetric point cloud by the UWE team, providing a full insight into the extent of the damage directly attributable to conflict. The next step will include a full assessment of the volumetric changes achieved through the restoration and stabilization work.
Alongside the physical documentation and restoration of sites, Heritage for Peace has also prepared educational programs, in order to teach the population about its heritage, but also to ignite a sense of pride and ownership among school students regarding Al-Qahira Castle. By immersing them in the significance of this historical monument, the programs inspired students to become advocates for heritage preservation within their families and communities. The project also worked in 2024 on training young people in construction and reinforcement work, teaching them the craft of working with traditional materials and techniques while the restoration work was ongoing, therefore providing job opportunities for several youth living in the vicinity of the castle.
Furthermore, cultural events held alongside the project served as bridges connecting local communities to their shared cultural heritage. By highlighting Al-Qahira Castle’s central role in shaping local identity, these events instilled a renewed sense of cultural pride and unity among residents.
Through its collaboration with universities, the project not only revitalized physical structures but also rejuvenated academic discourse.
