Gallery
Description
Property Name: Shibam Gateway
Inventory No: 967-5-3
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-10-26
Country (State party): Yemen
Province: Hadramaut
Town: Shibam
Geographic coordinates: 15° 55′ 32.41″ N
48° 37′ 36.92″ E
Historic Period: Unknown
Year of Construction: Unknown
Style: Unknown
Original Use: Gate
Current Use: Gate
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Being the only entrance to the walled city, the gateway (siddah) was traditionally closed at night and at times of tribal wars, until independence in 1967. The gate was rebuilt in 1940s with a pediment that is a popular neo-classical element in Sultanate period. It is composed of three arches, the central one containing a large wooden gate. The northern and southern façades have circular openings on the side arches. The upper section takes the form of a pediment.
Selection Criteria
iv. to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history
v. to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
During the rehabilitation projects carried out by the International Campaign to Safeguard Shibam, the structure was renovated and whitewashed in 1987.
References
Damluji, S. Samar. A Yemen Reality, Garnet Publishing Ltd, 1991.
Damluji, S. Samar. Valley of Mud-brick Architecture: Shibam and Tarim in Wadi Hadramut, Garnet Publishing Ltd, 1992.