Shibam Kawkaban

Historic City of Shibam Kawkaban
Coordinates (UTM): N15 29 48 E43 54 18

Historic City of Kawkaban
Coordinates (UTM): N14 12 41 E44 24 17

Shibam Kawkaban consists of two interconnected historical cities: the lower city of Shibam, located at the foot of Mount Kawkaban, and the upper city of Kawkaban, situated atop the mountain. The two cities share boundaries but are separated by a steep vertical elevation of approximately 586 meters. Kawkaban functions as a fortified stronghold for Shibam, and the two are connected by a paved stairway consisting of 1,050 stone steps. This stairway is supported on one side by the mountain slope and on the other by stone retaining walls known locally as “al-Maʿaṣir”, as well as by stone arches under which seasonal floodwaters pass.

Shibam Kawkaban is recognized as a historic city encompassing numerous archaeological sites. Located about 45 miles northwest of Sana'a, Shibam is considered one of Yemen’s most ancient and historically significant cities. Its origins date back to the early Sabaean period, as evidenced by inscriptions from the 7th century BCE. It flourished during the early centuries CE under the Sabaeans and continued to play a prominent role during the Himyarite period, particularly in the power struggles between the kings of Saba and Himyar. Following the advent of Islam, Shibam Kawkaban became one of the most important Islamic cities in Yemen.

The name "Shibam Kawkaban" appears in Sabaean inscriptions as “Shibam Aqyān.” In the early centuries CE, it was one of the four districts of the Bakil tribe under the Kingdom of Saba in the western highlands and was referred to in inscriptions as “the district of Shibam.” It served as a residence for the Aqyāl (local rulers) of Saba and their kings from the Bakil tribe, most notably King Il-Sharah Yahdhib I.

During the early Islamic period, Shibam became the capital of the Yuʿfirid dynasty, which ruled Yemen from 839 to 997 CE. During this time, the city witnessed the construction of many significant Islamic architectural structures, many of which have survived to this day. In historical Islamic sources, the city was referred to as Shibam Yaḥbis.

Shibam Kawkaban derives its cultural and historical significance from the presence of unique archaeological and traditional landmarks that testify to key phases in Yemen’s pre-Islamic and Islamic history. One of the most prominent features is the group of rock-cut tombs carved into the western side of Mount Kawkaban, dating back to the Sabaean and Himyarite periods. These tombs are a unique witness to the city's religious beliefs and demonstrate an advanced understanding of mummification and body preservation after death. In terms of their quantity, scale, and carving techniques, they are unparalleled in Yemen and can be compared to the rock-cut tombs of Madā’in Ṣāliḥ (Al-Ḥijr) and Petra, the Nabataean capital.

Shibam Kawkaban is composed of two historic cities, both forming part of the cultural heritage of the Republic of Yemen, along with the surrounding archaeological sites.

The site possesses Outstanding Universal Value, as Shibam is one of the oldest archaeological and historical cities in Yemen, with its origins dating back to the early Sabaean period in the 7th century BCE. It flourished during the early centuries CE and played a pivotal historical role during the Himyarite period. With the arrival of Islam, Shibam Kawkaban emerged as a prominent Islamic urban center.

Mount Kawkaban, overlooking the city of Shibam, contains rock-cut tombs dating to the Sabaean and Himyarite periods. These tombs are unique evidence of the city's history and its inhabitants’ religious beliefs, demonstrating their advanced knowledge of mummification and post-mortem preservation. Many of these tombs still survive today, and several mummies were discovered in excellent condition and are now preserved in the Mummy Museum in Al-Tawila.

Shibam Kawkaban is one of the most visited cultural heritage sites in Yemen by both international and local tourists, owing to its proximity to the capital, Sana'a. The view from Kawkaban over Shibam and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking—like seeing it from an airplane—giving the site an exceptional visual and cultural value that supports its nomination for World Heritage status.

Based on the above, all the conditions for Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity, integrity, protection, and a management plan (within available means) are present. This serial property, comprising two cities and a historically rich mountain with Sabaean, Himyarite, and Islamic elements, is fully eligible for inscription as a World Heritage Site.

Criterion (ii): This criterion applies to the two historic cities of Shibam and Kawkaban, whose architectural styles were influenced over time by various building traditions and the evolution of urban design. This includes the traditional Yemeni architectural character inherited from antiquity, and culminating in Ottoman styles, as seen in open Islamic mosques like the Great Mosque of Shibam built in the 9th century CE. Other notable examples include Ottoman domes, gateways (Qishla), and religious shrines such as the Dome of Shams al-Din al-Wali in Kawkaban.

Criterion (iii): The site in all its components stands as an exceptional testimony to a long-lost civilization that endured for several centuries and whose remnants are still visible today. Among the most important of these are the water storage cisterns and descending channels from the top of Mount Kawkaban to the city of Shibam, in addition to Sabaean and Himyarite rock inscriptions, rock-cut tombs, the art of body mummification, and the mummies now preserved in the Al-Tawila Museum.

Criterion (iv): The site presents an outstanding example of building typologies and urban settlements that represent several significant stages in both ancient and modern Yemeni history. Evident remains exist from each of these stages. The exposed rock-cut water cisterns and elevated rock-cut tombs reflect the pre-Islamic Sabaean and Himyarite periods. Meanwhile, the two Islamic cities—with their residential structures, mosques, traditional marketplaces, and rock-carved canals such as the ‘Awar Canal’ linking the two cities—represent various Islamic eras and still perform their intended functions to this day.

The components of the site consist of two historic cities and a mountain that contains several archaeological features. Both cities remain intact with all their main components and most of their buildings, mosques, and markets preserved in their original state, as they have been for hundreds of years. The staircase linking Shibam and Kawkaban is still in daily use by residents despite the availability of cars and a paved road reaching the summit of Mount Kawkaban. This path remains the preferred route for both locals and visitors due to its stunning natural scenery. The mountain’s cisterns and rock-cut channels are still functional and supply water for mosques and general use (excluding drinking water, for which artesian wells have been dug). Many of the rock-cut tombs remain sealed and still contain mummified remains due to the difficulty of reaching them at high elevations. Remains of temples and burial sites from the pre-Islamic period are also still standing and are among the site’s most important tourist attractions.

The components of Shibam-Kawkaban have not suffered any major negative impacts over time, with the exception of Kawkaban being bombed in 2016 in three locations. This caused significant damage to the city gate, the Ottoman Qishla, and some traditional residential buildings. Nevertheless, the overall components of the city remain intact and free from disfigurement. Shibam, despite heavy rains over the past four years, has maintained its integrity through ongoing maintenance using traditional methods and materials. The city remains inhabited and vibrant, with its mosques, markets, defensive walls, and four main gates still in use. Its inclusion in the Tentative List is a vital first step in attracting attention from heritage experts and government authorities.

Regarding the archaeological sites and rock-cut tombs, most remain undisturbed due to the difficulty of accessing them without specialized tools used only by official archaeological missions. The discovered mummies have been properly preserved in a dedicated museum in Al-Tawila.

The State Party and local community agree on the need to ensure the protection and safety of the two cities, their archaeological sites, and rock-cut tombs. Both historic cities are protected under the Historic Cities Law No. 16 of 2013 and are managed by the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities. The archaeological sites are protected under the Antiquities and Manuscripts Law and are managed by the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums. The local authority also plays a role in daily site management, and all stakeholders abide by the relevant heritage protection laws. Shibam-Kawkaban is among the most well-documented heritage sites in Yemen, having undergone architectural, photographic, and artistic documentation and study.

The local community also actively contributes to the management and protection of the site through the establishment of a civil society organization called the “Kawkaban Protection Association.”