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Old Sana’a restoration

Published : November 11, 2021

Situated at an altitude of 2,200m, the Old City of Sana’a was declared a World Heritage site by the United Nations in 1986. According to UNESCO, Sana’a has been inhabited for more than 2500 years, and in the 7th and 8th centuries the city became a major centre for the propagation of Islam. The Old City of Sana’a transcends its role as a residential area; it’s a living museum, a testament to the artistic prowess and architectural ingenuity of bygone eras.

The Old City is characterised by its rammed earth and burnt brick towers decorated with geometric patterns of fired bricks and white gypsum. It contains more than 100 mosques, 12 hammams and 6,500 houses.These architectural gems, with the city’s captivating landscapes, form the essence of Yemen’s cultural heritage. However, due to the conflict, the World Heritage Committee decided to place the Old City of Sana’a on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2015.  

 The need for renovation became a pressing issue, a call to action to preserve this irreplaceable heritage site.

Today, efforts are underway to preserve some of the oldest buildings.Y30 has already completed the restoration of several houses damaged by bombings, which have today regained their original splendor ! Most importantly, this restoration work enabled the rehousing of displaced families in safe and healthy conditions.

Renovations are carried out under contract, and supervised by the General Authority for Heritage Preservation based in Sana’a. The project promotes traditional skills and construction techniques by employing qualified and
recognized workers.

 

Some figures:

    • 2019: 2 houses renovated
    • 2020: 3 houses renovated
    • 2021: 4 houses renovated
    • 2022: 2 houses renovated

Total 11 Houses renovated in Sana’a, Yemen

This special celebration was more than just raising a cup; it was a journey of discovery, tracing the story that begins with a tiny bean nurtured in fertile mountain soil and ends with a cup that carries joy, inspiration, and community.

 

Under the theme “The Magical Journey… From Bean to Cup,” the event highlighted coffee as a global symbol of unity — a bridge connecting cultures, stories, and people across continents.

 

Each coffee bean represents dedication, craftsmanship, and passion — from the farmer’s care to the barista’s artistry.

 

One of the event’s most memorable moments was the engaging presence of barista and coffee expert Ammar Al-Ahlasi, who filled the room with enthusiasm and the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

 

He came not just to serve coffee, but to share knowledge and unveil the secrets behind this enchanting beverage.

 

Ammar emphasized that brewing coffee is both an art and a ritual — from choosing the right grind size to controlling the water temperature and mastering the pouring technique. Every detail matters.

 

Each drop of water that touches the ground extracts not just flavor, but also a story, a feeling, and a sense of connection — creating a cup that nourishes the soul as much as the senses.

 

In closing, the Y30closing, the Y30 Association, in collaboration with the Y30 Institute, affirmed that this event was more than just a celebration — it was a heartfelt tribute to the timeless values that coffee embodies: dedication, creativity, and human connection.

 

Every cup tells a journey — from the earth to the heart — reminding us that coffee is not merely a beverage, but a way of life.