states: [yemen]
category: cultural
year: 1982
location: Hadramaut Governorate, in the Wadi Hadramaut, Seiyun District
region: Arab States
latitude/longitude: 15.9269400000, 48.6266700000
The Old Walled City of Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Yemen, is renowned for its unique 16th-century architecture featuring tall mudbrick towers, earning it the nickname "Manhattan of the Desert." This ancient city showcases an exceptional example of urban planning, with its densely packed, multi-story buildings constructed from sun-dried mud bricks, designed to maximize space and provide defense. Its historical significance lies in its well-preserved state, reflecting traditional building techniques and a way of life adapted to the arid environment. Shibam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, attracting global interest for its cultural and architectural value.
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