Archaeological and Historical Landmarks in Aden Are Under Threat

The Southern city of Aden is full of landmarks and archaeological sites which the coastal city inherited from a unique cosmopolitan history characterized by a high degree of diversity. The different stages experienced by Aden carved their prints and left behind houses, temples, castles, shrines, churches and other landmarks. 

However, much of this historical heritage and archaeological landmarks were destroyed due to different factors, foremost of which are the 1994 and 2015 wars in addition to the urban sprawl by powerful figures and citizens as well as the random buildings that have consumed the roots of the city.

Moreover, the natural conditions including floods, rain and earthquakes played a role in threatening the history of Aden amid the lack of interest by the government and the absence of restoration projects that have to accompany such problems. So far, it seems that Aden landmarks have been in the lowest level of official interest locally and internationally.

The Tanks of Aden (also known as “Cisterns of Tawila”) in Crater is one of the most important archaeological landmarks in the city. It dates back to the 15th century BC according to historians [1] these tanks were used to store water. There were originally 55 tanks but this number was reduced to only 18 today.

The list of the main landmarks also includes the historic “Sira Fortress” which was likely built in the 11th Century A.D. According to historians, the fortress was established by orders from the Ottoman Wali (governor) of Aden, Osman Al-Zangabili Al-Tikriti for military purposes including countering the Portuguese attacks. [2] 

The “Ottoman Cemetery” which was built in 1284 A.D in Al-Memdara [3] is one of the historic landmarks left by the Ottoman state in Aden. 

Moreover, British colonialism left behind diversified landmarks and monuments in Aden including “Little Ben” Clock which was built by British engineers in 1890 A.D. There is also the Crescent Hotel which was built in the city of Al-Tawahi in 1930 and is one of the oldest hotels in the Arabian Peninsula. It was the place where Late Queen Elizabeth II stayed during her famous visit [4] in 1954. 

 

The list of the British colonialism’s landmarks also includes “The Jewish Cemetery” in Al-Mualla which was built [5] in 1947, The Military Museum in Crater which dates back [6] to 1918 and the Immaculate Conception Church (the Hafon Church) in Al-Mualla district which was built [7] in 1963. 

Furthermore, the city of Aden is the home of religious landmarks affiliated with the sects who live there. This includes Jain Hindu Temple in Sira District which was built [8] in 1872, "the Persian Temple" and Shree Tricamiraiji Temple in the same district.

 

Mohammed Alsaqqaf, Director of the Museums and Heritage Office in Aden told "South24": "The main landmarks in the governorate were monitored through a field survey. The number of these landmarks is about 46 throughout the country".

The 2015 War, launched by the Houthis and Saleh forces against Aden and South, caused big damages to important landmarks of Aden including "Tourists Quay" in Al-Tawahi District which was bombed by the Northern forces. 

Moreover, Church of Santa Maria" or the “Catholic Church", was damaged due to an airstrike by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.

The "Little Ben" Clock was partially stolen according to experts who spoke to "South24". This is in addition to the random construction by local people. However, Tanks of Aden have remained the most badly affected today due to growing random buildings around the landmark whose walls were distorted by writing on them.

 

Additionally, the archaeological Sufi "the Iraqi Mosque" Sira District was partially damaged as a result of widespread attacks after the 1994 War by extremists. Some tombs and shrines inside the mosque were exhumed. Tomb of Imam Shatri in Al-Mualla district which is considered an important archaeological religious landmark was also exhumed at the same period.

Likewise, other archaeological landmarks such as "the Seven Dams" in Sira District were affected by random buildings around its campus and its surroundings. The displaced people who fled the war regions and flocked to Aden have exacerbated the problem of the archaeological landmarks in the city as many of them settle near important sites such as the "Jewish Cemetery" in Al-Mualla.