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Background to the Zabid Project
Presented in 1982 with the opportunity to explore an aspect of Yemen's
rich archaeological past, the Royal Ontario Museum opted to focus on
upon the town of Zabid, which lies on the Tihamah coastal plain
flanking the Red Sea. Zabid flourished as an important administrative
and cultural center in the mediaeval Islamic period, and survives today
as a modest provincial town.
Founded in the early 9th century AD, Zabid became a major seat of
learning, enjoying special status in Yemen for many centuries. But
published works have done little more than refer to it as a charming
relic with an important past. The overall aim of the Project is to
understand the way in which the city of Zabid developed and flourished
in mediaeval times as a market, administrative, and Islamic university
center with an international reputation. The Zabid Project therefore
covers topics ranging from urban development, monumental and
vernacular architecture, to sponsorship of the arts and industrial
production. Data are derived from site plans, buildings, artifacts and
inscriptions, in conjunction with the study of eye-witness historical
accounts.
Close cooperation was established between the Project and Yemen's
General Organization for Antiquities and Libraries (GOAMM), and
surface reconnaissance of Zabid and its hinterland was conducted in
1982 and 1983. In 1987, a five-year renewable agreement was signed
between the two parties, establishing the Project as the Canadian
Archaeological Mission of the Royal Ontario Museum (CAMROM).
The third five-year agreement was signed in 1998.
 The Project involves continuing regional reconnaissance as well as
excavation of different sites in and around Zabid, to explore questions
of urban development, monumental and vernacular architecture, and
industrial production. Understanding the city's fortunes also
necessitates defining the economic basis of its existence, and studies are
directed towards describing the function of the irrigated farmland, as
well as interpreting the role of Zabid's long-since abandoned Red Sea
port sites.
A recent unexpected discovery was the exposure of relics connected
with megalithic monuments that can be ascribed to a previously
unknown Yemeni Bronze Age culture from the 2nd millennium BC.
The discovery provides the basis for a much broader understanding of
the region's entire history.
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Completed Initiatives
Surface Reconnaissance
Surveys of the region have documented the extent to which the
landscape has changed since the 9th century. A primary factor in
determining this has been the ability to establish control over the
different trends that have occurred in ceramic production, thus allowing
us to determine the terminal date of occupation of a site.
From the surface surveys it can be seen that Zabid itself, occupying a
privileged geographic location and enjoying good water and farm land
along a natural communication route, once covered a larger area than
it does today. The smallest settlement would appear to be the one that
existed at the time of the 1962 Revolution. Sections of the former city
lie abandoned beyond the last surviving city wall, with only mosques
preserving a memory of the area's former importance.
The surveys located two lost port sites, helping document the time
when Zabid was once in direct contact with China. Elsewhere,
abandoned settlements reflect a time of formal capital investment in
irrigation projects or the awarding of temporary tax concessions that
were made to promote the use of marginal farm land.
Looking back into pre-history, it is apparent that the landscape has been
altered considerably by human hand, particularly through irrigation
agriculture, which was not practiced here before the Bronze Age.
Nevertheless, it is clear that the region's environment has always been
fragile, and a tendency towards desertification has been present
throughout human history.
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Excavations
Excavations were initiated after the signing of the agreement in 1987.
This work has been directed towards the different character of various
sections of the city at different periods of time. The earliest phase
encountered relates directly to the time of the city's foundation in the
9th century, when a number of small villages may have been
incorporated in the new urban center. Although these discoveries have
been made outside the town, traces of 9th century occupation have been
located in many parts of Zabid.
 For the 13th-15th century period, at the height of Zabid's fame,
remains of mediaeval houses unearthed beneath what was the old city
wall surviving in 1962, clearly document a time when ordinary
neighborhoods stretched beyond the last city limits. An industrial
workshop, located outside of the citadel, has been linked with copper
coin production, and defines the area as being part of the government
quarter, even before the present citadel was built.
To the north of Zabid, an abandoned settlement can probably be
interpreted as the remains of a suburban villa. The relic has almost
completely disappeared, but the discovery that the structure was built
on sand provides important clues about the mediaeval environment.
Excavations inside the citadel have been directed towards answering the
question of the citadel's foundation, and for how long a period this
section of Zabid has been the government quarter. The activities of the
17th century garrison, which is known to have been besieged within the
citadel at one time, are documented by traces of a cannonball workshop
and numerous smoking pipes.
Pivotal in the study is the al-Iskandariyah citadel mosque, whose
exterior walls were incorporated at one time as part of the defenses.
Analysis suggests that it is a forgotten "royal" mosque in the
government quarter of the city, rather than a minor structure in a
military barracks. The cavalier treatment of a religious structure in this
way seems to indicate that the defenses were erected in an act of
desperation, perhaps at a time of acute weakness in the middle of the
19th century.
Architectural Studies and Restorations
 Studies of the standing monuments in Zabid have included
documentation of the four surviving city gates, and of eighty-six
mosques located in and around the city. From the standpoint of form
and style, some of the mosques are clearly mediaeval structures, with
a known heritage that can be established from historical texts. Other
buildings are relatively new structures, retaining a link with the
historical past only in the use of their name. Many of the new mosques
have no ancient heritage at all, except that they are built in a style that
retains strong links with the past. Studies already completed allowed
members of the Project to trace the development of mosques in the
Tihamah from flat-roofed to triple-domed type.
The strength of the vernacular architectural tradition in Zabid is one of
the town's most striking characteristics. A consistent re-use of old
bricks and brick fragments, which are recycled from derelict structures,
has given rise to a distinctive treatment for the facades of buildings.
The small brick module lends itself readily to decorative use.
The original interest in restorations was prompted by the need to stop
the imminent collapse of the derelict citadel. The restoration work has
also allowed probes, not otherwise possible, to be made deep into the
interior of structures. The story emerging from the buildings above
ground, which speaks of constantly changing structures, is as important
as that derived from the remnants unearthed beneath. The southeast
quadrant of the citadel (Bab al-Nasr) is integral to the understanding of
the history of the complex. An intimate knowledge of the customary
building practices derived from this work has proved to be invaluable
in understanding the past. Work proceeds with a minimum of
interference to the normal operation of Government House, which is
located in the newer, northwest part of the citadel. The restored rooms
provide a practical work-base for the Project and have become a visible
expression of the potential of a heritage conservation program
In 1997 the first restoration work was conducted inside the al-
Iskandariyah mosque, which has been judged by style to have been
originally built by the Rasulids in the 14th century. A unique
inscription has been exposed next to the mihrab prayer niche; it
announces sponsorship of a madrasa in the building, in the name of
emir Iskandar, in the year 940 AH/AD 1533. A start on cleaning the
painted ceiling decorations has already been made.
Historical Studies
The primary academic focus of the Project is an archaeological one,
and includes the time from the city's foundation date in the early 9th
century until the 17th century, when changing economic and political
fortunes saw the settlement reduced from a dynastic and cultural capital
to a modest provincial town with an important past. Several eyewitness
accounts or personal histories written during the city's hey-day provide
unique insights into the history of the settlement. This makes significant
interpretation possible even from a relatively small amount of
archaeological data. The carved stone text inside the al-Iskandariyah
mosque, which lists tracts of land donated in the 16th century towards
support of a religious college, is a priceless document for illuminating
the significance of the farmland in the economic life of Zabid.
Continuing Objectives
Since the scope of the Project encompasses a wide range of topics,
ranging from urban architecture to rural economy, the focus of study
for any given season depends very heavily upon a number of practical
considerations. In this exploratory situation, formal theory is less
important than demonstrable progress. The overriding choice of where
to work remains availability of funds, followed by accessibility from the
Project headquarters in the Citadel, and the ability to conserve and
adequately display the exposed remains. The Project cannot afford to
work in complete isolation from Yemen's own aspirations for a
preservation of cultural heritage program. Topics targeted for attention
have been chosen to reflect a balance between academic considerations
and public interest.
Until twenty-five years ago, the land of Yemen remained as an obscure
backwater in the Middle East, hostile to outsiders of any kind, self-
confident in the importance of its historical past, but disadvantaged in
global terms. Although the recent discovery of oil in Yemen promises
to raise the national and economic expectations of the country once
more, it is crucial not to allow the obvious beneficial changes that will
occur to be outweighed by the disadvantages that all too often
accompany modern development. The Project has already established
a successful working relationship with the Yemeni authorities on a
national and local level. Since there still exists in Zabid a strong
cultural identity, there is a unique opportunity here to maintain an ongoing cultural program. The demonstrated success of the Project
guarantees return on investment.
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Cultural Heritage Preservation: The Zabid Citadel
Building Conservation
The Project's work in the Citadel has already helped prepare the ground
for wider acceptance of the validity of a building conservation program
for all of Zabid. The immediate challenge is to complete the
restoration of the remaining third of the structures in the defined area.
The end result will be a preserved historic monument which serves the
immediate needs for a structured focus for visitors.
It is judged by the Project to be very important that a variety of uses
for the structures of the Citadel be maintained. The constant flow of
residents to Government House, the Law Courts, and the Prison give
the compound a life that cannot be replaced simply by providing
facilities for tourists. Wherever possible, plans will be made to
integrate both functions, for visitors of all kinds.
Visitor Facility
Museum
As a result of the work undertaken since 1987, CAMROM operates its
field project from a base in the restored part of the Zabid citadel, and
has opened a small on-site museum for the benefit of visitors. The
creation of a permanent archaeological base in the town affords the
Project a high profile and allows the results of the work to be visible,
even when fieldwork is not being actively conducted. Apart from the
daily curiosity of foreign tourists, immense interest in the Project is
shown by the dignitaries and ordinary citizens of Zabid, who express
pride in the preservation of a significant remnant of their cultural
heritage. Facilities within the on-site museum are to be upgraded, with
improved signage and availability of information about the Project and
its findings.
There is a record from the 1940s of the Citadel housing a tropical fruit
garden. Initial attempts to recreate a sense of greenery and shade in the
center void have been very successful. It is hoped that, in addition to
providing a place of relaxation for visitors, the garden will also be a
forum for explanation about plant varieties native to the area of Zabid.
Provisions will be made for growing and displaying both desert and
irrigated varieties of plants. For this purpose it will be necessary to
upgrade the water supply by drilling a well and installing a pump. The
garden experience will be integrated with that of the museum.
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Citadel Mosque
 The citadel mosque is a building worthy of attention in its own right,
as part of the study of Zabid's architectural heritage. Continuing
restorations will enable the Project to study the details of its decorations
more closely, establishing its cultural significance, at the same time as
completing the first major step in a professional conservation program
for the mosques of Zabid. But, apart from any academic interest for
the Project, conservation of the carved and painted wall and ceiling
decorations in the mosque is called for on account of its suitability for
promotion as a "museum" structure.
As a result of repairs made to the structure, both by the Project and by
the Yemeni Mosque Authorities, a small group of mature students has
recently formed a learning circle in the mosque. This recreates the
sense of the 16th century dedication of a school inside the mosque. It
is proposed that part of the restored buildings of the Citadel be
dedicated in future to serve the purpose of a student residence, adjacent
to the mosque. To serve this end, it will be necessary to relocate the
Prison to the restored west end of the Citadel.
Training Program
CAMROM acknowledges that a primary obstacle in the development
of an effective archaeological and cultural heritage program remains the
lack of sufficient training that has been available in Yemen. However,
it is equally important to recognize that archaeology and building
conservation are disciplines in which practical experience plays an
important role. CAMROM's presence in Zabid furnishes a unique
opportunity to provide that practical training on site. Training needs to
focus upon three aspects: archaeological fieldwork, building
conservation, and museum studies. In addition, provisions need to be
made available to permit those attached to the Project to improve their
language skills. This applies both to English for Yemenis and Arabic
for Canadians.
CAMROM Project Reports Available On-Line
"In the Yemeni Desert: Water, Water, Everywhere," by E. J. Keall.
ROM Archaeological Newsletter, Series II, no. 51 (February 1994).
http://www.rom.on.ca/pub/an/archno1.htm
"The Thrones of Zabid," by E. J. Keall. ROM Archaeological
Newsletter, Series III, No. 1 (February 1996). Has selected
bibliography for the project.
http://www.rom.on.ca/pub/an/archns1.html
"Island Story: Yemeni Style," by E. J. Keall. ROM Archaeological
Newsletter, Series III, No. 5 (August 1997). Has selected further
reading on the area and topic.
http://www.rom.on.ca/pub/an/archns3-5.htm
"Mud, Sand, and Sod's Law in Dusty Old Zabid" (E. J..Keall), Yemen Update 30/31 (1992) 24-26.
www.aiys.org/webdate/keal.html
Project funding (past sponsors): The Royal Ontario Museum and the
Royal Ontario Museum Foundation; The Social Sciences and
Humanities Research Council of Canada; The National Geographic
Society; The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Yemen.
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