Shibam: 'Manhattan Of Desert' Built With Mud Bricks
Image: whc.unesco.org
23 Nov 2024
Shibam, Yemen, is famously called the "Manhattan of the Desert" for its mud skyscrapers
Image: whc.unesco.org
Its towering structures, made from mud bricks, require constant maintenance to withstand weather
Image: whc.unesco.org
Shibam, along with Zabid and Sana'a, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for architecture
Image: whc.unesco.org
Multi-storey mud brick buildings in Yemen date back to the 8th or 9th century
Image: whc.unesco.org
Walls at the base of these skyscrapers are six feet thick, tapering on higher floors
Image: whc.unesco.org
The lower floors traditionally housed animals, shops, or workshops, lacking windows
Image: whc.unesco.org
Upper floors feature stained-glass windows, mashrabiya privacy screens, and white lime accents
Image: whc.unesco.org
These ancient structures, some up to 11 storeys tall, are still actively used today
Image: whc.unesco.org
Rooftop terraces serve as social spaces for residents to relax and enjoy views
Image: whc.unesco.org
Yemen's mud cities showcase a centuries-old architectural marvel adapted to desert environments
Image: whc.unesco.org
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Image: whc.unesco.org
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