News dated
On 27 September, UNESCO published the story of Abdullah Al-Areefy, a silver artisan in Taiz, Yemen. For 25 years, he has used his savings to buy old ornaments from families facing hardship before the pieces entered the scrap trade. His collection grew to hundreds of objects. [1]
He established the Dar of Handicrafts as a centre to preserve them and make them accessible. Through an EU-funded project, UNESCO and its partner SMEPS provided training to help him manage the activity more sustainably. The feature describes an existing centre, rather than announcing a new opening. [1]
Al-Areefy also collects records and traditional designs that could support a future nomination of local silver craftsmanship to UNESCO’s intangible heritage list. That recognition has not already been awarded. Preserving objects and passing on skills remain tangible achievements, even as economic hardship and conflict continue. [1]
The bright side
A private collection has become a place of shared memory, while training helps its manager continue the work. [1]
One idea, in simple words
In Taiz, a city in Yemen, artisan Abdullah Al-Areefy has saved old silver objects. Some families facing hardship had to sell them. He bought the pieces before they were melted: melting means heating metal until it becomes liquid. That destroys the object’s shape and can erase part of its story. [1]
Over time, he collected hundreds of pieces and created a cultural centre to display them. He also received training to manage it. As an example, imagine keeping something your grandfather made and explaining to a friend how he built it: you protect an object and some knowledge. UNESCO described this work on 27 September; the centre is not newly opened. The country’s difficulties continue, but this work helps keep memories alive. [1]
A little discovery to keep
What did you discover?
Straight from the source.
- The Man Who Refused to Let Taiz's Heritage Disappear UNESCO · 27 Sept 2026
Original reporting summaries prepared with AI assistance and accessible sources. Our editorial method.
