Old Walled City of Shibam
Yemen ·
Description
Shibam is history's first skyscraper city. Five hundred mud-brick buildings up to eight stories tall crowd within walls protecting from wadi floods. Built in the 16th century, it's the oldest example of vertical urban planning. At sunrise, mud towers turn gold as Bedouins lead their flocks.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Shibam is the world's oldest and best-preserved example of vertical urban planning. Mud-brick towers demonstrate unique earthen construction techniques. The city illustrates human adaptation to a hostile desert environment.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being the oldest example of vertical urbanism with unique earthen construction techniques.
It was inscribed in 1982; on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2015 due to Yemen conflict.
Security situation in Yemen has prevented tourism since 2015.
For its mud-brick towers up to 8 stories crowded within walls.
Adobe bricks (mud and straw); replastered annually to protect from rain.