Spotlight: Where is Shibam and why is it important?
Presenter: Hiba AI-Ashtal
Delivered: NYC on February 11, 2024
In this presentation, Hiba talks about Shibam as one of the oldest examples of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction. Shibam is a city in Yemen known for its mudbrick high-rises and is often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Desert,” a term that was coined by a British explorer by the name of Freya Stark, who visited Yemen during her travels in the 1930s.
Sources & Future References
Lewcock, R. Wadi Hadramawt and the lost city of Shibam. 1986
Damluji, SS. On Site Review Report. Urban Development project. 2007
Note: All community presentations are prepared & presented by non-experts on the subject. They are sharing information in the hopes of spurring interest in that subject.
About Afikra Community Presentations
Delivered and prepared by afikra Community members, the presentation’s goal is to showcase the presenter’s curiosity and research and share some knowledge on a topic related to the Arab world’s histories and cultures. The presentation is the culmination of the afikra coaching process to help identify a topic, find research, and develop the presentation. afikra presentations come in two forms, a long question-driven afikra Feature, and a short afikra FWD with the purpose of sharing something interesting.