With the latest edition of the Architecture Biennale, Venice welcomes Yemen and takes a strong stand against the armed conflict. This little-told war has been going on for about a year and a half and is producing thousands of civilian casualties. In all this time the deafening silence of governments and the media has covered the roar of bombs.
Yemen, the unknown war
The dynamics that led to the war in Yemen have their roots both in the millennial clash between Shiites and Samnites, the two currents of Islam, as well as in political and economic reasons. The conflict pits three main forces. On the one hand, the supporters of Saleh, the former dictator of Yemen, who gathers all the Shiites and has views close to Iran. On the other hand, the supporters of the president elected in 2012 Hadi, who represents the Samnite population and is supported by Saudi Arabia. A third front is made up of the al-Quaida militias. The main cause of casualties, however, is the Saudi bombing. In the total indifference of international organizations, they strike civilian targets without scruples. It is thanks to the involvement of Arabia, an ally of the West, that this huge genocide is passing over in silence.
From UNESCO a new way to stop the war
A new way was needed to make this war known to the world. A system to make it clear that we are all involved and partly responsible. UNESCO therefore decided to promote a campaign aimed at the Yemeni historical and artistic heritage. A true treasure that belongs to all of humanity. In fact, during the Saudi bombings, 52 very important archaeological sites were literally destroyed, losing our roots and our history in the dust.
Venice is at the forefront of fighting this conflict
The Venice Architecture Biennale immediately took up the challenge by opening the first pavilion dedicated to Yemen in the Arsenale exhibition area. The pavilion was designed by the scientific committee of the Veneto Institute for Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the Beautiful Yemen group and the Yemeni Ministry of Culture. When you enter this space you find yourself surrounded by a wooden structure that incorporates the architectural lines typical of the Middle Eastern country. To punctuate this structure, numerous video installations tell stories: from the artisan tradition of Yemen, to the destruction brought about by war.
The Italian mission to safeguard the identity of a people
The Veneto Institute in particular felt the urgency to intervene in this debate. For many years this institute has been present in Yemen with an ambitious project, unfortunately interrupted by the outbreak of the conflict. Not only has he been involved in the restoration of important monuments in various parts of the country, but he has also trained a host of qualified local restorers. This operation was particularly meritorious, because helping a people to preserve their culture is the greatest gift that can be given. Culture is the first step, because only thanks to it will it be possible to end the war.
