We completed 2 weeks of discussion and proposals for Africa. Let us now move to the Arab States.
Laas Gaal (Somalia) seems like a carryover from Africa, since it has a lot of support within our community, but in the end it was suggested to categorize Somalia with the Arab States. I have never been to any Arab States, the closest to this region I've travelled is Turkey. However, these sites looked the most impressive, including potentially filling some gaps on the world heritage list.
Unless we decide otherwise,
Top Missing sites for the Arab States can be submitted/discussed here between now and April 20th. I look forward to reading your proposals!
Full Name of Site: Kumbi Saleh Archaeological Site Â
Country:Â Mauritania
TWHS? YES (linked in title)
Short description of site: The archaeological evidence suggests that Koumbi Saleh was a Muslim town with a strong Maghreb connection and an important link on the trans-saharan gold trade. The mosque which is currently considered the oldest and the largest mosque in West Africa has been remarkably restored by archeology. The oldest sections of the site goes back to the 4th century, the advent of the Almoravid conquest considerably changed the way of life in Kumbi Saleh.
- Information from Wikipedia and the UNESCO descriptionCriteria:Â Cultural
Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis: Old Towns of Djenné, Timbuktu
Full Name of Site:Â Abraj Al-KuwaitCountry:Â Kuwait
TWHS? YES (linked in title)
Short description of site:Â Acknowledged for its design, the Kuwait Towers were awarded the Aga Khan Prize for Islamic Architecture. Building took place from 1971 to 1976 and the main tower was opened to the public on 1 March 1979. According to the architect, the Kuwait Tower group refers to ideals of humanity and technology, symbolized by the globe and the rocket. The tip of each tower, covered with stainless steel and acts as a lightning arrestor, also suggest the mosque minarets, as the spheres can be associated with domes. This Islamic symbolism together with the value of fresh water in such an arid country, allowed for a wider acceptance of this monumental structure as a national symbol. Abraj Al-Kuwait is a unique and remarkable way of transforming pure engineering into pure architecture, between western technology and Islamic culture, contemporary requirements and ancient traditions, into a highly creative building.
- Information from Wikipedia and UNESCO descriptionResources: Kuwait Towers (wikipedia)
Criteria:Â Cultural
Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis:Â Sydney Opera House
Full Name of Site:Â Great Desert Landscapes - The Qattara Depression & the Great Sand SeaCountry:Â Egypt
TWHS? YES (linked in title)
Short description of site: The Qattara Depression in the northern part of the Western Desert is the largest natural closed depression of the Eastern Sahara. The origin of this Depression is still a geological puzzle. A common origin by wind deflation to a base level controlled by the ground water table, is the generally accepted explanation.The Great Sand Sea is one of the largest unbroken mass of sand dune areas of the world, and home to not one living soul. There is not a single water point in the whole area. Totaling the size of England, the sand accumulation varies in shape, colour, and geologic origin from one place to another. Through this central region patrols of the British Long Range Desert Group made their way to attack German posts in Libya, during the early years of WWII. Their more than 70-year old tire tracks are still visible on certain surfaces
Resources: Qattara Depression (wikipedia)
Resources: Great Sand Sea (wikipedia)
Criteria:Â Natural
Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis:Â Lut Desert, Tassili n'Ajjer
Full Name of Site:Â Jerash Archaeological City (Ancient Meeting Place of East and West)Â Country:Â Jordan
TWHS? YES (linked in title)
Short description of site: Jerash is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy. And is sometimes misleadingly referred to as the "Pompeii of the Middle East" or of Asia, referring to its size, extent of excavation and level of preservation.
Resources: Wikipedia pageCriteria:Â Cultural
Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis:Â Site of Palmyra, Leptis Magna
Full Name of Site:Â Umm al-JimalCountry:Â Jordan
TWHS? YES (linked in title)
Short description of site:Â During the 4th century AD, in response to the rebellion of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, Roman armies allied with the Arab Tanoukhid Federation restored order in a destructive military campaign. At Umm el-Jimal the civilian settlement was replaced by a military garrison stationed in a purpose built fort, the early castellum, which was part of the general fortification of the Roman frontiers at the time of Diocletian and Constantine. Besides this castellum, structures on the site included the Great Reservoir, the Praetorium, and a small temple. A gradual transformation from a military station to a civilian town began as Roman imperial power waned and was then replaced by the Byzantine era. From the 5th to 8th centuries, Umm el-Jimal became a
prosperous rural farming and trading town. During this period of prosperity, many residents converted to Christianity resulting in an explosion of church construction: Fifteen churches were built in the late 5th and 6th centuries. The population of Umm el-Jimal likely grew to between 6,000 and 8,000 people during this time. Evidence of this culture is found throughout the site in the form of Christian symbols on houses and churches. Paradoxically, Umm el-Jimal's age of rural prosperity came after the strictures of Roman occupation were lifted.
- From "Umm el-Jimal's Enduring Past" on the official nomination pageResources: Official Nomination WebsiteCriteria:Â Cultural
Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis:Â Ancient Villages of Northern Syria
We discussed earlier the sometimes confusing geography of the UNESCO designated regions. For clarification, these are the Arab States as defined by UNESCO + Somalia (undefined).
Arab States