Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj's article presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and innovative solutions in preserving the heritage of Zabid, Yemen. The article starts by highlighting the conflict between impoverished communities living in heritage zones and national authorities who aim to exploit these areas for tourism revenue, often neglecting long-term preservation and sustainability.

Zabid, a historic city in Yemen known for its distinctive architecture, was once a thriving center of Islamic learning and textile industry. However, it faced significant decline due to changing trade patterns and government reorganization, leading to its inclusion on the World Heritage List of sites in danger by 2000.

Initial preservation efforts focused mainly on the built heritage but neglected the city's economic revitalization. This approach was ineffective, as it didn't consider the residents' financial capacity for conservation. Contradictory restoration programs and a lack of local economic interventions further exacerbated the situation.

Local authorities lacked the legal and financial tools to enforce preservation measures, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among residents and corruption among officials.

The Project for the Development of Historic Cities of Yemen (PDHCY), with funding from the German Government and the Social Fund for Development of Yemen, introduced a new approach. This approach involved the local community in the preservation process, emphasizing housing needs and revitalizing the local market to create jobs and restore Zabid's regional significance.

The project subsidized the demand for traditional house restoration, allowing homeowners to choose masterbuilders and negotiate directly with local labor. This approach also encouraged community members to participate in the restoration work.

The project also focused on converting buildings built with cheap materials into safe, traditional constructions. This strategy was sensitive to the community's demand and financial capacity, even providing temporary stabilization measures for the poorest families.

A solution was found for the scarcity of traditional bricks by guaranteeing purchases from local producers, which rejuvenated the industry and reduced prices.

Urban poverty, exacerbated by a "rentier" mentality among landlords, remained a challenge. The project collaborated with local NGOs to train young men and women in traditional and new crafts, focusing on the revitalization of the old market area.

Women's empowerment was also a focus, addressing the issue of family income control and the economic marginalization of women and children.

In summary, the PDHCY project addressed internal and external conflicts in Zabid by working collaboratively with local authorities and NGOs, aligning preservation efforts with community development goals. This innovative approach sought not only to preserve Zabid's heritage but also to empower its community.