Preserving the Wisdom of Over 3,000 Manuscripts in Yemen

Founded in 2017 by a group of volunteers, Takween Cultural Club has become a leading organisation in Yemen’s contemporary cultural scene, working to safeguard heritage and expand access to culture despite the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. One of its most significant efforts has been the restoration of Alsultania Library (المكتبة السلطانية)—the oldest public library in Hadramout and one of the first modern libraries in the Arabian Peninsula. Established in 1925 at the request of Sultan Saleh Bin Ghalib al-Quaiti, Alsultania has long been a sanctuary for researchers, students, and intellectuals. A symbol of cultural and social advancement, it has been featured in seven documentary films and remains an invaluable public institution, safeguarding knowledge and history for generations.

The library’s collection, though primarily Arabic, also includes texts in English, French, and Urdu, covering a diverse range of subjects. It holds a considerable number of rare books and unique documents, preserving insights into traditional ways of life and intergenerational knowledge. However, despite its historical significance, the library has faced increasing threats from neglect, environmental conditions, and lack of resources.

Even outside active conflict zones, Yemeni cultural heritage remains at risk. The Alsultania Library is a striking example of this vulnerability—its vast collection deteriorating due to extreme heat, humidity, flooding, and inadequate storage. A basic assessment of the library revealed that more than 10,000 documents had sustained damage, ranging from minor to severe. Without urgent intervention, much of this invaluable collection would have been lost. The library had no reliable electricity, air conditioning, or proper shelving, and the absence of a digital archiving system made preservation efforts nearly impossible. Manuscripts and books were left in open piles on tables and floors, making them highly susceptible to environmental damage and pests. While these issues had long plagued the coastal library, climate change and the enforced neglect caused by Yemen’s ongoing civil war had exacerbated the crisis.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, Takween Cultural Club, with the support of Cultural Emergency Response (CER) and the Whiting Foundation, launched a project to stabilise and rehabilitate the library. The intervention focused on conducting an inventory assessment and providing basic first aid for approximately 3,000 manuscripts. Digitising damaged texts and training library staff and volunteers in bookbinding and digital archiving became crucial steps in ensuring the collection’s longevity. The project also included the installation of new shelving, an electricity generator, and air conditioning to improve storage conditions and enhance community access to the library.

Beyond the technical restoration, the project had a profound impact on the local community. Over 800 people, including young men and women, were directly involved, gaining hands-on training in bookbinding, IT skills, and library administration. Craftsmen working on the project developed expertise in conservation techniques, ensuring that the library remains a well-maintained cultural institution for years to come.

The rehabilitation of Alsultania Library was a resounding success. In just six months, the library saw a 600% increase in visitors, attracting university students, researchers, and authors who could now safely deposit their works. It became a hub for reading, research, and intellectual exchange, hosting seminars and discussion sessions that further enriched community engagement.

This project was not just about preserving books—it was about revitalising local heritage, strengthening Yemeni identity, and fostering a renewed appreciation for knowledge and culture. Thanks to the dedication of Takween Cultural Club, a key piece of Yemen’s literary heritage has been safeguarded, allowing current and future generations to access and celebrate their memory and history.