Ancient Irrigation Civilization of Arabia Felix (Yemen): Cultural Heritage, Historical Cultural Geography, Tourism Development

Khlood A. A. H. Almakhzoum, Mohamed Fara Al-dubai, Maher Ali Almaqtari, Vasily Verkhoturov

Abstract


Historical geography remains a pertinent scientific discipline. The aim of this paper is to conduct a historical and geographical analysis of Yemen's irrigation systems, investigate disparities in reservoir systems across different regions, and identify prospects for the development of cultural and educational tourism in the republic. The history of irrigation in Yemen spans many centuries. Yemen harbors the greatest density of cultural and historical monuments compared to all other Middle Eastern states. Many structures have preserved their original appearance, while select sites and attractions carry global significance, earning recognition as UNESCO World Heritage properties. Spanning millennia, anthropogenic hydrotechnical developments have indelibly affected the history and culture of various societies. Particularly notable are Yemen's unique hydrotechnical infrastructures, which gave rise to a distinct model of water management and urban organization. Foremost among these are the iconic Ma'rib Dam, the reservoir network in Aden, and extensive canal systems supplying consistent water access in the harsh semi-desert environment. The historical significance of Yemen's hydrotechnical structures cannot be overstated. This innovative design facilitated intense agricultural productivity, transforming arid Yemeni lands into verdant farmlands. Beyond their utilitarian value, these installations performed critical cultural roles. Construction projects symbolized authority and prestige for ruling dynasties, serving as epicenters of communal life, gathering points, and commercial hubs. Consistent placement near residential areas and sacred sites formed cohesive urban layouts. Presently, Yemen's hydrotechnical structures acquire fresh significance as cultural heritage and drivers of tourism. However, protecting this legacy presents daunting challenges. Many structures suffer from dilapidation, urgently needing repair and renovation. Added complications arise from natural calamities, political turmoil, and inadequate financial allocations for monument preservation. Urgency underscores the need for protective measures, considering their immense scientific and cultural worth. Yemen possesses substantial potential for tourism due to its rich and unique tourist attractions, captivating landscapes, and ecological diversity rarely found elsewhere globally. This study aims to outline the historical progression, current state, and primary trajectories of Yemen’s tourism sector. Drawing upon secondary data including research studies, e-books, articles, reports, and websites highlighting specific features of Yemen's tourism industry, it establishes that Yemen holds vast opportunities for diverse forms of tourism. However, despite this promising outlook, achieving meaningful success in the tourism domain requires additional critical factors beyond mere potential—factors currently lacking in Yemen, particularly political stability and heightened awareness regarding tourism promotion.

Keyword: Cultural heritage, Arabia Felix, Yemen, irrigation, historical cultural geography, history, Marib Dam, tourism 

© 2026 Serbian Geographical Society, Belgrade, Serbia.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Serbia.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Al-Ghulaibi, N.M.A. (2004). Traditional water harvesting on the mountain terraces of Yemen. Study Report submitted to United Nations University, Tokyo, Japan.

Bergmann, N. (2024). The Yellowstone as the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States: An environmental historical geography of a mythic landscape. Journal of Historical Geography, 86, 311-325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhg.2024.10.011

Chakraborty, R. (2012). Marib Dam and irrigation project. In: Bengtsson, L., Herschy, R.W., Fairbridge, R.W. (Eds) Encyclopedia of Lakes and Reservoirs. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4410-6_125

Da-Silva-Branco, C., de Brito, A. G., & Castro Seixas, P. (2026). A comprehensive review of traditional irrigation systems: Sustainability and future prospects. Agricultural Systems, 231, Article 104481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104481

Fontanella Pisa, P., Romagnoli, F., & Shanko, A. (2025). Framing Resilience: The Role of Cultural Heritage in Community Responses to Multi-Hazard Risks. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 130, Article 105876. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105876

Giumlia-Mair, A., Keall, E., Stock, S., & Shugar, A. (2000). Copper-based implements of a newly identified culture in Yemen. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 1(1), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1296-2074(99)00116-8

Groizard, L. J., & Santana Gallego, M. (2018). The destruction of cultural heritage and international tourism: The case of the Arab countries. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 33, 285-292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2018.06.005

Hoogesteger, J., Bolding, A., Sanchis-Ibor, C., Veldwisch, G. J., & Venot, J-P., Vos, J., & Boelens, R. (2023). Communality in farmer managed irrigation systems: Insights from Spain, Ecuador, Cambodia and Mozambique. Agricultural Systems, 204, Article 103552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103552

Jana, K. S., & Tamang, P. (2023). Prospects of rehabilitation of ancient irrigation systems in India–A case study from coastal saline zone of West Bengal. Agricultural Systems, 207, Article 103638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103638

Joseph, K., & Maluka, S.O. (2025). Moving out from the river banks: some areas of contestation between traditional irrigation practices and formal water institutions in Tanzania. African Geographical Review, 44(7), 634-648. https://doi.org/10.1080/19376812.2025.2476497

Kopp, H. (1989). Tourism and Recreation in Northern Yemen. Tourism Recreation Research, 14(2), 11–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.1989.11014547

Legg, S., Ding, Y., Ferretti, F., Morin, K., & Novaes, A. R. (2025). Historical geographies: Translating times and spaces. Journal of Historical Geography, 88, 5-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhg.2025.05.016

Leibundgut, C. & Kohn, I. (2014). European Traditional Irrigation in Transition Part I: Irrigation in Times Past - A historic land use practice across Europe. Irrigation and Drainage, 63. https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.1826

Liao, Z., Pang, Q., & Xiao, H. (2025). Glocalization: Cross-cultural communication of tourism research. Tourism Management, 108, Article 105129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2024.105129

Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Dupre, K. & Mcilwaine, C. (2022). The impacts of world cultural heritage site designation and heritage tourism on community livelihoods: A Chinese case study. Tourism Management Perspectives, 43, Article 100994. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2022.100994

Liu, Y., Wang, J., Huang, K., Li, Y., & Wan, L. (2025). The sustainable paradox of community tourism in world cultural heritage villages: The case of Xidi and Hong. Annals of Tourism Research, 115, Article 104020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2025.104020

Lukoseviciute, G., Henriques, C., Panagopoulos, T. & Perreira, L. (2024). Participatory development and management of eco-cultural trails in sustainable tourism destinations. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 47, Article 100779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2024.100779

Martínez-Sanchis, Imma & Viñals, Maria. (2015). Enhancing the traditional Mediterranean irrigation agroecosystems: a case study of the rivers Túria and Júcar (Valencia, Spain). Ecology and the Environment, 192, 45-54. https://doi.org/10.2495/ECO150051

Maw, T., & Seo, D. (2024). Historical geographies of grid city development: Mandalay from Burma to Myanmar. Journal of Historical Geography, 86, Article 133-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhg.2024.07.005

Ministry of oil and mineral resources & TNO Institute. (1993). Report WRAY 23, Water Resources Wadi Adhanah and Mareb area, Republic of Yemen.

Mosleh, A., & Ishwara. P. (2018). A Study on Potentiality of Tourism Industry in Yemen. Tourism Innovations, 8(2), 126-133.

Nautiyal, R., Albrecht, J. & Carr, A. (2025). Spiritual practice as tourism experience: An application of cultural transmission theory. Annals of Tourism Research, 110, Article 103866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2024.103866

Pelgrum, H., Bastiaansseen, W., Voogt, M., & Berghege, M. (2009). Satellite Imagery for Cropping and Irrigated Area Monitoring; Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Republic of Yemen and World Bank: Sana’a, Yemen.

Rappold, G., Ergenzinger, P. J., Gerke, H., & Scholz, F. (2003). Hydrological Analysis of Terraced Catchments: A Case Study of the Tacizz Region, Yemen. In F. Pelat & A. Al-Hakimi (Eds.), Savoirs locaux et agriculture durable au Yémen. Sanaa: Centre français de recherche de la péninsule Arabique. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.cefas.2889

Ratna Reddy, V., Srinivasa Reddy, M., & Palanisami, K. (2018). Tank Rehabilitation in India: Review of Experiences and Strategies. Agricultural Water Management, 209, 32-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2018.07.013

Tang, Ch., Yang, Y., Liu, Y., & Xiao, X. (2023). Comprehensive evaluation of the cultural inheritance level of tourism-oriented traditional villages: The example of Beijing. Tourism Management Perspectives, 48, Article 101166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2023.101166

Timsina, J., & Weerahewa, J. (2023). Restoring ancient irrigation systems for sustainable agro-ecosystems development: Reflections on the special issue. Agricultural Systems, 209, 103668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103668

Voogt, M., Soppe, R., & Noordman, E. (2007). Satellite Imagery for Cropping Pattern and Irrigated Area Monitoring Interim Report; WaterWatch: Sana’a, Yemen, 27.

Weerahewa, J., Timsina, J., Wickramasinghe, M.R.C.P., Jayasekara, S., Dayananda, D., & Puspakumara, G. (2023). Ancient irrigation systems in Asia and Africa: Typologies, degradation and ecosystem services. Agricultural Systems, 205, Article 103580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103580

Wu, P., Goh, H., & Hussin, H. (2025). Stakeholders’ perspectives of intangible cultural heritage tourism: A systematic review. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 64, Article 101303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2025.101303

Zheng, F., Tang, Y., & Jin, H. (2025). The Dual Threshold Effects of Rural Cultural Tourism Industry Ecology and Green Finance Support: Based on the Moderating Effect of Regional Cultural Tourism Development. International Review of Economics & Finance, 103, Article 104538. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2025.104538

Zheng, Y., Han, X., Wu (Snow), J., & Xiao, L. (2025). Transformative value in cultural tourism: Scale development and its impact on tourist eudaimonic well-being. Tourism Management Perspectives, 56, Article 101346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2025.101346


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.