Ancient clay skyscrapers of Shibam city. How people live in them today (14 photos)

It turns out that in ancient times, as today, they knew how to build skyscrapers, but of course, not from brick or concrete, but from clay. History the city of Shibam in Yemen began no less than in the 5th century. BC e. Exactly at At this time, the first buildings appeared in the city. Shibam city status, however, received already in the new era.





Clay town of Shibam

Vertical development

Clay skyscrapers, although from the point of view of modern man they can be called, rather, skyscrapers, appeared here much later - in the 16th and 17th centuries

The city was surrounded by fortified walls, and therefore for centuries not could expand. At the same time, Shibam was a settlement in ancient times. rich, because for a long time he was at the crossroads of trade routes. The population here is constantly growing. Accordingly, people came up with build on existing houses with new floors.



Skyscrapers from adobe

Some of the skyscrapers of Shibam date back to the 16th century, the time the beginning of the greatest prosperity of the city. However, for the most part the multi-storey buildings existing today in the city were built in 19 century.

Raw bricks were used in the construction of Shibam skyscrapers - sun-dried clay bricks with straw. Such an adobe is considered relatively short-lived material. Exist at home raw bricks can be no more than 300 years old.





City in the rays of the rising sun

Tower houses with few windows

Most of the houses in the city narrow at the top, because when they construction with each new floor, narrower and narrower bricks. The height of some houses in Shibam exceeds 30 meters. In the city built mainly buildings of 5-8 floors. Some buildings are tall 11 floors. There are about 500 houses in the city.

A characteristic feature of buildings is also considered a small number of windows. Shibam people often close existing windows, trying to save yourself from the heat.



closed windows

Chickens on the streets and air conditioners in the houses

People in clay skyscrapers in Shibam still live today. According to statistics, about 7 thousand people live in such houses in the city today. human.



This is what the house looks like from the inside

Clay walls are able to keep cool very well. But city residents still have to install air conditioners, because in the hot climate of Yemen it is necessary. The Shibam people also put satellite dishes and are used in dwellings and other modern equipment.



There are many clays in the vicinity of the city

Each of the clay back floors is occupied by one family. Quantity tenants of the floor can reach up to 40 people. On the lowest floors previously kept livestock. Chickens and geese roaming the streets in the city are often see today. There are practically no cars in Shibam. Its streets for cars are mostly too narrow. But sometimes cars on the streets of Shibam you can still see.



Entrance to one of the towers

Clay skyscrapers were built in Shibam, once very close to each other. friend. Many houses are connected by balconies and lintels. Such an architecture was provided due to the fact that the city at any time could be attacked by enemies. In case of aggression, residents of one house could quickly and easily move to another.



The streets of the town

In addition, the shadow from high-rise buildings still completely covers streets and creates a much-needed coolness in the hot climate of Yemen.



Coolness from the shadow

Permanent renovation

Clay skyscrapers of Shibam need constant care. Walls buildings are washed away by rain. The lower floors of houses to protect against moisture has to be bleached often. The walls of the upper handle similar way problematic, so they previously remained unbleached.



whitewashed buildings

Today, usewith modern technology, the upper floors also sometimes treated with lime. But residents still often have to change weathered bricks. Shibam people make bricks in the old way technology, using, like hundreds of years ago, clay from the surroundings and recycling already destroyed brick.



High-rise renovation

Some organizations involved in the protection of historical heritage on the planet, recently began to provide assistance to residents when renovating their homes.



Making adobe

City in need of protection

Almost all the houses in Shibam are built of clay. The only thing the building that was erected here from baked bricks is a mosque.

Unfortunately, the military conflict that began in this region a few years ago, had a very negative impact on the city. On Today, about 100 unique buildings have already been destroyed in Shibam. And this despite the fact that the city is considered a UNESCO heritage site.



Modern city dweller

Threatening the city, including in our days, and floods. Shibam was built for strategic purposes on a rocky hill. However, devastating floods still happen here from time to time. To for example, this happened in Shibam in 2008 due to a tropical cyclone.



Women picking clover outside the city