SANAA, Yemen — The messy civil war that has raged in Yemen for nearly four years has left its mark on the country's political, economic and cultural life. The country’s cultural and historical heritage has been ravaged despite repetitive calls by UNESCO to all fighting sides to do their utmost to protect Yemen's unique heritage.

Yemen is one of the richest countries in the region when it comes to natural, cultural, historical and architectural heritage. It has four sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the Socotra Archipelago, the old city of Sanaa, the old walled city of Shibam in Hadramaut governorate and the historic town of Zabid.

Four years ago, at the onset of the war, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova described Yemeni heritage as a reflection of “centuries of Islamic thought, rich exchange and dialogue.” She also called on the people of Yemen, as well as on countries in the region engaging in military operations in Yemen, to do all they can to protect Yemen’s invaluable cultural heritage.

Today, it is clear the call had little effect. Yemen witnessed the destruction of 101 heritage and archaeological sites, whether by airstrikes or bombings, according to the country’s General Organization of Antiquities and Museums (GOAM).