The conflict in Yemen makes headlines in international news, but a group of 16 Yemeni volunteer activists want to shed a positive light on the war-torn country by presenting its rich history and culture. The group started Yemen Used to Be in 2019 on social media and recently launched a website to expand their outreach, hoping to change the way people think about Yemen.
Volunteers Want World to See Different Side of Yemen
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Members of Yemen Used to Be, which is a local volunteer initiative dedicated to documenting art and history of Yemen beyond war. (Photo courtesy of Waleed al-Ward)
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Waleed al-Ward, a graphic designer and member of Yemen Used to Be, works on a project to document Yemen’s native food. (Photo courtesy of Waleed al-Ward)
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Ahmed Alhagri, the founder of Yemen Used to Be, speaks during a workshop in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. (Photo courtesy of Waleed al-Ward)
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A label design of Yemen’s famous coffee bean, Mocha, which is named after the Yemeni port on the Red Sea that was a hub for trade. It is believed the Mocha bean was originally cultivated by Sufi monks in 1450. (Photo courtesy of Waleed al-Ward)