Aden-Marseille exhibition opens in France... a cultural bridge highlighting the ancient Yemeni heritage.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

The "Aden - Marseille" exhibition opened in the French city of Marseille, with a wide attendance including the Governor of Aden, Ahmed Hamed Lamlas, French officials, and the Yemeni Ambassador to France, following a preliminary event that presented the contents of the exhibition to a group of international journalists. The exhibition, held at "La Vieille Charité" in collaboration with the Louvre Museum, presents dozens of rare Yemeni artifacts, paintings, and manuscripts documenting the civilizations of southern Arabia, in addition to commercial records and archival documents documenting more than a hundred years of exchanges between the ports of Aden and Marseille, showcasing the history of migrations and commercial and cultural activities between the two ports since the 19th century. The exhibition, which began on November 21 and continues until the end of March 2026, includes a series of cultural events, introductory lectures, and accompanying programs that highlight the cultural role of the city of Aden as a center for the meeting of East and West, and reflects the ancient Yemeni heritage and the contributions of institutions such as the Hael Saeed Anam Group in preserving the national heritage. In a statement on his Facebook page, Shawqi Ahmed Hael said: "The story of Hael Saeed Anam & Co. and the ancient legacy of its founders have been officially documented and displayed in the international exhibition "Aden-Marseille," which is organized and supervised by a selection of researchers from the prestigious French Louvre Museum. On the occasion of this distinguished honor, both the dear father Abdul Jabbar Hael Saeed - Chairman of the Owners' Representatives Council, and the dear father Derham Abdo Saeed - Chairman of the Group's Board of Directors, may God protect them, participated in the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition held at the La Vieille Charité Center in Marseille - France, which runs from November 21, 2025, to March 29, 2026." He added: "This recognition and scientific honor reflect a high appreciation for the Group's legacy, the story of its founding, the vision of its founders, and the values that have shaped its work approach across generations. This comes as a confirmation of a pioneering journey that started from humble beginnings, based on integrity, responsibility, and well-established ethical principles. We are proud that the history of the family and the Group is celebrated on a recognized international platform, and that we continue to carry this legacy based on the values of humanity and excellence." The organizers of the exhibition affirmed that the event constitutes a cultural bridge linking the Yemeni and French civilizations, allowing visitors to learn about the deep human history of the region and promote mutual understanding between peoples.