Volunteers Want World to See Different Side of Yemen

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)

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)

Ahmed Alhagri, the founder of Yemen Used to Be, speaks during a workshop in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. (Photo courtesy of Waleed al-Ward)

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)

A depiction of Taqiyya Al Taweeliah, who is one of the leading female folk singers in Yemen and an important icon for its capital, Sanaa. (Photo courtesy of Waleed al-Ward)

A depiction of the al-Janad Mosque, which is the oldest surviving holy Islamic monument, built in the 7th century in southwestern Yemen. (Photo courtesy of Waleed al-Ward)

Traditional Qamaria windows like this one made from stained glass are disappearing from Yemeni homes as people turn to more sturdy windows due to the civil war. (Photo courtesy of Waleed al-Ward)