Yemen: Plans to convert Abdullah Bardoni's house into museum

Abdullah Bardoni A deal has been struck between the Writers Union and the Ministry of Culture in Yemen, the latter is to buy the house of Yemen's late poet Abdullah Bardoni and convert it into a museum containing Bardoni's works and belongings in addition to buying the copyright to the late poet's unpublished books in order to publish them, the Writers Union member Mohammed al-Qaoud said to Arabstoday.
"The deal was agreed in a meeting attended by the Minister of Culture Abdullah Obel. It states that the ministry will hold negotiations with Bardoni's family to buy his house and convert it to a museum bearing his name. This museum will contain original copies of his books and poets in addition to several photos and documents which tell the story of his life" said Qaoud.
"We have also agreed that the ministry will buy the rights to Bardoni's unpublished poems, novels and books in order to publish them."
Launching these two projects marks the 13th anniversary of Bardon's death that came last Thursday. Mohammed al-Qaoud believes the deal was the least that could be made to commemorate such an acclaimed poet and writer, who Qaoud says contributed significantly to the modernisation of Arab poetry.
Many of Yemen's poets and writers have called for a while to uncover the Bardoni's unpublished works which they have listed in a statement as being three poetry books, one novel, one political and one poetry studies book.
Bardoni was considered one of the most significant Arab poets in the modern era. He published 12 poetry books during his life plus other books in politics, history and poetry studies.
Born in 1929 in one of Yemen's villages, Bardoni remained a symbol of his nation's culture until his death on August 30 1999.
Several books, studies and academic research papers where based on his works. He won the Abu Tammam award in Iraq in 1971, the Ahmed Shawqi award in Egypt in 1981, the UNESCO award in 1982, the Jarash award in Jordan 1984 and Sultan Owais award in the UAE in 1993.