Khami Ruins

　　Introduction　　　　　　In 1986, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under cultural heritage selection criteria C(III)(IV).　　　　　　　　Khami was once the capital of the Great Zimbabwe and enjoyed a period of prosperity before being abandoned in the mid-16th century. Today, Khami has emerged as a significant archaeological site. Artifacts unearthed from Europe and China suggest that Khami had a long history of trade.　　　　　　　　The Great Zimbabwe was a renowned trading hub during the Italian Renaissance. Precious relics excavated here, such as Spanish silverware, exquisite Chinese porcelain, and Portuguese ceramics, provide clear evidence of extensive global trade connections between Great Zimbabwe and other nations.　　　　The Khami ancient city ruins, covering an area of 35 acres, are the most prominent among the 50 known urban sites between the Zambezi River (in southern Africa) and the Limpopo River.　　　　The Khami ruins in Zimbabwe are officially recognized as a "World Cultural Heritage" site by UNESCO. Constructed between the mid-15th century and mid-17th century, the Khami ruins are located near present-day Bulawayo (a city in southwestern Zimbabwe). Starting around 1450, the area thrived with frequent international trade, showcasing a bustling scene of prosperity. It also served as a station for foreign envoys, with the Portuguese having erected a granite cross on the hillside. The local inhabitants lived in huts built from round stones, enclosed by granite-walled courtyards. Narrow passageways and corridors connected the residences, decorated with distinctive “mountain” or irregular lattice-like patterns.　　　　Many of the ancient city’s buildings have been preserved to varying degrees. However, they are now under threat from a nearby large dam: the ground has become unstable, with walls cracking, bulging, or even collapsing in some cases, and this danger is steadily increasing. Vegetation poses a dual threat through uncontrolled overgrowth and careless removal. Burrowing animals, as well as those who steal wooden beams and building stones, further undermine the structural integrity of the ruins, putting them at even greater risk. As a result, formulating a strategic preservation plan has become an urgent priority.　　　　On August 1, 1997, a basic conservation project was initiated, and training sessions along with examinations were conducted for tour guides working at the site regarding the many hazards posed by unmanaged and unrestricted tourism. However, the management and protection of the ruins and their surrounding areas still require significant improvement. To achieve this goal, in 1997, the United States, via express delivery, donated $50,000 to the site through the World Heritage Watch Committee. Nevertheless, proposals for developing a conservation plan have been delayed in approval, and the planned management training for the Khami ruins has yet to be completed. At present, this precious heritage of human civilization continues on an uncertain path, with its condition gradually deteriorating.

　　 Harare, Zimbabwe