00:00UNESCO has added six medinas in the Camaras, some dating back to the 12th century, to its World Heritage List,
00:08raising hopes for their preservation.
00:10The ancient cities of palaces, mosques, public squares and narrow streets are seen as examples of the characteristic monumental style
00:18of the archipelago-sultanate era.
00:21They are still occupied today, even though many structures are in serious disrepair, with the culture minister describing them as
00:27fragile and in places in real danger.
00:30He said the UNESCO listing not only places obligations on the government, but also opens doors for it to preserve
00:37the sites.
00:38Sitting about 300 kilometers off the coast of Africa, the Camaras was for centuries a crossroad of maritime trade between
00:45East Africa, the Middle East and Madagascar.
00:48Four of the inscribed medinas are on the main island of Grand Camar, while the two others are on the
00:53smaller island of Anjouan.
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