An Archaeological and Artistic Study of Four Tombstone from the Qāsimī State Era in Yemen

This study examines four tombstones associated with prominent historical persons from the Qāsimī State era in Yemen (1006–1054 AH / 1597–1644 CE), specifically focusing on ʿAlī bin Al-Mūʾayyad Muḥammad bin Al-Qāsim (1013–1078 AH / 1603–1617 CE) and his brother Al-Qāsim bin Al-Mūʾayyad Muḥammad bin Al-Qāsim (1024–1127 AH / 1632–1715 CE). The research highlights their biographies and historical significance, aiming to document and analyze these tombstones from both archaeological and artistic perspectives. It provides a detailed description of the tombstones and examines their inscriptions in terms of form, content, and historical context. The inscriptions include valuable historical data, religious and historical titles, and supplicatory phrases. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach and an inductive methodology, the study describes the tombstones, deciphers their inscriptions, and interprets their contents. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of preserving these tombstones as they hold significant archaeological and cultural value, particularly in light of the ongoing armed conflict in Yemen, which threatens the preservation of such heritage.