Juris Zarins Scholarship Fund
- Dr. Juris Zarins passed away on July 8, 2023. He has left an indelible legacy on the archaeology of the Middle East, but most particularly in Oman and Yemen. After much soul searching and reflecting on Juris’ impact as a beloved professor, colleague and mentor, it seems right to raise money to support research on the archaeology and history of Yemen. The UNESCO listed Land of Frankincense sites in Oman, which include the sites of Shisr and Al Balid where he excavated for years, are very well developed and are visited by thousands of visitors each year. Yemen, on the other hand, has been engulfed in war since 2014. The cultural heritage of Yemen, along with its people, have suffered greatly. Dr. Zarins directed the groundbreaking Mahra Archaeology Project from 1997-2001 with support from the American Institute for Yemeni Studies. This work included the first systematic survey and seminal excavations of Yemen’s Mahra region. He would be proud that his legacy will pay it forward and enable future fieldwork and research in his beloved Yemen.
Where will your donations go?
The American Institute for Yemeni Studies (AIYS) was founded in 1977 by Juris’ colleague McGuire Gibson to foster research and collaboration with international scholars and opened its first office in Sana’a in 1978. AIYS is a non-profit (501(c)3) consortium of scholarly institutions including universities, museums, and research centers and is a member of the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC).
AIYS promotes research on Yemeni Studies through annual fellowship competitions, for both U.S. and Yemeni scholars. It is the only U.S. organization that funds and supports Yemeni scholars in the Republic of Yemen. The institute is also a member of the Middle East Studies Association and regularly organizes panels at their annual meetings. The institute also works with the Aliph Foundation and the J.M. Kaplan Fund in conjunction with CAORC to fund and carry out cultural heritage restoration and preservation projects throughout Yemen.
Abdulkarim Al-Eryani Yemeni Scholarship Fund
At this critical time in Yemen’s history there is a need to support Yemeni scholars in all fields as they help frame the country’s future, document its present and explore its rich cultural heritage of the past. Named in honor of the distinguished Yemeni diplomat, Dr. Abdulkarim Al-Eryani, this fund solicits donations from individuals, foundations and corporations. Applications by Yemeni scholars for research in Yemen will be reviewed by a select committee of scholars within the membership of AIYS. Every year AIYS receives about eighty applications from Yemeni scholars for funds to carry out their research in Yemen. Projects range from explorations of environmental health hazards in Yemen and low technology energy generation projects to work on Yemen cultural heritage and the particular issues facing Yemeni women. Even small contributions can make a big difference. The maximum grant for a Yemeni scholar is $5000 and most grants range from $1000 to $1500.
Your contribution through this Go Fund Me will go directly to AIYS in Juris Zarins’ name to the Abdulkarim Al-Eryani Yemeni Scholarship Fund. If you would like to donate directly, please visit the AIYS website: https://www.aiys.org/join-donate-1
Thank you for your support. It will make a difference while keeping Juris’ legacy alive!
Organizer
Lynne Newton
Organizer
Corrales, NM
American Institute for Yemeni Studies
Beneficiary