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Abstract
This article examines the social imaginaries of the Yemeni diaspora in Cairo, focusing on how nostalgia for a pre-conflict Yemen, transnational ties, and the persistence of social hierarchies shape their lived experiences. These imaginaries serve as reminders of Yemen’s deep-seated social, political, and economic disparities, reflecting unresolved tensions among its various factions and communities. Cairo’s cultural and historical ties with Yemen have made it a hub for the preservation of national identity, reinforcing established power structures and nostalgic reproductions of an old Yemen. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and qualitative interviews, the study unpacks the intricate cultural and political dynamics of this particular Yemeni diasporic community. Through an analysis of two key events—the 33rd anniversary celebration of Yemen’s unification and the “Light of Art” exhibition—it reveals how traditional power structures perpetuate dominant narratives. These narratives, while offering moments of cultural expression, constrain opportunities for reimagining Yemen’s fractured socio-political landscape and highlight the complex interplay of nostalgia, resilience, and inequality within the diaspora.
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