The Muhamashin: Yemen's Untouchable Caste (25 images)

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  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.An Akhdam man works in his shop that is also his home..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen."Akhdam" children in the streets of the Mahwa Aser slum..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.An Akhdam street cleaner walks through the alleyways of the Mahwa Aser slum with his daughter..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.A young "Akhdam" child defecates outside the front door of his families home..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.An Akhdam man stands outside his small house while his wife stands on the roof..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.A sick Akhdam boy lies on the dirty floor of his families small home. 8 people share the space which measures less than 10'x10'.Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.An Akhdam man yells at his daughter as she blocks the TV in their home which consists of one room measuring less than 10'x10'.Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Homes in the Akhdam district of Mahwa Aser are built out of cinder blocks and refuse, often stacked on top of one another as the problem of overcrowding grows..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.The Mahwa Aser Akhdam community is built on trash strewn government land on the outskirts of Sana'a. .Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.An Akhdam man chews Qat and plays with his daughter in his home..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Akhdam women walk through the narrow alleyways in the Mahwa Aser slum..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen."Akhdam" youth sit in their small, underground one room home in the Mahwa Aser slum in Sana'a, Yemen. .Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Akhdam women sell small goods out of a small store in the Mahwa Aser slum..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.An "Akhdam" man chews qat, a mild amphetamine on the doorstep of his one room, semi-underground home in the Mahwa Aser slum in Sana'a, Yemen..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.The Akhdam community in Mawha Aser has no sewar sytem, so refuse and human waste sit stagnant in the streets, creating a breeding ground for disease..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Although the Akhdam serve as the cities street cleaners and garbage men, the city has so far denied the Mahwa Aser community a trash service of their own. Garbage and human waste litter the area surrounding the shanty town..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Although the Akhdam serve as the cities street cleaners and garbage men, the city has so far denied the Mahwa Aser community a trash service of their own. Garbage and human waste litter the area surrounding the shanty town..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.With just one clinic in the area, and no running water, children face a broad spectrum of simple diseases like diahrea, that become chronic due to poor hygiene and can ultimate lead to death if left untreated..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.A young Akhdam girl stands in the trash strewn area surrounding Mahwa Aser's water tanks..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.A young Akhdam girl stands in the trash strewn area surrounding Mahwa Aser's water tanks..Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

  • 1/14/2008 Sana'a, Yemen.Akhdam men sit in their small home chewing Qat at night. .Although they are Yemeni citizens, the Akhdam, identified by their African features, live in the absolute margins of Yemeni society. Similar to the untouchables of India's caste-system, the Akhdam?commonly believed to be descended from Ethiopian conquerers who came to Yemen in times predating Islam?are barred through open discrimination from most professional jobs. Many work as street cleaners, without the government benefits offered to other civil servants which they are legally entitled to under Yemeni law. Victims of racial discrimination, the Akhdam were recently accused in the local media of eating their dead, or alternatively burying them under the floors of their homes. However, despite the discrimination, and the absolute squalor many Akhdam find themselves living in, a large number of them believe that it is their destiny to live such marginalized lives. ..

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