Everything you want to know about Die DeutschJemenitische Gesellschaft e.V. (DJG)
Origins and a half-century of history
The association was founded on 27 July 1970 in Schwabach near Nuremberg by journalists and intellectuals, including Joseph U. Graf and Rudolf E. Bollinger, driven by a strong desire to strengthen cultural and knowledge-based ties between Germany and Yemen after the end of the civil war in North Yemen (de.wikipedia.org).
It began as a small association, then grew rapidly after Yemen’s unification in 1990, when members from a similar organization in former East Germany joined—turning DJG into an organized platform for friendship and civic exchange between the two countries.
A longstanding mission and vision
For more than fifty years, the association has operated as a non-profit civic organization focused on:
Promoting cultural and academic exchange between Yemen and Germany.
Publishing “JemenReport” twice a year— a specialized journal featuring studies and research on Yemen, subject to academic peer review (instagram.com, de.wikipedia.org).
Organizing cultural and artistic events such as photography workshops, literary evenings, and discussion forums on the identity of contemporary Yemen.
Encouraging scholarly engagement with researchers and interested audiences through seminars, courses, and joint research projects.
Governance structure and membership
The executive board is elected every four years and is supported by an advisory council (Beirat) specializing in various fields such as literature, history, agriculture, environment, and health.
The association is managed from its main headquarters in Freiburg, while regular activities are hosted across different cities to engage wider audiences.
Membership is open to anyone interested in Yemen and Germany, including researchers, cultural enthusiasts, and supporters of development initiatives—ensuring diversity in perspectives and expertise.
Key activities and projects
JemenReport: A cultural and academic publication that tracks scientific, social, and cultural developments related to Yemen and is issued twice a year (de.wikipedia.org).
Annual gatherings: Periodic meetings in various German cities, enabling open dialogue on research, development, and cultural freedoms.
Workshops and exhibitions: The association has created cultural momentum by supporting Yemeni photographers in Germany; their talents were hosted in Berlin in 2023.
Active partnerships: It is part of a network with organizations such as DAJV and regional Yemen associations, and it also connects with diplomatic institutions like the Yemeni embassy.
Future outlook and humanitarian contributions
The association aims to expand its network with German universities and support research initiatives on modern Yemen and development pathways.
Civic friendship programs: It hopes to establish exchange trips and volunteer projects that strengthen direct connections between Yemen and Germany.
Its work is not limited to culture; it is sometimes linked to humanitarian activities through projects that foster cooperation with governmental bodies and charitable organizations.
Conclusion
Die DeutschJemenitische Gesellschaft e.V. (DJG) stands as a living example of a longstanding cultural relationship between two different countries. Through its structured work, peer-reviewed publications, and artistic and knowledge-based projects, it contributes to building a civic space rooted in dialogue and participation.
It is an ideal gateway for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Yemen and looking to build a bridge of mutual understanding based on shared values and horizons of academic and cultural exchange.
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