Five Emirati archaeological sites added to ISESCO’s list of Islamic tangible heritage

ABU DHABI, 15th February, 2017 (WAM) – The Ministry of Culture announced the inclusion of five archaeological sites from the UAE on the list of the tangible heritage of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), during the work of the thirteenth session of the Heritage Committee of the Islamic World, held in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The Emirati sites that were included on ISESCO’s list included the Saruq Al-Hadid site in the Emirate of Dubai, and four sites in the Emirate of Sharjah: the Al-Faya site in the Central Region, the historical towers and forts in Khor Fakkan, the Al-Nahwah area, and Wadi Al-Hilu.

His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, said that the inclusion of these new sites on the list of tangible heritage in the Islamic world is a new achievement that reflects the depth of the country’s cultural heritage and its keenness to protect and preserve its historical sites, and confirms its position as an active and influential member in the efforts led by ISESCO to preserve heritage in the Islamic world.

His Excellency added that the Ministry will continue to work to enhance the presence of Emirati heritage on international lists, by documenting our historical sites and supporting initiatives that enhance the sustainability of heritage and its protection for future generations.

His Excellency appreciated the efforts of the work teams in the Ministry, led by the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, for its pivotal role in coordination and follow-up with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), in addition to the efforts of the Ministry’s partners, led by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the Sharjah Antiquities Authority.

The Saruq Al-Hadid site in the Emirate of Dubai is considered one of the most prominent archaeological sites, as it is located in the Dubai desert, about 95 kilometers from the city. Its discovery dates back to the year 2002, when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him,” noticed, during a flight, black traces in the sand dunes, which later turned out to be the remains of metal slag resulting from ancient smelting operations.

Archaeological studies indicate that the site dates back to the Early Bronze Age (2600 BC), and its activity continued until the Late Iron Age (550 BC), making it one of the richest mining and mineral industry sites in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula.

Excavations revealed thousands of artifacts, including bronze, pottery, and stone tools, various weapons, gold and silver artifacts, seals, and beads, in addition to metal models of snakes, confirming the site’s status as an advanced industrial center for metal smelting during the Iron Age.

In the Emirate of Sharjah, ISESCO included the “Prehistoric Cultural Landscape of Al Faya” site, which is considered one of the most important World Heritage sites in the region and an exceptional witness to early human settlement, along with the Wadi Al Hilo site located in the Eastern Province, which is considered the oldest witness to copper mining in the Bronze Age on the Arabian Peninsula during the transitional period from the Neolithic Age.

The site is considered an integral testimony to the development of local copper mining techniques, and the relationship of the ancient inhabitants of the valley with the environment through their adaptation to the geological and geographical factors of the site.

The valley contains rock engravings dating back to the Bronze Age and the ruins of historical villages, making it a living example of the integration of natural and cultural heritage, and an ideal tourist destination for environmental activities such as mountain walking and camping.

The organization also included the historical towers and forts in Khor Fakkan, which represent an integrated defense system that reflects the strategic importance of the city over the centuries, and includes the Portuguese Castle and the Adwani Tower.

These fortifications played a pivotal role in protecting the port, and are a living witness to the development of castle architecture from the fourteenth to the twentieth centuries.

The importance of the Portuguese castle is evident in the fact that it is the only triangular castle that still exists in eastern Arabia to this day.

The “Al-Nahwah” area, located south of Khor Fakkan, was also included on the ISESCO list due to its unique archaeological and cultural value. The area includes rock inscriptions dating back to multiple time periods, from the Bronze Age to modern times.

These inscriptions were documented using advanced three-dimensional digital techniques, as part of scientific efforts aimed at preserving and sustaining this human heritage.

This new listing comes as a continuation of the UAE’s journey to strengthen its presence on heritage lists in the Islamic world, as a number of Emirati sites have previously been included in the prominent list, including the settlement and cemetery of Umm Al Nar Island in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Sabkha, Dubai Creek, Sharjah, the gateway to the Trucial States, Sir Bu Nair Island, the cultural landscape of the central region in the Emirate of Sharjah, the Al Dur site in Umm Al Quwain, and Al Bidiyah Mosque in Fujairah, in addition to three other sites in The emirate of Sharjah is Dibba Al-Hisn Fort, Fili Fort, and Wadi Shees.

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