The Department of Tourism and Archeology in Umm Al Quwain announced the latest developments in its third season of archaeological excavations on the island of Al-Siniya, indicating the island’s ancient pearl-fishing city in the Arabian Gulf. Dated from the late sixth century to the mid-eighth century AD. The city is located near an ancient Christian (Der al-Sinia) monastery discovered last year.
Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mulla, head of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities, confirmed that the discovery is of great significance as pearl hunting has been an essential part and source of history in Umm Al Quwain, the UAE and the Arabian Gulf. livelihood and an essential part of the country’s heritage for more than seven thousand years.
The pearl-fishing town discovered on Al-Sinia Island covers an area of 12 hectares and differs from what was discovered during an archaeological excavation organized in 2023, explained Rania Khanoma, head of the department’s antiquities department. Excavation season.
Advances in research and archaeological excavations indicate that the city was one of the largest surviving urban communities in the emirates, comparable to the prosperity of the city of Zulbar in Ras Al-Khaimah during the Middle Ages. Time.
In addition, the discovery of a large area of open and neglected oyster beds confirms that the people who lived at that time built their houses next to the pearl fishing settlement, as pearls were considered the main industry of the city. A number of pearls have been found in the wastes and excavations opposite the town and a “bath” dating back more than 1,300 years is clear evidence that pearl diving was an important activity in the region.
During the excavation season, excavations revealed the presence of buildings of various design and architectural structure, some of which were one-roomed and some of them two-roomed, with additional multi-roomed and several large buildings discovered. The houses, separated by multiple patios, are built from local beach rocks, traditional materials from the surrounding environment of the city, and the roofs are made from palm fronds.
Research and excavation work is planned to continue on Al Xenia Island, an important project for the study of the history of the emirate, by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the United Arab Emirates University, the Italian Archaeological Mission and the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University.
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