RIYADH: Whereas a part of Saudi Arabia’s hidden historical past nonetheless awaits to be found beneath the sands, the secrets and techniques of an historic path are uncovered with the assistance of archaeologists, one rock at a time.

The Zubaida Path, also referred to as the Kufi Pilgrimage Route, is a historic path that stretches over 1,600 km from Kufa in Iraq to Mecca. The previous route was as soon as a typical commerce route in pre-Islamic occasions and was later utilized by devotees after the unfold of Islam.
Not too long ago, a collection of dig websites have been constructed on the path, notably within the Hail space. Archaeologists are set to uncover the painstakingly designed route that after served 1000’s of pilgrims annually.
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism just lately gave the inexperienced gentle to archaeologists from Hail College, in addition to a number of international specialists, to start exploration and excavation at websites in Fayd and Al-Bayyaith.

Dr Khalil Al-Ibrahim, rector of Hail College, informed Arab Information that the college’s Division of Tourism and Archeology has signed a number of agreements with the Ministry of Tourism to discover the untapped archaeological websites of the area.

“Many Islamic cities and archaeological websites on the Zubaida Path in Hail haven’t been explored or excavated. There may be an abundance of data and archaeological stays hidden beneath the world, ”Al-Ibrahim mentioned. “Varied archaeological websites, together with heritage cities, have been found prior to now, along with rock carvings courting again 10,000 years, burial mounds, wells, rock statues, pottery, glass, minerals and currencies. “

Preliminary explorations and surveys have been just lately undertaken in Hail together with the Hail Area Heritage and Tourism Board, which represents the ministry. The college’s division is at present working with its counterpart at King Saud College on excavation work within the historic city of Fayd.

Senior college students from each departments additionally obtain coaching on the websites, Al-Ibrahim mentioned. A number of international archaeologists, together with Australians, have expressed a want to work on the Hail websites, he added.

Al-Ibrahim mentioned the Saudi authorities attaches nice significance to archeology and has revamped the Kingdom’s heritage regulation and preservation applications to avoid wasting historic websites.
Hail has important archaeological websites that date again to totally different historic durations, together with the pre-Islamic period, with historic instruments, buildings, burial mounds and carvings belonging to the Thamud civilization being found, he mentioned. added.
“I am not exaggerating once I say that the archeology of Hail is extra distinctive and totally different from that present in different components of the Kingdom, particularly the rock carvings, that are plentiful and plentiful in Hail, and are just like museums which provide you with a peek at historic historical past. A number of the websites have been registered with UNESCO, like Jubbah and Al-Shuwaymis, that are filled with rock carvings, ”Al-Ibrahim mentioned.
The college’s archeology division has excavated rock carvings within the space and located work courting again to the Bronze Age. This discovery is believed to be the primary of its sort within the Arabian Peninsula.
Though excavation work on Fayd is in its eighth 12 months, college archaeologists have just lately been given state-of-the-art gear and a laboratory to proceed to discover, analyze the carvings, and conduct analysis in additional element.
The Saudi authorities has additionally arrange archaeological analysis facilities and drafted legal guidelines to facilitate the work of international specialists within the Kingdom. Greater than 20 international tasks are at present working in Saudi Arabia to be taught concerning the Kingdom’s wealthy historical past.
Al-Ibrahim, who obtained his doctorate. from Durham College within the UK, mentioned: “Archeology requires collective effort and collaboration with international archaeological missions because it brings educational advantages to college students and school, serving to them to hone their abilities. abilities.
“Hail College is eager to present college students the chance to work with international archeology missions. The division will quickly signal a collaboration settlement with the Australian archaeological mission for this goal.
“One of many necessities for commencement is to have expertise in archaeological excavation and exploration. Because of this the division sends coaching college students for a full semester to Fayd, the place they find out about surveying, restoration, report writing and different abilities underneath the supervision of specialists who’re conversant in the sphere. historic and Islamic archeology.
“The college additionally permits college students to take part in coaching programs supplied by international missions on exploration and excavation.”