The Department of Tourism and Archaeology in Umm Al Quwain has been conducting archaeological activities at the site of Siniya Island for the fourth consecutive season. The excavation works have focused on the Siniya Monastery and Pearling town, aiming to deepen the understanding of the region’s cultural and archaeological history. The department has been collaborating with local and international partners to preserve the identity of the region.
Rania Hussein Kannouma, the Acting Director of the Department of Archaeological and Heritage, highlighted that this year’s excavation season lasted for 9 weeks, starting from January and continuing until March. The discoveries made during this season include stone houses clustered around narrow alleys, indicating the island’s rich architectural history over different time periods. The commitment to continue archaeological work is essential to understand the island’s civilization while preserving and maintaining these historical buildings for sustainability.
Dr. Michele Degli Esposti, the Head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm Al Qaiwain, explained the chronological sequence of the Pearling town based on the archaeological findings. Excavations in both the northern and southern parts of the settlement revealed pottery vessels dating back to different centuries, suggesting an earlier timeline for the city than previously thought. The presence of imported jars from Mesopotamia with Aramaic letters further adds to the historical significance of the site.
Prof. Robert Hoyland from New York University highlighted the discovery of large jars imported from Mesopotamia at the Pearling town site, indicating its importance as a focal point for residents during the 1st to 4th centuries AD. The historical evidence points to the city being a flourishing hub following the archaeological site of (ed-Dur) in the 4th and 5th centuries AD. The presence of Nestorian monks establishing a Christian monastery further emphasizes the city’s significance during that time.
The Department’s focus on implementing strategies and activities related to archaeology demonstrates its commitment to preserving the emirate’s historical heritage and protecting archaeological sites and finds. The discovery of the Siniya Monastery site and the Pearling town showcases the island’s role as a meeting point for civilizations and a global connection point. The invaluable archaeological wealth found at these sites contributes to understanding the region’s past and cultural significance. Archaeologists continue to explore and uncover more historical information to enrich the knowledge of the area’s history.
