Latest Archaeological Discoveries Offer More Information on Oman’s Past

His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, minister of heritage and culture, yesterday presided over the launch ceremony of Omani heritage website enlisted in the World Heritage list.

The launching ceremony, held at the office of HM the Sultan adviser for cultural affairs, was attended by Sayyid Ali bin Hamoud bin Ali Al Busaidi, minister of the Diwan of Royal Court; Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Rowas, HM the Sultan adviser for cultural affairs; Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim bin A’amir Al Rowas, minister of regional municipalities and water resources and other officials.

Sayyid Haitham, while expressing satisfaction over the launch of this website, affirmed that the constant and new archaeological discoveries in the Sultanate reflect the historic and cultural status of the country.

In a statement, Sayyid Haitham hailed the efforts undertaken by the Office of HM the Sultan adviser for cultural affairs and the vital role played by it. The minister also praised the efforts undertaken by the Sultanate to maintain the historic and heritage sites.

He pointed out that the Omani archaeological findings usher in a new reign of the archaeological findings in the Dhofar governorate.

“They are important archaeological findings that were lost in the past. With continuous work by the archaeologists, these monuments will soon be unveiled. The office of HM the Sultan adviser for cultural affairs will document these findings in the World Heritage list. This is a new thing added to the other sites that have been already recorded,” the minister explained.

Excavation works

Sayyid Haitham pointed out that these sites reflect the Sultanate’s historic status throughout history, which goes back to the pre-and post Islamic eras. The Sultanate continues its efforts to document these sites, he added.

The ceremony included a presentation on some of the archaeological sites and the work progress. Professor Elindra Afzine, chairperson of the Italian mission from Piza University spoke about Salout archaeological site in the wilayat of Bahla in Al Dakhiliyah region.

The commission is undertaking excavation works since 2004.

She added that Salout archaeological site is a plateau rich of heritage sites that date back to the early bronze age. She stressed that the area has been surveyed by a number of scientific missions since the 70s and that a team from Birmingham University is currently undertaking a project at the site.

She also spoke about Khur Ruri Samarham archaeological site in the Dhofar governorate, pointing out that the restoration works is going on by using materials that meet the requirements and laws of the Unesco and Icomos.

She said that Samarham was a small city, not more than one hectare. — www.timesofoman.com