Latest news with #MemoryoftheWorldProgramme
Daily Tribune
25-04-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
Cuneiform inscriptions
In a milestone achievement, that underscores Bahrain's deep-rooted cultural legacy, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has announced the inscription of the file 'Cuneiform Inscriptions of the Kings of Dilmun on Stone Vessels (circa 1700 BCE)' in UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme for the first time. BACA said that this recognition reflects international acknowledgment of the exceptional historical value of these artefacts and highlights Bahrain's pivotal role in human history. The significance of these inscriptions lies in their documentation of a royal dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Dilmun during the second millennium BCE. They mark a critical development in the use of cuneiform writing in the southern region of the Fertile Crescent, offering greater clarity on one of the world's earliest civilisations.
Gulf Insider
25-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain's Dilmun Inscriptions Added to UNESCO Register
In a milestone achievement, that underscores Bahrain's deep-rooted cultural legacy, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has announced the inscription of the file 'Cuneiform Inscriptions of the Kings of Dilmun on Stone Vessels (circa 1700 BCE)' in UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme for the first time. BACA said that this recognition reflects international acknowledgment of the exceptional historical value of these artefacts and highlights Bahrain's pivotal role in human history. The significance of these inscriptions lies in their documentation of a royal dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Dilmun during the second millennium BCE. They mark a critical development in the use of cuneiform writing in the southern region of the Fertile Crescent, offering greater clarity on one of the world's earliest civilisations. The submission includes four rare stone fragments, carved from soft stone materials steatite and chlorite originally intended for use in the royal palace, and possibly also used during formal burial rituals. These vessels were discovered at two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bahrain: the Dilmun Burial Mounds in A'ali and Qal'at al-Bahrain. The inscriptions engraved on these artefacts reference 'the palace of Yagli-El, son of Rimum, servant of Inzak of Agarum.' These texts represent rare evidence of an Amorite royal lineage that ruled Dilmun, confirming the political and cultural links with the Mesopotamian civilisations of that era. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the vessels were used in the royal palace shortly before the burial of King Yagli-El, supporting the hypothesis that they were subsequently transferred to his tomb as part of funerary rites. Dilmun: From myth to history Dilmun has long been referenced in Sumerian and Akkadian texts as a pure, radiant land an esteemed sacred space rich in fresh water, commerce, and eternal life. It is mentioned in some of Mesopotamia's oldest myths, including Enki and Ninhursag and The Epic of Gilgamesh. Mesopotamian sources also describe Dilmun as a key hub for trade between Mesopotamia and the East, exporting copper, wood, pearls, dates, and other goods that sustained the Sumerian economy for decades. A discovery that reshaped understanding of the ancient world For decades, Dilmun was known only through ancient texts. However, archaeological missions that began in the late 19th century culminating in groundbreaking Danish excavations in the 1950s confirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is the very land described in the writings of ancient Mesopotamian kings and priests. Today, archaeological research affirms that the Kingdom of Dilmun, whose capital was located on the island of Bahrain, extended from the northern Gulf to its western shores, serving as a central nexus between ancient Eastern civilisations. This central role is vividly illustrated through these unique cuneiform inscriptions. UNESCO launched the Memory of the World Programme in 1992 to address the growing threats to the world's documentary heritage. The programme seeks to safeguard this heritage and ensure its continued existence as a reliable source of knowledge and a means of preserving cultural identity by facilitating its collection, conservation, and accessibility. The initiative identifies documents of global significance and records them in the Memory of the World Register, raising awareness of their importance and ensuring their preservation for future generations. It also promotes international cooperation among nations and institutions to support the protection of manuscripts, archives, and audiovisual materials that form an integral part of the shared heritage of humanity. Also read: Bahrain to Host FIBA Congress and 2025 Hall of Fame Ceremony
Observer
19-04-2025
- Science
- Observer
Ancient Omani manuscript enters UNESCO programme
MUSCAT: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) has included the Omani manuscript Al Nuniyah Al Kubra (The Great Nuniyah) written by Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid, to the UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme as the second Omani manuscript to be listed in the programme. Al Nuniyah Al Kubra is one of the most important Omani manuscripts in the field of navigation and oceanography. It documents valuable information about the movement of ships and international shipping lines in ancient times. Scholars before Ahmad ibn Majid divided the Earth into seven regions in the northern hemisphere before Ahmad ibn Majid's Al Nuniyah Al Kubra added seven more regions in the southern hemisphere. The manuscript was written by Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid. The manuscript constitutes a human heritage presenting realistic images of the communities encountered by the author and his crew during their voyages. It provides a detailed description of the marine environment and its creatures, including whales, coral reefs and ancient ship anchoring methods. The Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid al Saadi was born on the coast of Oman in 1421 CE and died in 1500 CE. He developed the compass and left a scientific legacy of more than 40 works including Al Nuniyah Al Kubra a copy of which is preserved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. In 2021, UNESCO included the Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid to its programmes for the fiftieth and centenary commemorations of historical events and influential figures in the world. — ONA
Muscat Daily
19-04-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Omani navigator Ibn Majid's manuscript added to Unesco list
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Unesco has inscribed Nuniyah al Kubra (The Great Nuniyah), a manuscript by the 15th century Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid ibn Muhammad al Sa'di, in its Memory of the World Programme marking the second such recognition for an Omani manuscript. Considered one of the most significant Omani contributions to navigation and marine science, the manuscript contains detailed information on ancient shipping routes and maritime geography. While earlier scholars limited their division of the Earth to seven regions in the northern hemisphere, Ibn Majid expanded the concept by adding seven regions in the southern hemisphere. The Great Nuniyah also documents societies encountered by Ibn Majid and his crew, along with observations of marine environments and life. The manuscript also features anchoring techniques used during voyages. Ibn Majid was born in 1421 and died in 1500. He based his maritime activities out of Ras al Hadd and is credited with advancements in navigational tools, including developments in the magnetic compass. In 2017, Oman's first manuscript to be inscribed was The Mine of Secrets in Oceanography by navigator Nasser bin Ali al Khadouri.
Times of Oman
19-04-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Omani manuscripts included in the prestigious international registry
Muscat: UNESCO has officially added the Omani manuscripts 'Al-Nuniya Al-Kubra' by mariner Ahmad bin Majid to its Memory of the World Programme. This marks the second Omani manuscript to be included in the prestigious international registry. 'Al-Nuniya Al-Kubra' is one of Oman's most significant manuscripts in navigation and marine sciences. It documents valuable information about ancient shipping routes and vessel movements. While earlier scientists divided the Earth into seven regions in the northern hemisphere, the manuscript expanded the knowledge base by introducing seven more regions in the southern hemisphere. The manuscript holds immense cultural and human value as it presents realistic depictions of communities encountered by the author and his crew during their voyages. It provides detailed descriptions of the marine environment, its creatures such as whales and snakes, and coral reefs, along with methods for anchoring ships. Born in Oman in 1421 and passed away in 1500, Ahmad bin Majid pioneered advancements in navigation, including the development of the magnetic needle (compass). His legacy includes over 40 works, notably "Al-Nuniya Al-Kubra," with an original copy preserved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. In 2021, UNESCO honoured Ahmad bin Majid in its programme commemorating influential historical figures. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, established in 1992, aims to preserve and protect documentary heritage from decay or loss due to social unrest, instability, looting, or natural factors like heat and humidity over time. It encompasses diverse heritage forms, including manuscripts, libraries, national archives, audiovisual recordings, cinematic films, and photographs. Oman first succeeded in including a manuscript in 2017 with "Ma'dan Al-Asrar fi 'Ilm Al-Bihar" by navigator Nasser bin Ali Al-Khudouri.
