Latest news with #SouthArabian
Yemen Online
6 days ago
- Business
- Yemen Online
Rare Yemeni Cylinder Seal Displayed and Sold at US
A rare Yemeni cylinder seal, believed to date back to the first century BC, was recently showcased and sold at a prominent art auction in New York City, drawing attention from archaeologists and cultural heritage advocates. The artifact, made of electrum gold and engraved with Musnad inscriptions, was part of a private collection acquired by Fortuna Fine Arts Ltd.. According to Yemeni antiquities expert Abdullah Mohsen, the seal features an octagonal design, capped ends, and a hanging hole, making it a unique example of ancient South Arabian craftsmanship. The sale has reignited debate over the smuggling and commercialization of Yemeni antiquities, especially amid ongoing conflict and weak enforcement of cultural protection laws. Reports indicate that thousands of Yemeni artifacts have been trafficked and sold in Western countries over the past decade, with many ending up in museums and private collections. Yemeni authorities and international organizations have called for stronger measures to halt illicit antiquities trade, urging the repatriation of stolen cultural items and the preservation of Yemen's rich archaeological legacy.
Yemen Online
25-06-2025
- General
- Yemen Online
Rare Yemeni Artifact to Be Auctioned in Spain
A rare piece of Yemen's ancient heritage is set to go under the hammer this Thursday at a prestigious international art auction in Barcelona, Spain, drawing concern from cultural preservation advocates and historians. The artifact, a funerary stele from the ancient Qataban civilization, dates back to between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE. It features a prominent bull's head carved in high relief, symbolizing strength and fertility in ancient South Arabian culture. The piece also bears an inscription in Musnad script, though experts have noted irregularities in the text that raise questions about its authenticity or possible restoration. The stele is part of a private European collection and will be featured in the summer auction hosted by Templum Fine Arts, which includes a wide array of antiquities, jewelry, and contemporary artworks. The auction has sparked criticism from Yemeni researchers and activists, who argue that the artifact may have been illegally smuggled out of Yemen, and are calling for its repatriation. Yemeni heritage expert Abdullah Mohsen commented on the sale with sharp irony, lamenting the contrast between the bull's symbolic power and what he described as the 'lazy bulls' of today's institutions failing to protect national treasures.
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
Long-serving Saudi-French archaeological mission ends tenure after 20 years in Farasan Islands
Saudi Gazette report JAZAN — The Saudi Heritage Commission has concluded a joint archaeological excavation with France in the Farasan Islands, unveiling new discoveries that shed light on the region's ancient human settlements and strategic role in Red Sea maritime trade. Conducted in collaboration with Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the fieldwork targeted key archaeological sites at Al-Qassar, Al-Ghureen, and Wadi Shami. The mission aimed to study burial sites, trace settlement phases, and understand the historical context of human activity in the southern Red Sea archipelago. The expedition included archaeology and anthropology experts, along with students from Saudi universities and Paris 1, as part of a supervised field training program. The Saudi-French partnership began in 2005 with a comprehensive survey and documentation of architectural structures across Farasan. Since then, successive excavation campaigns from 2011 to 2024 have led to significant discoveries, including remains from the Bronze Age, evidence of South Arabian kingdoms, watchtowers, and industrial installations believed to be remnants of a 2nd-century BCE military camp used to monitor and protect maritime trade routes. These discoveries underscore Farasan's pivotal role in connecting ancient civilizations of South Arabia and the Mediterranean, as reflected in the spread of human settlements and prehistoric shell mounds across the islands. The Heritage Commission continues to advance archaeological research and preservation through broad international collaborations, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's presence on the global archaeological map and contributing to the goals of sustainable cultural development.
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Public Libraries set for diverse cultural programme
As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) will roll out a comprehensive cultural programme from May to July 2025. The agenda features a curated lineup of seminars, literary discussions and expert-led activities, organised in collaboration with leading cultural institutions across the emirate. The events form part of SPL's flagship initiatives, 'Institutional Collaboration' and 'Authors Spotlight,' aimed at enriching the public's engagement with knowledge, heritage and the written word. The opening event in the 'Institutional Collaboration' series, 'Reviving Forgotten Pages,' will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. Organised in partnership with the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage and the Sharjah Museums Authority, the event features a panel discussion titled 'The Home Library: Promoting Reading and Organising Books.' The session will explore the cultural value of home libraries, emphasising their role in preserving literary heritage and fostering regular reading habits. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops under the title 'Book Clinic,' offering practical guidance on cleaning, preserving and rebinding old books. The event will conclude with a cultural tour of the museum, featuring an immersive experience in ancient writing techniques using clay and the South Arabian Musnad script. SPL will host 'The Cultural Message' on Wednesday, July 30, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Holy Quran Academy, in collaboration with Al Qasimia University. The event will explore Islamic civilisation's intellectual and scientific legacy and its influence on global progress. Discussions will cover the contributions of Muslim scholars to fields such as medicine, astronomy and mathematics, the enduring cultural impact of Islamic heritage, and the values of coexistence and tolerance. The programme also features a specialised workshop on Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation, offering participants a rich and immersive cultural experience. On Tuesday, July 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, SPL will conclude its 'Institutional Collaboration' series with a literary event titled 'Horizons of Writers and Poets – Echoes of Modernity,' held at the House of Wisdom. Targeting adults and youth aged 14 to 18, the seminar will explore the evolution of contemporary Arabic poetry through a blend of panel discussions, interactive workshops and a live poetry reading. The event will feature four poets from different generations, presenting a dynamic and multi-layered portrayal of modern Arabic verse. SPL will also host a panel discussion as part of the 'Authors Spotlight' series, which showcases influential literary and intellectual voices from the Arab world. Scheduled for Saturday, July 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, the session will feature acclaimed Iraqi novelist Ali Bader in a conversation moderated by Dr Amina Al Hashimi. The discussion will explore key moments in Bader's literary career, with particular attention to his works addressing themes of exile and identity, such as 'Papa Sartre.' Earlier this year, SPL hosted the 'Exhibition of the Lens of Literary Beginnings' from April 21 to May 4, collaborating with the Emirates Writers and Authors Union. The exhibition provided an interactive journey through the early creative experiences of Emirati writers, featuring digital displays highlighting their biographies and debut works. Visitors also had the opportunity to use vintage typewriters to write motivational messages encouraging reading, while enjoying a compact cultural cafe that added a warm, literary ambience to the experience. In an interactive touch, the exhibition invited visitors to write their own messages about reading on a vintage typewriter, offering a personal connection to the literary journey. A mini cultural café further enhanced the experience, offering a space for reflection and fostering a lively literary atmosphere.
Sharjah 24
20-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SPL marks centennial with three-month cultural programme
The events form part of SPL's flagship initiatives, 'Institutional Collaboration' and 'Authors Spotlight', aimed at enriching the public's engagement with knowledge, heritage and the written word. Reviving forgotten pages – May 29 The opening event in the 'Institutional Collaboration' series, 'Reviving Forgotten Pages', will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. Organised in partnership with the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage and the Sharjah Museums Authority, the event features a panel discussion titled 'The Home Library: Promoting Reading and Organising Books'. The session will explore the cultural value of home libraries, emphasising their role in preserving literary heritage and fostering regular reading habits. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops under the title 'Book Clinic', offering practical guidance on cleaning, preserving and rebinding old books. The event will conclude with a cultural tour of the museum, featuring an immersive experience in ancient writing techniques using clay and the South Arabian Musnad script. The cultural message – July 30 SPL will host 'The Cultural Message' on Wednesday, July 30, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Holy Quran Academy, in collaboration with Al Qasimia University. The event will explore Islamic civilisation's intellectual and scientific legacy and its influence on global progress. Discussions will cover the contributions of Muslim scholars to fields such as medicine, astronomy and mathematics, the enduring cultural impact of Islamic heritage, and the values of coexistence and tolerance. The programme also features a specialised workshop on Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation, offering participants a rich and immersive cultural experience. Horizons of writers and poets – July 29 On Tuesday, July 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, SPL will conclude its 'Institutional Collaboration' series with a literary event titled 'Horizons of Writers and Poets – Echoes of Modernity', held at the House of Wisdom. Targeting adults and youth aged 14 to 18, the seminar will explore the evolution of contemporary Arabic poetry through a blend of panel discussions, interactive workshops and a live poetry reading. The event will feature four poets from different generations, presenting a dynamic and multi-layered portrayal of modern Arabic verse. 'Authors Spotlight' ... a journey through pioneering voices SPL will also host a panel discussion as part of the 'Authors Spotlight' series, which showcases influential literary and intellectual voices from the Arab world. Scheduled for Saturday, July 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, the session will feature acclaimed Iraqi novelist Ali Bader in a conversation moderated by Dr Amina Al Hashimi. The discussion will explore key moments in Bader's literary career, with particular attention to his works addressing themes of exile and identity, such as 'Papa Sartre'. Earlier this year, SPL hosted the 'Exhibition of the Lens of Literary Beginnings' from April 21 to May 4, collaborating with the Emirates Writers and Authors Union. The exhibition provided an interactive journey through the early creative experiences of Emirati writers, featuring digital displays highlighting their biographies and debut works. Visitors also had the opportunity to use vintage typewriters to write motivational messages encouraging reading, while enjoying a compact cultural cafe that added a warm, literary ambience to the experience.
