Qatar Museums (QM) has invited the public to delve into the history of the Early Islamic period with exclusive visits to the Ain Mohammed Archaeological Site. As part of the “Landscapes of Faith” project's second season, these opportunities aim to offer an immersive experience into the ongoing excavations at Ain Mohammed and Mesaika.
Qatar has an unusually high number of sites of the Early Islamic period, mostly scattered through the deserts of the north, but also found in central and southern Qatar, 30 of which have been identified by archaeologists. These two public open days offer an opportunity to visit one of these sites, Ain Mohammed.
Dr Robert Carter, director of the project from QM, will guide visitors through the excavation at Ain Mohammed, showcasing newly discovered structures and artifacts. This unique opportunity promises an insightful narrative into the historical significance and ongoing discoveries at the site.
“Landscapes of Faith” addresses pivotal questions surrounding Qatar's archaeological heritage, aiming to unravel the reasons behind the concentration of these sites and deciphering the lifestyle of its past inhabitants. This project is spearheading an exploration into the lives, economic activities, connectivity with the world, and the resilience of the inhabitants amidst the harsh Qatari desert.
Beyond the excavation at Ain Mohammed, visitors will have the chance to explore the nearby Unesco World Heritage Archaeological Site Al Zubarah and experience Olafur Eliasson’s artwork, Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day. Accessible via a convenient boardwalk, these locations offer a comprehensive journey through Qatar's historical and artistic landscapes.
The site visit to Ain Mohammed will take place on December 2 and 9 from 9am to 12pm, with tours starting around 9am, 10am and 11am.
To reserve, visit https://qm.org.qa/en/calendar/open-days-ain-mohammed-tours/. The visits are open to all and are free of charge. Participants are advised to wear comfortable closed shoes, such as sneakers, for the excursion and carry a reusable water bottle for their convenience.
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