QM to host open days at archaeology sites

Qatar Museums' (QM) Archaeology Department has announce a series of open days on Feb 15 and March 1 and 15, at two significant archaeological excavation sites, Ain Mohammed and Mesaika, in northern Qatar.

The events will offer the public unique opportunities to explore the archaeological sites which are part of the 'Landscapes of Faith' research project.

The open days, running from 9am to 12noon on each date, will feature guided tours at 10am and 11am, allowing visitors to engage directly with archaeologists and learn about recent discoveries. Visitors will have the opportunity to try their hand at excavation and see archaeological finds up close.

Faisal al-Naimi, director of the Archaeology Department at Qatar Museums, said: "These open days represent an important opportunity for the public to connect with Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of history. We want to bring awareness about the importance of learning about our past and preserving archaeological sites in Qatar, as well as encourage community involvement in their conservation.”

The 'Landscapes of Faith' research project investigates archaeological sites dating as far back as the first to third centuries of Islam (7th-9th centuries CE), a period that witnessed the gradual transition from Christianity to Islam in eastern Arabia. More than 30 sites from this period have been identified in Qatar, with most located in the northern region of the country.

The two sites picked for excavation were Ain Mohammed North B and Mesaika A. Unlike most other sites, which consisted of long lines of small buildings separated by space, these contained large complex buildings, or smaller units clustered together, sharing walls and spaces resembling small industrial units rather than homes.

Dr Robert Carter, senior archaeology academic & fieldwork development specialist at QM and director of the 'Landscapes of Faith' research project, stated: “Our recent excavations have yielded remarkable findings that highlight Qatar’s role during this transformative period. This was a time when people were settling in Qatar in increasing numbers, and taking on a new faith. We want to learn more about that process, and understand what brought them here. Our early findings suggest that they were closely involved in manufacturing and trading networks that spanned the wider Islamic world at this time and even extending as far as China.”

In addition to pottery and glass fragments, all of which were made outside Qatar and help date the site, as well as providing evidence of international trade, archaeologists uncovered various items related to daily life. These included quern-stones used to grind grain, an iron key, copper rods (possibly kohl sticks for applying eye make-up), beads, and three spindle whorls. The spindle whorls are particularly interesting as they relate to textile production. Two whorls feature engraved decorations and are very light, suggesting that fine thread was spun.

After spending time exploring both archaeological sites, visitors are encouraged to make the most of their day in northern Qatar by exploring nearby cultural attractions, including: Ain Mohammed Heritage Village, Olafur Eliasson's public artwork "Shadows Traveling in the Sea of Light", Unesco World Heritage Site Designated, Al Zubarah Archaeological Site.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable closed shoes and bring a filled reusable water bottle. Both sites are easily accessible and do not require a 4x4 vehicle.

The open days are free of charge, but registration is mandatory through https://forms.office.com/r/9jCE3LazB9 . For more information about Qatar Museums and its archaeological projects, please visit www.qm.org.qa.