The Sharjah Antiquities Authority in the United Arab Emirates announced the inclusion of four new archaeological sites located in Sharjah, third - largest city in the UAE, situated adjacent to Dubai, recognized as the country’s cultural and heritage capital featuring renowned museums like the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, in the ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage list as reported by Emirates News Agency.
The inclusion of these new archaeological sites brings the total in Sharjag to ten, reinforcing the country’s commitment to preserving its historical and cultural landmarks, promoting research and attracting cultural tourism.
Newly Inscribed Sharjah Sites (ICESCO):
• Wadi Al - Helou: A key site for Bronze Age copper mining and smelting as well as a relevant hub for trade with the Gulf and the Near East located in the Hajar mountain range.
• Faya Prehistoric Cultural Landscape: Documents early human settlement and habitation patterns from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, showing adaptation to climate change and migratory routes from Africa.
• Al Nahwa: A historic mountain area with ancient, documented rock carvings, preserving traditional dwellings, mosques, Islamic cemeteries, and watchtowers, reflecting life in the mountainous environments over the centuries.
• Towers and Forts of Khor Fakkan: Part of a 14th – 20th century defensive network, including the Khor Fakkan fort, the Al Rabi and Al Adwani towers, and the unique triangular Portuguese Fort, exemplifying the evolution of defensive architecture and the protection of sea and land trade routes. This inclusion is the result of a the Sharjah Initiatives Implementation Authority (Mudabara).
The four sites join the ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List part of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), an international, non - profit organization established in 1982 and headquartered in Rabat, Morocco, operating under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) , serving 53 member states, specializing in promoting cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
ICESCO concentrates on strengthening educational systems, fostering scientific research, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting dialogue among civilizations.
The organization operates based on solidarity, innovation, transparency, coexistence, and leadership, it features dedicated centres such as the Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, Center for Civilization Dialogue, Center of Arabic for Non - Arabic Speakers, and a Translation and Publiushing Center.
According to the Director General of the Antiquities Authority Issa Yousef, the inclusion of these sites reflects the emirate’s strategy in preserving archaeological heritage and its universal historical value, while strengthening cultural tourism and scientific research.
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