Siniya Island Excavations Uncover Rich Cultural Heritage In Umm Al Qaiwain

The Department of Tourism and Archaeology in Umm Al Qaiwain has marked its fourth consecutive season of archaeological exploration on Siniya Island, in a collaborative effort with various local and international entities. This season's focus has been on the Siniya Monastery and the Pearling town site, with the aim of delving deeper into their cultural and archaeological significance and ensuring the preservation of the region's heritage.

Rania Hussein Kannouma, the Acting Director of the Department of Archaeological and Heritage at the Department of Tourism and Archaeology, highlighted that this year's excavation spanned nine weeks from January to March. The team uncovered numerous stone houses arranged around narrow alleys at both sites, revealing Siniya Island's rich architectural history across different eras. Kannouma reaffirmed the department's dedication to continuing these excavations to unearth more about the island's civilizational aspects while maintaining the archaeological structures for future generations.

Dr. Michele Degli Esposti, leading the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm Al Qaiwain and a researcher at the Polish Academy of Sciences, provided insights into the chronological order of the Pearling town based on recent findings. Excavations in 2023 in the northern part of the settlement revealed pottery vessels dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Further exploration in 2024 in the southern area suggests an even earlier origin for the city, potentially extending back to the 4th century AD.

Prof. Robert Hoyland from New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World noted the discovery of large jars imported from Mesopotamia at the site, some bearing Aramaic letters from between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. This evidence points to the Pearling town's significance as a thriving city during the 4th and 5th centuries AD, succeeding ed-Dur as a major urban center.

The city's historical allure was further enhanced by its association with Nestorian monks, who are believed to have established a Christian monastery on Siniya Island between the late 6th century AD and early 7th century AD. Prof. Timothy Power from UAE University elaborated on this, suggesting that inhabitants likely migrated from Siniya Island around this period, leading to Julfar in Ras Al Khaimah emerging as a prominent Gulf coast city.

The discovery of both the monastery and Pearling town sites underscores Siniya Island's role as a nexus for civilizations and global connections throughout history. The Department of Tourism and Archaeology remains committed to its archaeological endeavors, aiming not only to uncover but also to safeguard this invaluable heritage for posterity.

With inputs from WAM