Sharjah’s Mleiha Exhibition Opens In Japan, Highlighting Silk Road Heritage

Under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) inaugurated the ‘Mleiha: An Arabian Kingdom on the Silk Road’ exhibition at the Miho Museum in Japan. The event runs from 6th July to 15th December 2024.

The exhibition aims to enhance global awareness of Sharjah's and the UAE's cultural heritage. It highlights Mleiha's significant role as a crucial hub on the Silk Road. The event was attended by Eisa Yousif, Director General of SAA; Professor Isao Kumakura, Director of Miho Museum; Yukiko Koyama, Head of Miho Museum Office; Shehab Ahmed Al Fahim, UAE Ambassador to Japan; Dr. Mohammed bin Saeed Al Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to Japan; Hiroki Iwanaga, Mayor of Koka City; Marwan Ahmed Alnaqbi, Deputy Chief of Mission, among other prominent figures.

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Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi expressed gratitude for this cultural cooperation with Japan. She affirmed that such events by SAA strengthen international relations and build cultural bridges between nations. She emphasised that Mleiha's rich heritage is integral to Arab identity and that this exhibition will showcase Arab civilisation's profound impact on the world.

Eisa Yousif explained that this exhibition is part of Sharjah's comprehensive cultural strategy focusing on investing in and sustaining culture and knowledge. He added that it enhances national identity by highlighting UAE’s cultural heritage on an international stage. He noted that Mleiha is one of the most significant historical sites in the Arabian Peninsula.

The exhibition includes descriptions of over 160 artefacts, with 40 pieces considered national treasures and 49 pieces representing important cultural properties. It also features recent discoveries displayed for the first time to the Japanese public, illustrating various aspects of life in Mleiha.

The exhibition provides a detailed analysis of Mleiha's central role in global trade, particularly on the Silk Road. It demonstrates peaceful coexistence in the region through artefacts that serve as living testimonies to cultural and commercial exchange. Themes covered include Crossroads of the Orient: Origins of Arabian Culture, The Mleiha Period: Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn Sites, Blessings of Nature: Plants and Animals World, Daily Life, Coinage, Trade, Cultural Exchange, World of Gods, Religious Beliefs, and Standards of Beauty.

Previous Collaborations

In 2022, SAA and Miho Museum collaborated on an exhibition entitled ‘Connecting Civilisations: From Ancient Central Asia to East Asia’. This was part of SAA’s ongoing local and international archaeological exhibitions programme. The exhibition included rare archaeological discoveries like copper coins from the early Silk Road period.

On the sidelines of this inauguration, representatives from SAA toured Miho Museum’s exhibits which include ancient art from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Iran, Afghanistan, China, Japan – collections from famous museums worldwide. They also visited Misono headquarters of Shinji Shumeikai and Shumei Natural Agriculture farming (traditional house), along with several UNESCO World Heritage sites including Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji).

This collaboration reflects strong cultural relations between Sharjah and Japan. It enhances Sharjah's vision as a cultural hub attracting those interested in heritage globally.

With inputs from WAM