Ancient Ebony Pillars From The First Hijri Centuries Unearthed In Jeddah

In a significant archaeological discovery, the Jeddah Historic District Program has unveiled the finding of two ebony pillars within the Othman bin Affan Mosque, as stated in a press release today. These pillars, dating back to the 1st-2nd century AH (7th-8th century AD), are now considered the oldest artefacts unearthed at this site. The discovery was made possible after the removal of modern wooden panels from the mosque's mihrab during ongoing excavations.

The meticulous laboratory analysis indicates that these artefacts likely originate from the early Islamic period. Further investigations revealed that these octagonal ebony pillars were elevated from a previous architectural layer of the mosque, believed to have adorned the mihrab's lowest level initially. Conducted by the German Archaeological Institute in Berlin, archaeological studies have identified the pillars as being crafted from a superior quality of rare ebony wood sourced from Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) in the Indian Ocean.

This discovery is part of a broader research initiative, with over 250 wooden samples from 52 historic buildings sent to specialized international laboratories. The aim is to ascertain their origins and ages, enhancing our understanding of the region's architectural heritage. To date, the architectural evolution of Othman bin Affan Mosque has been traced through seven distinct phases. Although research is ongoing, initial findings suggest that the earliest excavated section of the mosque dates back to the 3rd-5th century AH (9th-11th century AD).

The Archaeology Project in Historic Jeddah commenced in Jumada I, 1441 AH (January 2020), focusing on revealing underground archaeological remains across four historical sites: Othman bin Affan Mosque, Al-Shona, a segment of the Northern Wall, and Al-Kidwah. This initiative underscores a commitment to preserving and understanding Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage.

With inputs from SPA