“This is the oldest example of this type of pearl city, most notably Khaleeji,” said Timothy Power, an associate professor of archaeology at the University of the United Arab Emirates, a word that means “Gulf” in Arabic. ancestor of cities like Dubai. “
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The city of pearls is located on the island of Siniyah, which protects the swamps of Khor al-Beida in Umm al-Quwain, an emirate about 30 miles northeast of Dubai along the coast of the Persian Gulf. The island, whose name means “flashing lights,” is likely due to the effect of sizzling sun overload, has already noticed archaeologists noticing an ancient Christian monastery dating back 1,400 years.
The town lies directly south of this monastery on one of the curved hands of the island and covers about 143 500 square meters. There, archaeologists discovered a variety of homes made of beach rock and lime mortar, ranging from cramped neighborhoods to more sprawling homes with courtyards, suggesting social stratification, Power said. It also presents symptoms of habitability throughout the year, unlike other pearl operations carried out in seasonal locations in the region.
People look at the ruins of Siniyah Island in Umm al-Quwain, United Arab Emirates, on March 20, 2023. Archaeologists said Monday they have discovered the oldest Persian Gulf pearl city on the island. (via AP)
“The houses are crammed in there, side by side,” he added. “The key detail is permanence. There are people all year round. “
In the houses, archaeologists found loose beads and diving plumb lines, which freedivers used to temporarily descend to the bottom of the sea depending only on their bated breath.
The city predates the rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula, making its population probably Christian. The prophet of Islam Muhammad was born around 570 and died in 632 after conquering Mecca in present-day Saudi Arabia.
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The Department of Tourism and Archaeology of Umm al-Quwain, the University of the United Arab Emirates, the Italian Archaeological Mission in the emirate and the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World of New York University participated in the excavations. Umm al-Quwain, the least populous emirate of the United Arab Emirates, plans to build a guest on the site.
Today, the domain near the swamp is known for the cheap liquor store at the emirate’s Barracuda Beach Resort. built a bridge to Siniyah Island for a genuine $675 million real estate development. Authorities hope the development, along with other construction, will grow the emirate’s economy.
However, even this old man takes classes for the Emirates.
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The history of the pearl, which temporarily collapsed after World War I with the advent of synthetic pearls and the Great Depression, has a specific importance in the history of the UAE, especially since it has to deal with the extractive industry. While crude oil sales grew the country after its formation in 1971, the UAE will have to deal with its fossil fuel legacy and potentially plan for a long-term zero-carbon emissions as it hosts the United Nations COP28 climate talks later this year.
Those searching discovered a nearby sale filled with discarded oyster shell debris. People crossing the island may also feel those debris crack under their feet in some areas.
“You only locate one pearl among 10,000 oyster shells. You have to locate and throw away thousands and thousands of oyster shells to locate one,” Power said. “The tea, the commercial tea of the pearl industry, colossal. You are dealing with millions, millions of oyster shells thrown away. “