Under Saudi Heritage Authority’s Microscope: Exploring Historical Souq Thul-Majaz

The Saudi Heritage Authority sheds light on the historical site of Souq Thul-Majaz (Heritage Authority)
The Saudi Heritage Authority sheds light on the historical site of Souq Thul-Majaz (Heritage Authority)
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Under Saudi Heritage Authority’s Microscope: Exploring Historical Souq Thul-Majaz

The Saudi Heritage Authority sheds light on the historical site of Souq Thul-Majaz (Heritage Authority)
The Saudi Heritage Authority sheds light on the historical site of Souq Thul-Majaz (Heritage Authority)

The Saudi Heritage Authority has shed light on the historical site of Souq Thul-Majaz, one of the most renowned pre-Islamic Arab markets.

The Authority's survey and excavation team successfully completed their inaugural season, aimed at uncovering the site’s archaeological treasures, unearthing findings, and revealing architectural remnants that bear witness to the market’s historical and cultural significance.

This bustling market was once frequented by Arabs and Muslims during the early days of Islam before they embarked on the annual Hajj pilgrimage season.

The Authority, in collaboration with a group of Saudi experts, has successfully concluded the first season of archaeological survey and excavation at the site of the market in the holy city of Makkah.

The endeavor aimed to unearth scientific and historical evidence related to the location as part of the Authority's efforts to explore national heritage sites, preserve their historical significance, and promote awareness about them.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to utilize these sites as valuable cultural and economic resources, enriching the experiences of both citizens and visitors to the holy city.

Saudi Arabia, with its vast geographical expanse and pivotal role in the region’s history, is home to numerous historical sites that have embraced the heritage and epics of Arab communities, nationalities, and neighboring cultures over the ages.

Among these renowned sites are the ancient markets that have flourished since pre-Islamic times, through the early Islamic eras, where societies gathered in their shops and stalls.

Notably, the markets of Okaz, Majnah, and Thul-Majaz stand out, known as the pilgrimage markets since they took place during the pilgrimage months.

These markets served as hubs for trade and commerce and witnessed the exchange of poetry, literature, and diverse intellectual endeavors.

Located in Wadi Al-Mughmas, Souq Thul-Majaz lies about 20 kilometers to the east of the city of Makkah. This market holds historical, cultural, and archaeological significance, being one of the renowned Arabian markets in the Arabian Peninsula from pre-Islamic times until the early Islamic era.

Souq Thul-Majaz was linked to overland trade routes through which Arabs and merchants from various regions arrived in Makkah.

On the other hand, it was connected to the historic port of Al-Shuaiba on the Red Sea coast, south of Jeddah.

The prominence of Souq Thul-Majaz continued to endure even beyond the year 129 AH in the Islamic calendar year.



Dubai Public Library Honored with ‘Naseej Academy Library and Information Pioneers Award’

The award was presented during Dubai Culture’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat. WAM
The award was presented during Dubai Culture’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat. WAM
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Dubai Public Library Honored with ‘Naseej Academy Library and Information Pioneers Award’

The award was presented during Dubai Culture’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat. WAM
The award was presented during Dubai Culture’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat. WAM

Dubai Public Library, managed by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has been honored with the ‘Naseej Academy Library and Information Pioneers Award’ in the Arab world under the category of Professional Excellence, Emirates News Agency reported.

This recognition reflects its efforts and contributions to developing the Arab library sector, its continuous progress, and its literary initiatives that enrich the local cultural scene, WAM said. These efforts align with Dubai Culture’s efforts to cement Dubai’s position as a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent, it added.

The award was presented during the Authority’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat, Oman, under the slogan ‘Arab Libraries and Archives Institutions and Their Role in Promoting Digital Identity and Citizenship.’

The conference, organized by Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), witnessed extensive participation from academics and library professionals region-wide.

During the conference, Dubai Culture highlighted a range of its projects and programs aimed at strengthening the cultural and creative industries and activating libraries as interactive hubs that empower community members.