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Heritage Commission Concludes 3rd Archaeological Excavation Project Season in Al-Baha

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Heritage Commission Concludes 3rd Archaeological Excavation Project Season in Al-Baha

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The Heritage Commission has concluded the third season of the archaeological excavation project at the Al-Ma'mala site in the Al-Baha region, an effort aimed to uncover and understand the historical significance of archaeological sites across the Kingdom.
This season's excavations yielded considerable findings, including a series of well-preserved stone walls constructed with meticulously cut granite blocks, some reinforced with mud bricks. These walls, adorned with traces of plaster, demonstrate the attention to detail and advanced construction methods employed in ancient times. The height of the walls ranged from 50 to 120 centimeters and 50 to 80 centimeters in width, highlighting the sophisticated engineering and architectural techniques of that era, SPA reported.
Archaeologists discovered two distinct architectural units at the site, providing valuable insights into ancient lifestyles. These structures featured well-defined spaces, suggesting multiple uses and reflecting the advanced architectural practices of the time.
The excavations also unearthed a diverse collection of artifacts, including 230 pieces of pottery, some adorned with intricate geometric motifs, 48 stone pieces, 26 pieces of colored glass, 35 metal tools, and 17 stone tools, providing evidence of the site's vibrant commercial and industrial activity.
Al-Ma'mala site holds significant historical and commercial importance. Located 13 kilometers east of Al-Aqiq Governorate and 45 kilometers from the Al-Baha Region capital, it lies close to the ancient Elephant Road, a vital trade route for commercial caravans coming from southern Arabia before the advent of Islam.
Over time, the road evolved into an important pilgrimage route during the Islamic eras, further contributing to the prosperity of the surrounding villages and cities.
The Heritage Commission emphasized its commitment to conducting comprehensive archaeological surveys and excavations across the Kingdom. By employing advanced techniques in geographical surveying and field excavation, the commission aims to uncover and document new antiquities, shedding light on the Kingdom's rich history.

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Iran Artist's Vision For Culture Hub Enlivens Rustic District

Arabesque patterns feature in Yazdi's creations © ATTA KENARE / AFP
Arabesque patterns feature in Yazdi's creations © ATTA KENARE / AFP
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Iran Artist's Vision For Culture Hub Enlivens Rustic District

Arabesque patterns feature in Yazdi's creations © ATTA KENARE / AFP
Arabesque patterns feature in Yazdi's creations © ATTA KENARE / AFP

In the winding alleys of southern Iran, artist Adel Yazdi has taken it upon himself to turn his rustic old neighbourhood into a cultural and tourist hub through vibrant paintings and carved relief faces.

Narenjestan, a neighbourhood characterized by crumbling, uninhabited houses, is nestled in Shiraz, a southern city celebrated for its historic architecture, lush gardens and revered poets.

"Most of the dilapidated walls in old Shiraz have no historical value," said Yazdi, a bushy-bearded, bespectacled 40-year-old artist who has dedicated himself to revitalising Narenjestan, AFP reported.

Yazdi has over the years turned the long-neglected neighbourhood walls into a vivid visual tapestry "telling the stories of the people living here," he said.

Arabesque patterns and relief faces carved with intricate details and painted in an array of vivid hues of greens, pinks, blues and purples now adorn the walls.

With its striking designs and bright colors, Yazdi's art can be reminiscent of Surrealism. It often comes across as surprising, showcasing a different side of Iran's artistic heritage that goes beyond the conventional focus on Persian or Islamic architecture.

The artwork includes the face of Scheherazade, Yazdi said, referencing the legendary storyteller from the "One Thousand and One Nights" collection of folktales.

Yazdi's work stands out in Shiraz where graffiti and murals are rare, becoming a social media sensation and a tourist attraction.

One visitor, Mahdieh, discovered Yazdi's murals through Instagram.

"I arrived in Shiraz yesterday... and it was the first site I wanted to visit," said the 40-year-old, who declined to give her last name.

At the end of one alleyway, Yazdi has established his workshop in a century-old building with small rooms encircling a serene garden.

He also lives in the building, with a traditional Persian architectural style.

It is filled with artefacts and sculptures, resembling a museum warehouse.

To Maedah, a 30-year-old engineer, Yazdi's house brings to mind "other historical places in the city, such as the Eram Garden and the Mausoleum of the Poet Hafez".

Yazdi said he drew inspiration from the Pompidou Center in Paris, a cultural hub that transformed the heart of the French capital in the 1970s.

He hopes his efforts can turn Shiraz's alleyways into even more of a vibrant cultural center as well.

At his residence, visitors are particularly drawn to what Yazdi calls "the Finger Room."

Inside, he installed around 14,000 finger sculptures on the ceiling, all pointing downward.

"The room is inspired by the legend of an angel that counts raindrops with thousands of fingers," he said, referring to an Islamic fable.

"These fingers are there to constantly remind us that the present moment is precious and that we must seize it."