Saudi Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamamah Project

The Saudi Heritage Commission is embarking on a significant project to uncover more about Riyadh’s ancient past.

The commission recently launched the Al-Yamamah Archaeological Project, which will examine and excavate historical sites in and outside the city. Through the initiative, the commission aims to discover more about Riyadh’s culture and promote historical preservation. They will also be able to document the historical sites and archaeological locations.

About the Al-Yamamah project

The Saudi Heritage Commission’s Al-Yamamah Archaeological Project will run for five years, from 2024 to 2028. A team of local and international archaeological experts, students, and academics will be partnering with the commission for the project.

Together, they will survey Riyadh City, Hanifa Valley, as well as excavation sites in Al-Hani, Al-Masane, and Dharmah. The Hanifa Valley is a wadi on the outskirts of Riyadh, spanning a length of 120 kilometers. It covers Riyadh’s Al-Haisiyah in the north and Riyadh’s Al-Hayer in the south.

The Saudi Heritage Commission’s team will employ methods like low-level aerial photography, artificial intelligence, 3D modeling, and magnetic surveying. In addition, they will also do georadar surveying, a type of geographic information system technology.

According to an X post, the Saudi National Register of Urban Heritage has listed 1,812 sites in the Riyadh region. The Saudi National Antiquities Register, on the other hand, has listed a total of 1,541 archaeological sites. Apart from this, Saudi authorities have recognized 425 total sites in the Riyadh region.

Al-Yamamah’s history

Yamamah is a historical region that people can find in the area of Najd. Some individuals also describe its location as being in the ancient village of Jaww al-Yamamah.

During the pre-Islamic era and during the first few hundred years of Islam, Yamamah served as an agricultural production center. At the time, it was popular for its many high-quality dates, meats, and wheat. It’s no wonder the Saudi Heritage Commission launched the Al-Yamamah archaeological project, given its significance.

Fast forward to the 19^th century, and people used “Al-Yamamah” to call a town in the region of Al-Kharj. In the year 1865, in particular, historical records note that it had approximately 6,000 inhabitants.

About the Saudi Heritage Commission

The Saudi Heritage Commission handles the efforts of the kingdom’s heritage sector. It leads the sector’s advancement and preservation with a strategy that is approved by the National Strategy for Culture.

Moreover, the commission proposes laws and guidelines that will improve the sector’s ways of operating. It also supports initiatives that develop national heritage sites, on top of creating awareness about them and preserving them.

Part of the Saudi Heritage Commission’s initiatives include conducting training courses, developing educational projects, and providing scholarships. It is also responsible for organizing conferences, events, competitions, and other relevant activities in line with historical preservation.

Photo: X/Arab News