Scientific Publications

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

The chronology at the Dadan archaeological site: new and different data through the results of recent archaeological excavations.

Recent archaeological research at the Dadan archaeological site, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, have revealed important data that significantly improve our knowledge of the occupation sequence of this site. Earlier evidence indicated that the site had two major phases – the first in the first millennium BCE (corresponding to the Dadanite and Lihyanite periods), and the second in the Early Islamic period (from the eighth to the tenth century AD). However, as part of a new archaeological project carried out by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) on behalf of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (AFALULA), new large-scale excavations have now revealed a much longer sequence spanning more than three millennia. This paper discusses this new chronology and raises questions about its historical implications. Key words: Dadan, AlUla, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Dhū-Ghābat.

الدكتور/ عبدالرحمن السحيباني أستاذ مشارك في قسم الآثار، جامعة الملك سعود. مستشار الآثار، الهيئة الملكية لمحافظة العلا.

الدكتور/ جيروم رومير باحث آثار في الوحدة UMR 8167 في المركز الفرنسي الوطني للأبحاث العلمية.

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

نقش السلولي من نجران المؤرَّخ بسنة 29 هجرية دراسة في مضمونه ودلالته التاريخية

This research studies the inscription of Abdullah bin Yazid Al-Saluli, which was found in 2002 by the joint Saudi-Japanese mission in Wadi Al-Khushaybah in Hima region-Najran. The importance of this inscription derived from it is being one of the oldest Islamic inscriptions, as it is dated back to the year of 29 AH (as will be explained in the research) which makes it comes in the third rank in terms of dated Islamic inscriptions, after Salamah inscription dated 23 AH and Zuhair two inscriptions dated 24 AH. This inscription can be classified within the commemorative Islamic writings that executed on the rocks of the roads' paths for proving presence in the place and an expression of faith and piety. It is a written document that has an important historical and cultural significance with the religious and social contents and names it contains. It is also an authentic witness of its era culture that dated back, as well as its importance in studying the development of Arabic calligraphy in that early history of Islamic period. The Saudi-Japanese team referred to this inscription in their preliminary report An annually report This inscription was referred to in a preliminary report on the work results done by the Saudi-Japanese team in Najran and Medina regions, published in Atlal Annual book (Issue 18 - 1426 AH / 2005), and it was also referred to in a general study on the rock inscriptions and drawings in Wadi Al-Khushaybah in Najran, published by Kawatoko and et al, issued by the Middle East Culture Center in Japan and the University of Tokyo (2005 AD). The inscription did not receive a detailed comparative study covering its content and historical connotations, which will be handled by the researcher in this research.

الأستاذة/ ميساء بنت علي إبراهيم الغبَّان

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

The Al-Shihr region between classical and Islamic geographical sources

This research provides a description of the geography of the Ash- Shihr region, which is the historical region located in the region of the southern Arabian Peninsula, the study presented in the introduction a definition of this region and its linguistic and spatial significance, the study also touched on determining the geographical extension of the region, and the study sought to monitor the geographical features of the region according to the references mentioned in the sources, where the researcher traced the most important things mentioned in a number of classical sources (Greek-Roman) and Islamic geographical sources with regard to the geographical characteristics and features of the region, starting from its astronomical and geographical location, and its status in the ancient world in terms of regional division and classification, the research also touched on shedding light on the most prominent features of the region’s climate, as it was distinguished by some climatic characteristics that attracted the interest of historians and geographers, the researcher then moved on to monitor what was reported about the terrain and surface features of the region in those sources, and among the most important of these terrains: mountains and valleys, as the sources that the study examined recorded for us information about some of the names of the mountains and valleys that are located within the Ash-Shihr region, we have also recorded for us some of the geographical features that characterize those mountains and valleys, and the topography of the region that the historical sources have recorded for us, as well as the marine capes and bays, as we will see in the course of the research the presence of a number of bays and marine capes - called in some sources Al-Ghab or Al-Jun -, then the research moved on to mention the islands of the region that were mentioned in the sources, the most important of which are: Socotra Island in the Republic of Yemen, and the islands of Korea Muria - Al-Hallaniyat - in the Sultanate of Oman currently, the sources documented for us what characterized those islands, both in terms of their geography and the appearance of their surface, and the appearance of its surface, or what it was famous for in terms of merchandise and commercial commodities that had value in the markets of the ancient world, the last station of this research was on the roads and paths of the region, the region had paths and roads for the passage of internal and external caravans, and those paths and roads varied between the sea roads and, the interior roads , the researcher also tried to track and monitor the signs related to these roads, while trying to link some of the names related to them that were mentioned in ancient sources to what matches or is close to them in our current time. Keywords: Ash- Shihr - South Arabia - Geography - Surface appearances

الشحر – جنوب الجزيرة العربية- الجغرافيا – مظاهر السطح

الأستاذ/ سالم أحمد سالم الكثيري وزارة التربية والتعليم - سلطنة عمان

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

An Abbasid dirham minted in Dar Sik, Jazan region, in 186 AH, and mistakenly attributed to Bisha in the Asir region. (New reading)

‏Through this study, and in light of the evidence included in it, it has become necessary to know that the dirham of Caliph Harun al-Rasheed attributed to the Bisha mint; Preserved in the Qatar National Museum, it is a dirham bearing the name of the Baysh Mint. ‏This dirham, bearing the date of minting 186 AH, makes it, until the publication of this study, the oldest archaeological evidence in the field of Islamic coins bearing the name of the Baysh Mint, which makes it of great and immeasurable importance in the history of Islamic coins minted in the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in the Jazan region in particular.

الدكتور/ فيصل بن علي الطميحي

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

A rare Abbasid Commemorative Dirham in the name of Mulahidh

This research presents an Abbasid commemorative Dirham in the name of Mulahidh and Abbasi ruler Al-muqtadir Biallah. It is preserved in Mr. Ammar Omran's collection in Saudi Arabia, and it does not represent the date and minting place of the coins. It is considered one of the extremely rarest coins, and it has not been published, or published any similar one ever. It was studied in this research in descriptive-analytical method during the political & military circumstances that occurs in Tehama of Yemen in that era. Prince Mulahidh has minted this coin after his victory against Ismaili's preacher Ali bin Al-fadhl in Yemen. This Dirham in particular, and this study in general are a new addition to the field of studying Islamic coins, and the money of Yemen in the Islamic era.

الدكتور/ نايف بن عبدالله الشرعان مدير إدارة العملة - البنك المركزي - الرياض

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

Political and military relations between the Mamluk Sultanate and the sultanates and kingdoms of India (658-923 AH / 1260-1517 AD)

A number of the sultanates and kingdoms of India were linked to the Mamluk Sultanate with political and military relations, which increased their claim to the existence of the Abbasid Caliphate in Egypt. Therefore, A number of the sultans of India were keen to obtain a tradition from the Abbasid Caliph, to legitimize their rule, and for this reason they exchanged embassies with the Mamluk Sultanate and the resident Abbasid Caliph. In Egypt at that time, which led to the consolidation of political relations between the two countries. As for the military alliance, it arose due to the success of the Portuguese in reaching India, their occupation of a number of Indian ports, and their piracy in the Indian Ocean. To control it and prevent Indian and Mamluk trade from passing through, which led to the injury of the Mamluk Sultanate and the Sultanates and kingdoms of India with serious economic and security damage, so they allied to eliminate the common enemy, and if they initially won in the battle of Cheol, they were defeated in the battle of Dio, which led to the control of The Portuguese over the Indian trade, and this had serious political, economic and religious implications for the Indian and Mamluk sides.

الدكتور/ عبدالعزيز بن عبدالله أبوداهش أستاذ تاريخ إسلامي مشارك - قسم التاريخ – كلية العلوم الإنسانية - جامعة الملك خالد

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

Defensive fighting weapons Two armguards in the Georgia National Museum as a model

This research deals with the study of two arm guards preserved in the Georgia National Museum. I chose these two guards, as they are published for the first time, in addition to the decorative richness of pictorial drawings of hunting themes, and various floral motifs. The detailed descriptive approach of the two protectors was followed in terms of the industry, decoration methods and the decorative elements implemented on them, in addition to the comparative analytical method in order to identify the similarities and differences between the two masterpieces under study and their contemporary metal artifacts in order to reach the history of their industry and the historical period to which they belong. The study concluded with a set of results and facts, including the ratio of the two arm guards to the Safavid era (11th century AH / 17th century AD). The decoration of the outer frame that surrounds each of them has been decorated in the same style and decorations, which confirms that the two protectors date back to the same time period, perhaps to the same manufacturer or one of his students. In addition, the study showed the artist's success in expressing the nature of movement and realism in his figurative themes, through diversification in the movements of people and the diversity of their weapons, animals, and the direction of their movement. Key words: arm guards, Georgia National Museum, Safavid era, engraving style, illustrations, floral motifs.

واقيات الأذرع، متحف جورجيا الوطني، العصر الصفوي، رسوم تصويرية، زخارف نباتية.

الدكتور/ شبل إبراهيم شبل عبيد أستاذ مشارك بقسم السياحة والآثار- كلية الآداب والعلوم الإنسانية – جامعة جازان – المملكة العربية السعودية.

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

Investment of Historical Sites in the Sultanate of Oman: Harat Al-Aqr as example

This research delved into the importance of investing in historical sites within the Sultanate of Oman. Harat Al-Aqr (Al-Aqr Alley), a historical site, was selected as a case study for two primary reasons: its historical value and the investment experience associated with it. The study aimed to accentuate the alley's historical significance, define the envisioned investment objectives, and outline the challenges encountered during the initial stages of investment, along with the gains and accomplishments achieved. The research was anchored in the hypothesis that investing in Oman's historical sites could yield direct and indirect economic returns, contributing to the national economy's resources. The study sought to leverage the experience gained from Harat Al-Aqr and apply it to other Omani alleys. To fulfill its objectives, the research employed historical, descriptive, and case study methodologies, utilizing interviews as a primary research tool. The study was structured into an introduction and three main segments: Theoretical Framework, elucidating the importance of investing in historical sites; Historical Value of Harat Al-Aqr; and Investment in Harat Al-Aqr, encompassing its origins, challenges, benefits, and achievements. The conclusion encapsulated the key discoveries of the research. Several conclusions were drawn from the study, primarily highlighting the viability of investing in heritage and culture sectors, especially in historical sites. The investment experience in Nizwa stands as a model that could be replicated under similar conditions and factors. Keywords: Investment, historical sites, Harat Al-Aqr, Nizwa, Sustainable development

استثمار، المواقع التاريخية، حارة العقر، نزوى، التنمية المستدامة.

الدكتور/ علي بن سعيد الريامي قسم التاريخ-كلية الآداب والعلوم الاجتماعية - جامعة السلطان قابوس

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

The Use of Sorghum in Sudanese Food Culture: Past and Present

By tracing the archaeological and written records in Sudan, we found that sorghum was cultivated early in Sudan, since the fourth millennium BC. It appeared in many inscriptions and decorative drawings on pottery vessels and rock drawings, besides analyses conducted on skeletal remains that proved the use of sorghum in the daily food of the ancient inhabitants of Sudan. Current kinds of food, such as porridge (Asida) and marissa were also found in the archaeological record, which indicates a clear cultural continuity in food behavior from ancient times until today. Sorghum is considered the backbone of the Sudanese food culture. It is cultivated in a wide range of Sudan's plain lands. The environment has helped it to be the largest agricultural crop in the plains of central and western Sudan and in the south of central Sudan as well. Nowadays, sorghum is included as a main ingredient in popular breads, comprising types such as Kisra (also spelled kissra) and porridge (Asida), as well as some drinks such as starch and marissa. KEYWORDS: Sudanese food culture-cultural origins of sorghum- ancient food of Sudan

الثقافة الغذائية السودانية –الأصول الحضارية للذرة الرفيعة- الغذاء القديم في السودان

الدكتور/ فائز حسن عثمان أحمد أستاذ مساعد برنامج الآثار – جامعة جازان

Issue 19 Journal 31 Mar 2024

The book (The Marginalized in Islamic History): A Critical Reading

The book (Almuhamashun in Islamic History) by well-known history professor Mahmoud Ismail Abdel Razek is considered one of the contemporary books that has gained some popularity among those interested in Islamic history. In this book, Dr. Mahmoud reviews a number of revolutions of the marginalized people - or the Muhamasheen as he called them - in different countries and throughout the hurricane, by employing material factors, economic and social, to understand the reality of these movements, explain their causes and analyze their results. Despite the novelty of the book's topic and the boldness of its idea, it did not escape many slips and falls. It is blamed on the author that he was always prejudiced against the rulers in power, biased towards the movements of the marginalized people, and fanatical towards the majority of jurists and historians, a position that is not based on an objective basis, as much as it expresses a personal whim he has. Moreover, Dr. Mahmoud viewed the movements of the marginalized people through his socialist tendencies, which means his total reliance on material factors in interpreting the history of those movements in exchange for his marginalization of the rest of the other factors, such as religious ones, for example, which is a short reading that does not allow its owner to understand all the circumstances of those revolutions and its results. Because of his total bias towards the marginalized people in their revolutions, and his full commitment to the materialistic interpretation of history; Dr. Mahmoud was forced to elect what corresponds to his whim from the historical evidence in order to achieve his goals through open selectivity. These observations, and others that the reader will find when reading the research in detail, necessitate that he be careful and consider when reading such books whose authors claim that they are supporters of enlightenment and protectors of thought because their books may contain ideas aimed at distorting the image of Islamic history, dwarfing its achievements and exaggerating its mistakes. Key words: Almuhamashun in Islamic History, Mahmoud Ismail, marginalized people, revolutions, criticism

محمود إسماعيل، المهمشون في التاريخ الإسلامي، العوام، الثورات، نقد

الأستاذ/ خالد بن عبدالله السعيد طالب دكتوراه - جامعة الملك سعود - كلية العلوم الإنسانية والاجتماعية - قسم التاريخ