Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has announced the release of its latest publication, ‘The Archaeological Landscape of the Western Part of Ja'alan Region, Sultanate of Oman’ by Sultan Qaboos University’s UNESCO World Heritage expert Professor Nasser Al Jahwari. The result of extensive research as well as on-the-ground archaeological surveys and excavation by the author and his team, this authoritative book reveals important new information on the settlement history and societal development of this culturally influential part of Oman.
Noting the immense contribution the volume makes to our understanding of the daily life and rituals of prehistoric communities settled in the Jala’an area and their influence on the region, HE Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary, Tourism, Ministry of Heritage & Tourism remarked, “Archaeological discoveries of the kind presented by Professor Al Jahwari in this, his latest work, are rare and its importance cannot be overstated. Thanks to his considerable efforts and expertise, we now have a more complete picture of the lives of our ancient forefathers – their social practices and economic activities – as well as a better comprehension of the heritage of our nation.
The ministry is certainly proud to add this outstanding book to our publication catalog and urges academics, students, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in archaeology and anthropology to delve into its pages. Rich in insights and information, I am sure it will be of great interest to a broad readership.”
'The Archaeological Landscape of the Western Part of Ja'alan Region, Sultanate of Oman’ documents the archaeological surveys and excavations conducted by Professor Al Jahwari in the Western Part of Ja'alan Region at Al-Sharqiya South Governorate, focused principally around Jabal Qahwan and Wadi Al Batha between Jalan Bani Bu Hassan and Al Kamil Wa Al Wafi. Its chapters cover the fundamental role played by the area in the cultural developments of the region since prehistoric times, starting with the Stone Age and continuing through the Bronze and Iron Ages and pre-Islamic periods as well as the Islamic periods. As archaeological research in this region is uncommon, the significant discoveries presented in this book substantially increase our understanding of the different levels of activity and survival strategies of inhabitants in this part of Oman over time with its remarkable findings including a large number of early Bronze Age burials, rock art and triliths.
Professor Nasser Said al Jahwari is a Professor in the Department of Archaeology at the College of Arts & Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University. His main fields of study are field archaeology, landscape archaeology, and prehistory. His interests and research include settlement patterns over time, quantification in archaeology, ethnoarchaeology, and rock art. His current focus is the archaeology of the Bronze Age in Oman. With over 30 years of experience, Professor Al Jahwari has received notable international recognition with selection as a world heritage expert for leading organizations such as ICOMOS and UNESCO World Heritage.
With 300+ pages packed with information and containing 114 figures, pictures, and maps as well as 76 statistical and illustrative tables, 'The Archaeological Landscape of the Western Part of Ja'alan Region, Sultanate of Oman’ is available for purchase at the General Office (main building) of the Ministry of Heritage & Tourism.
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