Early Islamic era artifacts found near Makkah cemetery

Makkah municipality discovered ancient artifacts goes back to early Islamic era. The official website of the Makkah Municipality revealed on Dec 29, 2019. (Photo courtesy: Makkah municipality twitter account)

• Experts to examine and study the artifacts thoroughly
• Excavation work continues as officials anticipate new historical landmarks

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s latest discovery of ancient artifacts goes back to early Islamic era.
Ancient grave stones and pottery pieces were discovered next to Al-Maala cemetery in Makkah “as the excavation contractor carried out work on a new smart parking lot project,” the Makkah Municipality posted on its official website on Saturday.
The gravestones date back to 687 Hijri (Islamic) year, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) said conforming that the artifacts found next to Al-Maala cemetery in Makkah dated back to early Islamic era.
“The artifacts are being delivered to SCTH so that experts can examine and study them thoroughly,” said Dr. Nayef Al-Qanoor, director general of the Registration and Protection of Antiquities Department at the SCTH.
He said that “an SCTH team of specialists will continue to follow up on the excavation work on the site every day in anticipation of the emergence of any new historical landmarks or artifacts.”
The SCTH will coordinate directly with the city’s municipality and the operating company, he added.