Archaeologists from the Department of Antiquities and Museums have started excavating in Al Ghob to find out more about the famous explorer Ahmed bin Majid and the history of the emirate. Christian Velde, Resident Archaeologist, said the excavation site, which is locally known as Al Najdi, is said to be the birthplace of the explorer who lived in the 15th century.
Bin Majid is famous for collecting information about seafaring in the Indian Ocean and documenting it. His famous book, "The profitable things concerning the first principles and rules of navigation", was written in 1489-90.
The library of the Department of Antiquities and Museums has the English translation of Bin Majid's most famous book, one of the more than 40 books he wrote about navigation. Imke Moellering, an archaeologist, said it is well known that Bin Majid was born in Julfar, which was the name of Ras Al Khaimah then. Julfar was one of the most prosperous trading towns in the lower Gulf, thriving between the 13th-16th centuries.
The area of Al Najdi was surveyed by the department 10 years ago during the "Ras Al Khaimah Tower Survey". It has the remains of a mud brick fortification with two towers in opposite corners. Archaeologists, including Christian Velde, Imke Moellering and Ahmed Hilal are working to find proof that it could be the birthplace of Bin Majid.
Archaeologists are currently working on six trenches to study the development and age of the site. Ahmed Hilal said the excavations have so far revealed various levels of areesh (thatched) houses and mud brick buildings showing a continuous settlement over the last few centuries.
Plenty of pottery and coins have been found in the initial level. Finds like glass bangles, a kohl applicator or beads also give an insight into a more private aspect of life in the past. The work has been initiated by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Antiquities and Museums. The ancient city of Ras Al Khaimah was considered the home of traders and Arab sailors, the most famous being Ahmed bin Majid who was known as Lion of the Seas.
Mostafa Ezzat Habrah, a scholar at the Ras Al Khaimah Centre of Studies and Documentation, said there is historical proof that Ahmed bin Majid used to live in Al Ghob, but there is no evidence that it was his birthplace. It is a fact that Bin Majid was born in old Julfar and his palace was located in Al Ghob. He stressed that the life of bin Majid is of vital importance to the history of the emirate and the UAE. He said his full name was Ahmed bin Majid bin Mohammed bin Omar bin Fadl bin Dowaik bin Yousif bin Hassan bin Hussein bin Abi Ma'alak bin Abi Al Rakayeb Al Najdi. (The Gulf News)
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