In late September, the Department of Archaeology at Durham University hosted an international workshop, bringing together leading experts from Durham University (EAMENA Project), Al-Qadisiyah University and the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) in Iraq, as well as the Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia. The workshop focused on the Darb Zubaydah, a vital cultural heritage route that has connected Iraq and Saudi Arabia for centuries as part of the historic Hajj pilgrimage road.
The Darb Zubaydah is not just a physical pathway but a symbol of shared history and cultural exchange between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, with its roots dating back to the Islamic Golden Age. The route facilitated the movement of pilgrims and traders, shaping the social and cultural landscapes of the region.
The workshop featured a series of insightful presentations by distinguished scholars. Mr Ali Obaid Shalgham (Chairman of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, Iraq) presented an in-depth assessment of the Darb Zubaydah sites in Iraq. Dr Rajwan Almayali (Al-Qadisiyah University) shared insights on community engagement projects in the region, while Professor Andrew Petersen (University of Bradford) provided a detailed look at early Islamic monuments connected to the Darb Zubaydah in Iraq.
Dr Rajwan Al Mayali of the University of Al Qadisiyah presenting an ongoing community engagement project about the Darb Zubaydah in Iraq.
Dr Yahya Alfraidi, Ms Dana Altoami and Mr Mohammad Al Rajeh (Heritage Commission, Saudi Arabia) focused on the transboundary World Heritage nomination and strategic initiatives for the Darb Zubaydah in Saudi Arabia. The day culminated with a cutting-edge remote sensing discovery in Iraq presented by Dr William Deadman (Durham University), on behalf of colleagues at Durham, Al Qadisiyah and the SBAH, highlighting the ongoing efforts to unearth hidden aspects of this ancient road.
Mr Mohammad Al Rajeh, Heritage Commission, Saudi Arabia, presenting on the Transboundary World Heritage Nomination of the Darb Zubaydah.
Dr William Deadman, presenting on behalf of colleagues at Durham, Al Qadisiyah and the SBAH.
This workshop emphasised the importance of international cooperation in heritage preservation, with experts from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UK working hand-in-hand to explore the past while securing the future of the Darb Zubaydah. The discussions and findings will play a pivotal role in shaping ongoing and future research projects.
Guests from the Saudi Heritage Commission and members of the Department of Archaeology at the Oriental Museum with Dr Craig Barclay, Head of Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions Team at Durham University.
A heartfelt thank you to all our distinguished speakers and participants for making this workshop an inspiring success.
Our Department of Archaeology is a leading centre for the study of archaeology and is ranked =5th in the world (QS World University Rankings by subject 2024). We are an inclusive, vibrant and international community. Our students develop knowledge and gain essential and transferable skills through research-led teaching and lab-based training.
