The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), in the presence Eisa Yousif, Director of Archaeology Department at Sharjah Archaeology Authority, members of the world society for the preservation, study and promotion of the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, participated in the activities of the Fourth World Conference of the International Society for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan, which was held in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, between the 15th and 18th of December.
The conference was attended by more than 300 scholars and specialists from over 40 countries in the world, and approximately one thousand local experts and participants from Uzbekistan, as the conference coincided with the traditional week of Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan.
Eisa Yousif gave a joint presentation with Special researcher of the Miho Museum (Japan), Sergey Lapteff on archaeological materials related to Central Asia along the Silk Road, and gave several examples of similarities between artifacts discovered in Sharjah and Central Asia, including pottery jars, stone utensils, ivory, glass and pearls. He touched on some of the artifacts discovered by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority through archaeological excavations in sites such as Tell Abraq, Dibba Al Hisn, Mleiha, and others, and pointed out that the Sharjah Archaeology Authority is working on conducting a joint research on these artifacts and publishing it.
Eisa Yousif said: “We are pleased to have participated in this great event, which highlights the importance of Uzbekistan’s position on the Silk Road, and we are keen to participate in similar future events which bring together scholars and specialists for more discoveries in the archaeology world. This event is a great opportunity for everyone to exchange experiences and knowledge, in a way that contributes to strengthening collaboration between the archaeology industry.”
The discovery of these artifacts helps in understanding the methods and mechanisms used for exchange on the Silk Road in ancient and medieval times, with the inhabitants of the Arabian Gulf having played an important and vital role in this trade due to the skills, experience and information possessed by sailors and seafarers, and the high quality of their business.