“Manaqi” Excavation: Archaeological Site in Rustaq

Description
As part of efforts to strengthen community partnerships and instill awareness of Oman’s rich heritage among younger generations, Ahmed Bin Majid International School organized an innovative excavation project to the “Manaqi Archaeological Site Research Project ” archaeological site in Rustaq in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology at Sultan Qaboos University, under the supervision of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, on January 20 and 21, 2025. The first day was allocated for male students, while the second day was designated for female students. For the first time in history, students participated in excavations on a site that dates to the Iron Age, approximately 3,000 years ago, exposing our students to ancient Oman heritage including residential structures and burial sites, especially children’s tombs, rare in the Arabian Peninsula. The field visit included a guided tour, learning about tools and techniques, methods of documentation, analyzing archaeological discoveries, observation of the burial sites and ancient artifacts collected from the site. The program also included practical workshops for students to examine and analyze artifacts, including studying bone remains and other artifacts.
International Research Collaboration with Industry Experts: The excavations at “Manaqi” are part of an ongoing project since 2024, involving international researchers from Sorbonne University (France), Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland), and graduate students from Sultan Qaboos University and other international scholars. This collaboration enhances archaeological research methodologies and deepens academic understanding of the region’s history.
Reactions and Impressions
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Hamid Hussein, Head of the Archaeology Department at Sultan Qaboos University and head of the research team, provided an in-depth explanation of the site’s significance and its major discoveries. He also led an interactive discussion that inspired students and strengthened their connection to their heritage. Professor Jerzy Szalchola from Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland) praised the enthusiasm and engagement of the students as they explored the site’s geological layers, noting that their passion reflects a genuine interest in cultural heritage preservation. Dr. Élodie Estella from France emphasized the importance of studying human remains to understand ancient civilizations. She highlighted that Oman’s rich heritage requires further research and exploration.