RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission concluded the first season of archaeological surveys and excavations at Dhi Al-Majaz market site in Makkah with participation of a group of Saudi experts.
Located 20 kilometers east of Makkah city, the site constitute a historical, cultural, and archeological significance as one of the most well known Arab markets in the Arabian Peninsula dating back to pre-Islamic times.
The commission work revealed a number of architectural units of different sizes and characters that were likely shops with service facilities.
The site plans showed several structures situated by a long stretch that could potentially serve as a main passage that might represent a commercial market.
The findings also included Islamic inscriptions, pottery shards and ceramic fragments from different vessels.
The market, alongside Souk Okaz and Majanah, were known as Hajj markets because they took place during the Hajj season.
Pilgrims and merchants flocked to the market where deals took place and cultural events were held.
The project is a part of the commission’s efforts to discover scientific and historical evidence tied to the site.
