A Saudi-French archaeological team has unearthed in Najran what might be considered the oldest inscription in the Arabic alphabet, said a spokesman from the French Foreign Ministry.
“The epigrapher Frédéric Imbert, a professor at the University of Aix-Marseille, found the Nabatean Arabic inscription about 100 km north of Najran near the Yemeni border,” said the spokesman. “The first thing that makes this find significant is that it is a mixed text, known as Nabatean Arabic, the first stage of Arabic writing,” he said.
This script had previously only ever been seen north of Hejaz, in the Sinai and in the Levant. The second is the fact that these inscriptions are dated. The period indicated corresponds to the years 469-470 AD. This is the oldest form of Arabic writing known to date, the “missing link” between Nabatean and Arabic writing, he added.
This discovery, which is important to the history of the Arabian Peninsula and language, represents a success for the network of archaeological missions funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, which executed 148 projects this year in more than 60 countries worldwide. It is also an excellent example of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France, the official said.
Many examples of graffiti and inscriptions, largely of names and greetings, are a testament to widespread literacy within Nabatean culture, which extended as far north as the north end of the Dead Sea.
No Nabatean literature has survived with the exception of a few letters.
Nabatean-Arabic missing link: ‘Oldest’ inscription found in Najran
Nabatean-Arabic missing link: ‘Oldest’ inscription found in Najran
Bella Hadid hosts aid concert for Sudan, Palestine
- $5.5m raised at event in Los Angeles
- 20 artists and thousands at fundraiser
DUBAI: American Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid this week took part in a fundraising concert, Artists for Aid, held in Los Angeles to support humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine and Sudan.
Hadid shared photos from the event on her Instagram Stories, which she co-hosted with Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal, a longtime advocate for humanitarian causes.
The concert was led by Sudanese-Canadian poet Mustafa and brought together musicians, actors and activists in a show of solidarity.
The Los Angeles edition featured 20 artists and drew thousands of attendees, raising $5.5 million. Proceeds will support the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and the Sudanese American Physicians Association.
The event marked the third successful Artists for Aid concert, following earlier shows in Newark, New Jersey, and London.
To host the event, Hadid wore a black graphic T-shirt featuring a bold red and green rose motif, styled in a slightly oversized, rolled-sleeve fit. The top was tucked loosely into black trousers, while a red-and-black keffiyeh-style scarf was tied around her hips and worn like a wrap skirt, adding a layer of cultural symbolism to the look.
She completed the outfit with a black bandana worn low over her hair and tied at the back.
The model’s siblings, Alana Hadid, Marielle Hadid and Anwar Hadid, were among the guests in attendance at the concert.
After the event, the PCRF shared a post with Hadid and the SAPA, writing that it “was honored” to be a part of the event.
The organization added: “In an unforgettable evening, 20 artists and performers, along with thousands of attendees, showed how global solidarity can become real action, sending a powerful message of care and hope to children who have endured so much in both Palestine and Sudan.”
“We were especially moved to see Diaa and Ayham, two of our children who were evacuated from Gaza for life-saving treatment abroad, attending the concert in person, thriving and strong once again, just as we wish for all the children we serve.”
The organization went on to thank all the performers and the audience: “Together, you made last night a success that will ripple across the lives of countless children, reminding them that they are never alone.”
