Saudi heritage exhibition titled “Saudi Archaeological Masterpieces through the Ages,” at the Smithsonian in Washington DC, is attracting a large number of visitors from different countries.
The visitors described the exhibition as one of the best ever held in the Washington DC, as it displays relics of great importance that narrate the Arabian history and culture across different ages.
Japanese visitor, Kueno Francis Tanami, said the exhibition was stunning for him as he did not expect the existence of such ancient civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula. “In fact, for a long time, we have been busy with Greek, Roman and Pharaonic history, but I didn’t know about this part of the world, I have seen very beautiful pieces here, and they are totally new for me,” he said.
Tanami added: “By visiting this exhibition I discovered that there were many wonderful civilizations in Arabia.
Prosperous trade existed thousands of years ago in Arabia which is clearly understood from the trade routes on the ancient maps. Really, I am dazzled by these maps that show the thriving life and trade in this region thousands of years ago,” he added.
Peter Dingham and Lily Angle, who arrived specially from Virginia to see the show, said: “What we have seen in the exhibition has astonished us, and we are surprised at such a great Arab civilization that dates back to thousands of years ago. It is wonderful to be closely acquainted with the antiquities of this great civilization in the United Stated.”
Dingham added: “It is wonderful to see the stunning relics that date back to 7,000 years ago.”
The two expressed their surprise when they saw a 9,000-year-old relic. “The most wonderful thing is that they are beautifully preserved till now,” said Lily.
Alan Berger, another visitor, was pleasantly surprised at the Saudi folklore, describing it as beautiful. He said, “I did not visit the Kingdom before, but I was so surprised while listening to its beautiful and different folklores, which are absolutely different from our Western folklores.” He also expressed his admiration of the displayed ornaments and the inscriptions on Bab (door) Al-Kaaba.
A Mexican visitor, Rafael Ramirez, who visited most of the museums in Washington DC, said, “I see this exhibition as one of the best events. It includes important relics that are not shown in any other museums. I think this exhibition is one of the best of its kind that I have ever visited. It includes various pieces expressing the Arabian culture that span different ages.”
Ramirez, sees Bab Al-Kaaba as the most important piece in the exhibition, describing Bab Al-Kaaba’s lock, which is made of gold and silver, as interesting “because of the inscriptions etched on it.”
Janice Seekdak from Washington University expressed her pleasure to see Bab Al-Kaaba. She emphasized the importance of the exhibition featuring relics.
Prince Sultan bin Salman president of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, along with Wayne Clough, secretary general of Smithsonian Institution, opened the exhibition on Feb. 15, 2012.
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