His passion with archaeology began quite a long time ago; in fact much before media could begin taking note of his works of immense historical importance.

Dr. Mohammed Awaji Arishi is a celebrity today, thanks to his recent research work on Al-Jahwa, which he gives credit to Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Salman for his support and “great motivation.”

When Arishi stood on the podium of the King Abdulaziz lecture’s hall in the King Abdulaziz Center to receive King Salman’s award and scholarship, compliments poured in from all and sundry.

He received the award for his research paper on “Al-Jahwa: Its history, artefacts and Islamic engraving.”

Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) President Prince Sultan bin Salman extolled his findings and asked SCTA to send a team to visit Al-Jahwa.

The prince also ordered the Media and Public Relations department to buy 200 copies of the book as well as to bestow an official honor on Dr. Arishi.

Since then, Arishi has been a busy man, giving a series of lectures on Al-Jahwa’s artefacts and Islamic engravings in different parts of the Kingdom such as Tanuma, the Tourism and Artefacts Department at Jazan University, Bilsamar, the Abha Literature Club and at Naif University for Security Science.

Arishi’s findings include an engraving in Bisha of Shitan bin Qarra, a companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Hadith narrator. Qarra had a pioneer role in the Islamic history until his martyrdom and who narrated the several Hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

After King Salman ascended the throne, Dr. Arishi held his first lecture at the Makkah Lecture Club where he presented engravings of six sahaba (companions) and Tabiin (those who followed the companions) from Makkah about Ata bin Rabah engravings.

Arishi says he will pursue his research and is empowered by the encouragement, support and appreciation from the SCTA as represented by Prince Sultan bin Salman.

Arishi received a tribute in Prince Sultan’s office, as well as during the 14th National Urban Heritage Forum in Asir, “This has given me the support to continue researching the history of the artefacts in Jazan region and to work on establishing a private museum about the heritage and history of Jazan,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to be living in Saudi Arabia under the wise leadership that works to serve the tourism and the artefacts of this country.

“This blessed country is the origin of human civilization, and God Almighty has granted it with special artefacts and touristic sites as one of the most sacred parts on earth,” he said.