Al Jassasiya: a rock-carved archaeological site that showcases Qatar's past

QNA

Doha

With its boat carvings, footprints, round pits and mysterious symbols and signs, Al Jassasiya is one of Qatar's most important and distinctive archaeological sites that can be explored and enjoyed during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Al Jassasiya site is one of the many rock-carved sites in Qatar that showcase the country's past. The site can be found along the coast of Qatar, which gives the visitor a unique and enjoyable tourist experience.

The Site was first discovered in 1957. A deeper study of the location began in 1974 when 874 individual and composite carvings were archived. The carvings consist mainly of round pits resembling cup marks of various shapes, including rows, rosettes, and stars. They also consist of other inscriptions such as boat inscriptions, footprints, and other mysterious symbols and signs.

It is believed that these cup marks were used in ancient board games, such as the Mancala, which was known in Qatar as 'Al Halousa' or 'Al Huwaila.' The site offers interesting glimpses of the past and remains a mystery decades after its discovery with its many unusual carvings, such as fossils of thick-finned fish and boats with many oars, as well as carvings of scorpions on the rocks and the outlines of turtles.

Mystery surrounds many deep pits connected by thin channels through which water can run. Few carvings look like groups of stars connected by lines representing constellations.

Al Jassasiya is famous for its stone and rock carvings due to their quality as well as their excellent nature and preservation.

Archaeologists, who studied and classified the rock carvings, considered Al Jassasiya rock carvings one of the most important archaeological sites in Qatar.

Some suggest that these carvings may date back to the 3rd century BC, while others put them somewhere between the 10th and 18th centuries AD.

Due to the location of Al Jassasiya in an elevated area overlooking the sea, it was most likely used as a lookout to monitor the entry of ships into Qatar.

Al Jassasiya site is located north of Doha, around 50 miles by car. Visitors can drive north on Al Shamal Road until they reach exit 66. Afterward, they should turn right and continue at the intersection before turning left. After approximately 3 kilometers, visitors will find a large fenced area, which is Al Jassasiya. From this point, visitors have to walk on foot.

Visitors flock to Al Jassasiya area to get glimpses of the ancient art form. This is a wonderful experience for visitors and will be a unique journey for fans of the World Cup Qatar 2022.