As part of Sharjah's participation as guest of honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair, under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the emirate presented to the fair's audience a glimpse of its cultural and civilisational achievements that have solidified its position as a global centre for knowledge and culture. During her visit to the SAA pavilion, Her Highness viewed a selection of artifacts and specialised scholarly publications that document Sharjah’s cultural journey through the ages.

These publications reflect Sharjah’s pioneering contributions to enriching human knowledge through archaeological discoveries and scientific research, which have helped to reinterpret the region’s history and highlight its historical role within networks of cultural exchange and human interaction across the centuries.

Sharjah, a crossroads of civilisations

The Authority highlighted the cultural heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah during its participation, showcasing a collection of artifacts that serve as tangible evidence of the succession of civiliations and human settlement in the Emirate over thousands of years.

The participation also highlighted Sharjah's historical role as a link between global trade and cultural exchange networks. Its ports and ancient cultural centres were connected to the trade routes of the Silk Road, both overland and maritime, which linked the civilisations of East Asia with southern Arabia and the Mediterranean. The Warsaw International Book Fair, meanwhile, offered a symbolic opportunity to showcase the cultural intersections with the historic Amber Road, which connected the Baltic region with Europe and the ancient world.

Archaeological discoveries at sites such as Mleiha and Dibba Al Hisn, among others, reveal extensive networks of trade and cultural exchange stretching from India, Mesopotamia, and the eastern Mediterranean to the Hellenistic and Roman worlds. This underscores Sharjah's historical significance as a bridge between civilisations and a vital centre for human exchange throughout the ages.

An international platform for showcasing archaeological achievements

His Excellency Dr Saeed Abdullah bin Yarouf Al Naqbi, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, affirmed that the Authority's participation in the Warsaw International Book Fair represents a significant opportunity to showcase the rich cultural and civilisational heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah and to highlight the scientific and research achievements the Authority has attained in the field of archaeology at both the regional and international levels.

He stated, "This participation is an extension of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority's mission to raise awareness of the importance of cultural and human heritage and to highlight the civilisational role of the Emirate of Sharjah as a leading centre of knowledge and culture. This international platform also provides us with an opportunity to connect with a new audience of researchers, enthusiasts, and cultural figures, and to showcase Sharjah's qualitative achievements in the field of archaeological research, the protection of heritage sites, and the documentation of human history."

He added: “Hosting this event in Poland, whose history is intertwined with the Amber Road, lends our participation an additional cultural dimension. It highlights the parallels between the ancient networks of cultural exchange that connected Europe and Asia, and the role Sharjah has played throughout history in linking societies and civilizations along global trade routes. Archaeology not only documents the past but also reveals a long history of human interaction and intercultural dialogue.”

Specialised scientific publications

During its participation, the Authority also showcased a wide range of its specialised scientific and academic publications that document the results of archaeological excavations and studies in the Emirate of Sharjah. These included the “Sharjah Archaeology Yearbook” series, comprising volumes one through twenty-three, as well as several specialised reference works covering topics such as archaeology, Islamic architecture, numismatics, the natural environment, and cultural studies.

These publications reflect the significant scientific and intellectual effort undertaken by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority in documenting archaeological discoveries and disseminating the results of specialised studies and research according to established scientific methodologies. This contributes to enhancing knowledge of the region's history and cultural heritage, making it accessible to researchers and interested parties worldwide.

Strengthening Sharjah's global cultural presence

The Sharjah Archaeology Authority's participation in this international event reflects the integration among the emirate's cultural institutions and the vital role they play in supporting Sharjah's global standing as a permanent capital of culture and knowledge. It also reinforces Sharjah's position as a leading centre for scientific research and archaeological studies, and a platform for intercultural dialogue, thus strengthening its historical and contemporary role as a link between East and West along the routes of cultural and human exchange throughout the ages.