Decipher the 'mysterious' carving in the desert in Qatar

These large and most important stone art works of Qatar have attracted many scientists who have tried to decipher them with many different theories.

Archaeologists found about 900 rock carvings at Al Jassasiya. 

Al Jassasiya is a city located on a deserted and barren desert corner on the northeast coast of Qatar, containing the largest and most important stone art works of the country. People centuries ago considered a series of low-lying limestone outcrops here as a special canvas to carve symbols, motifs and objects that revolved around their daily lives. However, the meaning behind these spectacular carvings cannot yet be properly explained.

Al Jassasiya is about an hour north of the current capital of Qatar and near the ancient pear-growing port of Al Huwaila. In late 1973 and early 1974, a group of Danes led by archaeologist Holger Kapel and his son made the discovery and cataloged the area's first with pictures and drawings.

Since then, archaeologists have found a total of about 900 stone carvings at Al Jassasiya. They include a variety of special patterns and images of boats that can only be seen from above. Ferhan Sakal, head of excavation and management at the Qatar Museum, said: 'The carvings at Al Jassasiya are unique and cannot be found anywhere else. These works show the creativity and observation skills of the artists who make them'.

The prominent carvings at Al Jassasiya are two parallel rows of pits.

One of the prominent carvings at Al Jassasiya are two parallel rows of pits, each consisting of seven holes. It is theorized that these holes were once used to play mancala, a popular game from ancient times. However, many others have disputed this theory by pointing out that the pits here are too small to fit any stone, and there are many holes carved on the slopes - unfavorable terrain. to play this game.

As for the true meaning of the works, Sakal admits: 'It is difficult to answer. We have no direct clue as to the motifs used in Al Jassasiya. In my opinion, they may belong to certain rituals but are too old to explain. These works may not have been made at the same time'.

Experts involved in the study of the Al Jassasiya area agree that it is impossible to say with certainty about the time period and the creator of the stone works at Al Jassasiya. They also think that these works are all very special and one of the most special things is the boats.

The carving art at Al Jassasiya is extremely unique.

Most of the boats viewed from above are fish-shaped with pointed tails and rows of oars, carved with some kind of pointed metal tool. The details on the side of the boat and the many cross-sections show that the mast of the boat is sturdy. Some of them are retrofitted with traditional Arabic anchors or European anchors.

Frances Gillespie and Faisal Abdulla Al Naimi, authors of a book on hidden things in Qatar note: 'Boats played an important role in the beliefs of the ancient peoples, as a means of transportation. In Greek mythology, the ferryman Charon carried the souls of the dead across the River Styx to the afterlife. This may be the meaning behind these boat carvings'.