From 12 to 14 December 2024, Paris will host Sur les Routes d’Arabie (On the Roads of Arabia), a prestigious archaeological symposium held at the iconic Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) in Paris. Bringing together leading experts from around the globe, the event will delve into the ancient land and maritime routes that shaped the Arabian Peninsula’s history. Organised by Dr Sterenn Le Maguer-Gillon and Josselin Pinot, the symposium promises a deeper understanding of Arabia’s profound historical significance.
The symposium’s focus extends across the centuries, from the Bronze Age to the Islamic period, exploring Arabia’s connections with neighbouring regions such as the Indian subcontinent, the Horn of Africa, Egypt, and ancient empires of the Near East, Greece, and Rome. These networks of exchange will be examined in detail, offering fresh perspectives on Arabia’s central role in global trade and cultural exchanges.
The Institut du Monde Arabe
Located in the heart of the French capital, the Institut du Monde Arabe is a cultural beacon dedicated to fostering understanding between Arab and Western cultures. Established in 1980, the IMA showcases Arab heritage through a wide array of exhibitions, performances, and educational programmes. Its iconic modern architecture houses a comprehensive library, Arabic language courses, and spaces for innovative and immersive cultural experiences.
Hosting Sur les Routes d’Arabie aligns seamlessly with the IMA’s mission, providing an ideal venue for exploring the Arabian Peninsula’s deep historical ties to the wider world.
Highlighting AlUla and its historical significance
The symposium will prominently feature AlUla, a historic crossroads for trade, culture, and pilgrimage from the Bronze Age to the Islamic period. AlUla’s archaeological missions will be a focal point, with detailed discussions on key sites such as:
- Hegra (Mada’in Salih): Known for its Nabataean tombs, Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the region’s rich history.
- Dadan: The ancient capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, providing invaluable insights into early Arabian civilisations.
- The Old Town: An enduring symbol of community sustainability and architectural innovation.
- The Oasis: A marvel of ancient water management that sustained life and commerce in the desert.
The organisers and their vision
This exceptional symposium is spearheaded by two accomplished archaeologists.
Dr Sterenn Le Maguer-Gillon, affiliated with Archaïos and the French Centre for Research on the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA), is renowned for her research on trade routes and the use of perfumes in the medieval Muslim world. Her extensive work across the Arabian Peninsula has brought fresh perspectives to its historical and cultural narratives.
Josselin Pinot, a doctoral candidate at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and research engineer at CNRS, specialises in ancient trade networks and cultural exchanges. His insights into the movement of goods and ideas through Arabia have been instrumental in shaping the symposium’s focus.
The event will feature 35 lectures delivered by leading specialists, including historians, art historians, epigraphists, ceramologists, philologists, ethnologists, anthropologists, and biologists. These experts will present their research and findings across three days, combining in-depth academic analysis with engaging discussions.
Sessions will explore the evolution of Arabia’s trade and cultural routes, drawing connections to its role in the broader networks of ancient empires. Key discussions will include the exchange of goods with regions such as India, the Horn of Africa, Egypt, and ancient Mediterranean powers.
Sur les Routes d’Arabie is organised by the inter-university association Routes de l’Orient, in partnership with the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Archaïos company, and CEFREPA. It is also supported by prominent institutions such as CNRS, the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, MUDUD, and the Dadan Archaeological Project.
The symposium represents a celebration of Arabia’s enduring legacy and a unique opportunity for discovery. It is a platform for scholars, enthusiasts, and cultural advocates to delve into the Arabian Peninsula’s pivotal role in global history. Through its innovative approach and expert-led discussions, Sur les Routes d’Arabie promises to inspire dialogue and deepen understanding of one of the world’s most historically significant regions.
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Photos: SAUDI TOURISM AUTHORITY
