Sunken Treasures exhibition showcases finds from Uthman bin Affan Mosque in historic Jeddah

The 'Sunken Treasures' exhibition at the Red Sea Museum in historic Jeddah features a collection of archaeological discoveries that document the city’s status as a major Red Sea port, a gateway for pilgrims to Makkah, and a hub for trade and cultural exchange between Arabia, Africa, and Asia.

The exhibition includes artifacts unearthed during excavations at the Uthman bin Affan Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic landmarks in historic Jeddah. These items date from the 17th to the 19th centuries, reflecting the city’s enduring commercial and cultural activity during that era.

Among the displays are an oil lamp from 1880 originating in southern Arabia, and imported Chinese ceramics from the 17th to 19th centuries. These pieces highlight the extensive trade networks that linked Jeddah’s port to the Far East and underscore the Red Sea’s role in the movement of goods and cultures between continents.

Artifacts reveal Jeddah’s historic prosperity

The diversity and origins of the artifacts reveal the flourishing maritime trade in Jeddah and confirm research showing that the Uthman bin Affan Mosque, which dates back to the first Hijri century, has witnessed the succession of civilizations for over thirteen centuries.

The exhibition also reflects Jeddah’s historical significance since the caliph Uthman bin Affan ordered the transfer of Makkah’s port from Al-Shaiba to Jeddah, making it the main port for pilgrims and traders on the Red Sea coast.

Exhibition highlights cultural legacy

The 'Sunken Treasures' exhibition continues to offer a scientific and historical perspective on navigation and trade in the Red Sea, shedding light on the region’s history of cultural exchange. It also highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage and revive historic Jeddah as a global cultural destination, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.