The archaeological monuments are representative of a nation’s identity. "Generations of people have contributed toward its formation and have struggled to protect it so that the succeeding generations benefit from them. So every society has gained its own unique culture that differs from others," noted Shihab Al-Shihab, Head of the Archeological Supervisor at the NCCAL.
The development of early societies differed according to location. "This depends on certain people’s ability to utilize land and to adapt to geographic circumstances to reach its goals. It also depends on its ability to co-exist peacefully with other nations and be enriched from their experiences. This is the reason why levels of cultural development are different from one country to another," he added.
The excavation work in Kuwait goes back to 1958. "The results of these excavations in Kuwait proved Kuwait’s strategic importance in ancient history and its contribution toward laying the foundation of human civilization. The Kuwaiti government issued the archeological law in 1960 which is the oldest among GCC countries. The NCCAL felt the responsibility of protecting and preserving this archeological wealth, intensify excavations especially near areas where government projects will be constructed," Al-Shihab concluded.
Since the middle of the previous century, Kuwait has been eager to highlight its cultural history by conducting archeological surveys and excavations. "International teams were brought to Kuwait to do the archeological survey and excavations. Also a Kuwaiti team was formed to conduct excavation operations. This team was provided with moral and financial support, and an international specialist trained this team, under the supervision of the Archeology and Museums Department of the NCCAL," said Sultan Al-Deweish, the Archeological Supervisor at the NCCAL.
The excavation works and archeological discoveries have proven that Kuwait is one of the oldest areas in the Middle East to be inhabited. "These excavations prove that there is a long history of many civilizations that had lived on the land that is present day Kuwait since the Stone Age, Bronze Age, up to the Islamic Age," explained Al-Duweish.
Al-Obaid is the oldest civilization ever which dates back to 5500-4500 BC. "Al-Obaid civilization was formed the basis for other civilizations to flourish. This was the age when the first human changed from primitive ways of life to build houses. In Kuwait and particularly in Subiyya area different locations were found for Al-Obaid civilization. Many evidences were found there proving that humans lived in Kuwait about 7,300 years ago," Al-Duweish said.
Al-Duweish also mentioned that many relics and antiquities were unearthed from both Failaka and Subiya area. He also explained that different kinds and shapes of cemeteries and graves were found in Subiya. He then thanked all the different international excavation missions and teams who worked in coordination with Kuwaiti teams.
