Have you ever heard of Al Jassasiya rock carvings? Wouldn’t it be a dream to explore such unique places? Historians have studied prehistoric era, the people belonging to the era along with their mysterious cultures with the help of rock carvings. The Al Jassasiya rock carvings in Qatar is one of the most breathtaking rock carvings in the Middle East. Although these ancient carvings belong to time immemorial, the creators and the meaning behind these petroglyphs remain a mystery. Being one of the one of the most stunning sites, people should visit at least once when in Qatar.
Discovering The Mysterious Al Jassaiya Site
One of the most secretive and attractive sites in Qatar, Al Jassasiya Site is one of few places where people will discover petroglyphs, a collection of rare and signs carved in stones. Carvings seen at Al- Jassasiya are one of the most stunning in terms of their quality and state of preservation. Want to know the best part? One can find over 900 glyphs here in various shapes, patterns which look like animals and boats and much more.
71 daisy shaped patterns that make up 9 small holes can be seen as well, which most believe is a game called ailah, also known as 'umm al-judairah'. Did you know the 7- 9 shapes of double rows look like cups? They said the cups are a game called haloosa or Huwaila.
At a temple in Karnak, Egypt, people can find similar carved rows that date back to the 15th century and a few that date back to the 5th century. There is a symbolic representation seen in the double rows and daises, blended with all kinds of cups. Historians still have to discover the old local culture. Thick- finned fish fossils, boats with several oars, scorpions, donkeys and outlines of turtles are some of the most unusual carvings seen. There are about 100 carvings seen at this rock carving in Qatar.
Till date, historians are still trying to connect the dots as to what kind of water can run, which over time is believed to be these designs celebrating rains, which is quite rare in the Middle East.
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Things To Do At Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings
The rock carvings are one of the most interesting and mysterious sites people should discover at least once. Hence, when it comes to exploring this place, there are several things to do in Qatar, which include:
Studying the Prehistoric Petroglyphs, Sandstone Quarry and Rock Formations
When comes to discovering historic rock carvings in Qatar, Al Jassasiya is the place to visit that is surreal and resembles places that are no less than a dream. Boats, fish, scorpions and round holes are some of the carvings and it is said that these were used in board games. Nonetheless, there is no proof for the claim. Researchers could not find and function or rock carving related to the claim. They say the sand stone has been used in construction, and there are marks of tools used that were used to break the boulders.
Hiking, Discover Rock Carvings and Spot Lizards
People visiting Al Jassasiya rock carvings are open to go on a hike to explore this stunning rock scenery. People can venture out on several paths even though it is said it's not easy to find all the rock- carvings. It is one of the ideal activities for kids. There are several tiny lizards found early morning and late afternoon. Tourists can have a little picnic underneath a bit of shade. These are some of the things people should do when visiting the carvings, as it is a once in a lifetime experience that people should not miss out on. So, go ahead and have the best time of your life.
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Amenities At Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings
People will not find any amenities in the area. Nevertheless, they can buy few supplies in Al Khor. Some of the things people may have to keep with them is a bottle of water, snacks and sun- protection. It is one of the most historical places in Qatar.
Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings - Best Time To Visit
The ideal time to visit the rock carvings is sunrise and sunset. Afternoons become exhausting due to the lack of shade and hilly terrain. So, when it comes to making plans, people can visit the carvings during these times. It is said to be one of the most stunning places to visit in Qatar.
Fun Facts About Petroglyphs
- Rock art was an ancient method used to record both real and abstract events and ideas.
- Petroglyphs are considered as the foundation of art, as they are the earliest forms of art that exist on earth
- Sometimes it is often not possible to date petroglyphs accurately, and many times scientists can only detect the age of the stone with petroglyphs on them but not the age of petroglyphs itself.
Out of the many rock carving sites in Qatar, Al Jassasiya is one of the most stunning tourist sites to explore. It is an absolute mystery to the historians as there are certain things that are unknown and haven’t been discovered yet. Boats, footprints and signs are some of the carvings found here. Hence, when it comes to planning a trip to the Middle East, visit the Al Jassasiya carvings Qatar.
Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings - FAQs
People will discover petroglyphs, a collection of rare and signs carved in stones at Al Jassasiya site.
Things to do at Al Jassasiya carvings Qatar include Prehistoric petroglyphs, sandstone quarry and rock formations and hiking and discovering rock carvings and spot lizards.
People will not find any amenities in the area. Nevertheless, they can buy few supplies in Al Khor.
The ideal time to visit the rock carvings is sunrise and sunset. Afternoons become exhausting due to the lack of shade and hilly terrain. So, when it comes to making plans, people can visit the carvings during these times.
Boats, fish, scorpions and round holes are some of the cravings that resemble cup holders, which they say were used as old board games.
No, people are not allowed to touch any carvings at the site.
Yes, people are allowed to have a small picnic under a shaded area.
Bottle of water, snacks and sun- protection are some of the things people are supposed to carry with them.
