Uncovering the UAE’s Early Christian Community
Rare cross discovered on Sir Bani Yas Island
Cross from the early Chrsitian community of Sir Bani Yas Island. Courtesy Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.
During renewed excavations at the monastery of Sir Bani Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates, archaeologists made a remarkable find: a plaster plaque of a cross that dates to the seventh or eighth century CE. The rare find sheds additional light on an early Christian community in the Persian Gulf.
An Island Community
The monastic community of Sir Bani Yas Island thrived from around 600 to 750 CE, a full century after the spread of Islam into the area. In addition to the remains of a monastery, past excavations have uncovered a nearby church, living areas, and burial sites. Renewing excavations at the site after 30 years, archaeologists discovered the plaster cross inside a small house near the monastery.
The plaque, which stands roughly 1 foot tall and is 6 inches across, features a cross standing on a stepped base, which may have represented Golgotha. Also emerging from the base is a stylized depiction of foliage. According to a press release by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, the plaque was likely hung on a wall and used as an object of meditation, prayer, and reflection. The style of the cross closely resembles that of the Eastern (or Nestorian) Church, which was founded in Iran in the fifth century.
The monastery of Sir Bani Yas is linked to the spread of Christianity in the region during this period, which saw the establishment of several monasteries and Christian communities, particularly from the fourth to the sixth centuries. Numerous sites similar to Sir Bani Yas have been discovered in Umm Al Quwain, Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Christianity began to decline in the region in the seventh century with the spread of Islam. The monastery of Sir Bani Yas appears to have been abandoned peacefully, as none of the monastery’s buildings show signs of having been destroyed.
Today, the monastery and the associated archaeological site are incorporated into a large public nature preserve that includes visitor facilities and conservation projects. According to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, “The ongoing discoveries from Sir Bani Yas Island, even after 30 years of research and excavation, underscore the magnitude of our cultural legacy and the importance of our continued commitment to its preservation and understanding. As DCT Abu Dhabi continues to uncover these valuable stories, we reaffirm our dedication to preserving, promoting, and protecting Abu Dhabi’s diverse heritage, one that we are honored to share with the world.”
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