Diplomats from the European Union journeyed to Failaka Island to celebrate 'Europe Month' in Kuwait.
Rewriting Traditional Tales: Unearthing the Past at Failaka Island
Step into the heart of Kuwait's rich heritage as the European Union ambassadors embark on an enlightening journey to the ancient island of Failaka. This journey marked the commencement of Europe Month in Kuwait, a joint collaboration between the EU and Kuwait aimed at preserving cultural ties.
The voyage, coordinated by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, the French Embassy, and the French Center for Research in the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA), offers a glimpse into Failaka's robust history.
Home to the famed Hellenistic fortress once known as 'Ikarus' during Alexander the Great's reign, Failaka frequently welcomes archaeological missions from various European nations like France, Denmark, Poland, Italy, and Slovakia.
Presently, a groundbreaking French-Kuwaiti archaeological expedition, led by Mathilde Gillain of the ArScAn-CNRS Institute in joint venture with CEFREPA, delves deeper into this historical fortress to expand our scientific understanding and secure its future.
Guided by Failaka native and historian Hassan Al-Fulaijawi, the EU delegation garners valuable insights into the island's illustrious past. EU Ambassador Anne Koistinen commended the visit, saying, "Failaka Island encapsulates the profound cultural affinities between Kuwait and Europe."
Failaka stands as a primary heritage site in Kuwait, boasting archaeological deposits dating back approximately 4,000 years, from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period. The ongoing French-Kuwaiti expedition is making significant strides in unveiling the island's extensive historical and cultural heritage.
In the present, multiple international teams, including the French mission, continue to excavate and study sites on Failaka, unearthing relics that underscore the island's historical significance, especially during the Greek era. The discoveries also highlight Failaka's strategic role commercially, militarily, and politically.
The French Research Centre of the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA), in conjunction with Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), is dynamically involved in ongoing projects, such as excavation, preservation, and, ultimately, the nomination of Failaka Island as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recent unveilings, like ancient freshwater wells, testify to the island's continuous human habitation for millennia. Failaka's archaeological bounty embraces fortified castles, harbors, and inscriptions, including the famous Icarus inscription, which was inducted into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
This partnership between France and Kuwait transcends excavation, extending to specialized training in heritage preservation and historic building studies, backed by international organizations such as the World Monuments Fund. These initiatives reflect a strategic dedication towards the sustainable development of the site as a leading cultural tourism destination.
With relics from five diverse civilizations, Failaka Island represents a unique archaeological canvas. The current French-Kuwaiti expedition forms part of this multi-national archaeological endeavor, which began with Danish excavations in the 1950s and continues to offer new perspectives on the island's storied past.
In essence, the French-Kuwaiti expedition at Failaka Island consistently engages in excavation, research, and preservation initiatives. The mission thrives on strong Kuwaiti support and works in unison towards the global recognition of Failaka as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while also bolstering the island's stature as a vital hub for cultural tourism and historical learning.
As the European Union ambassadors delve into Failaka Island's rich historical fortress, a French-Kuwaiti archaeological expedition led by Mathilde Gillain, we gain valuable insights into the lifestyle and home-and-garden practices of the ancients who inhabited the island. The archaeological findings, such as ancient wells and inscriptions, offer glimpses into their daily lives and their cultural heritage that extends beyond just the architecture and fortifications.
