In September, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw (PCMA UW), will host a series of events marking the 60th anniversary of its work in Old Dongola—one of Sudan’s most valuable archaeological sites. The celebrations will be held under the theme: “Old Dongola. Heritage, Community, Archaeology. 60 Years of Sudanese–Polish Cooperation.”
The events, scheduled for 18–19 September 2025, will offer an opportunity to review past achievements, honor long-standing partners, and reflect on the future of protecting this unique heritage. The celebrations are held under the Honorary Patronage of the Rector of the University of Warsaw, Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak.
The program includes the opening of an outdoor exhibition on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street and a screening of the film “The Heart of Nubia: 60 Years of Research in Old Dongola” (18 September, 4:00 pm in the The Columned Hall at Faculty of History University of Warsaw), as well as lectures on the fieldwork results and a discussion panel, “Together for Sudan: Safeguarding Heritage in Times of Crisis” (19 September, 1:00 pm in the University of Warsaw Museum).
Old Dongola, a royal city on the Nile, is one of Sudan’s most precious archaeological sites and a unique testimony to the region’s history. For six decades, the PCMA UW expedition has carried out systematic research there, uncovering remains of architecture, art, and everyday life. Collaboration with Sudanese institutions and specialists has been the foundation of these efforts, enabling the effective documentation and preservation of heritage that holds great significance not only for Sudan but also for the global scholarly community.
Dongola was the capital of the medieval Christian Kingdom of Makuria, which flourished on the Nile from the late 5th to the 14th century. Research conducted by the PCMA UW has yielded spectacular discoveries in Makurian churches and monasteries, including outstanding examples of Nubian wall paintings. Today, it also encompasses later periods, when a new state entity emerged in Dongola and Islam replaced Christianity.
The anniversary presents a unique opportunity to celebrate six decades of Sudanese-Polish cooperation. The event honors the efforts of many generations who have worked together over the years to explore the past and protect endangered monuments. It is also a moment to reflect on the future of research and preservation of Old Dongola—a site of exceptional historical and cultural value—in the face of contemporary challenges.
Save the date— the detailed program will be announced soon.
Anniversary calendar (design by Natalia Kulka):
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Nubian ruler under the protection of Christ, St. Zechariah and John the Baptist, 13th century, church N.B.2 discovered in 2018// Władca nubijski pod opieką Chrystusa, św. Zachariasza i Jana Chrzciciela, XIII w., kościół N.B.2 odkryty w 2018 r. -
Christ Pantocrator, 13th century, south wall of the chapel discovered at the Citadel in 2023// Chrystus Pantokrator, XIII w., południowa ściana kaplicy odkrytej na Cytadeli w 2023 r. -
Dance scene, 12th-13th century, Southwest Annex, discovered in 1991// Scena tańca, XII-XIII w., Aneks Południowo-Zachodni odkryta w 1991 r. -
Archangel, 9th century, church B.V. discovered in 2005// Archanioł, IX w., kościół B.V. odkryty w 2005 r. -
Royal figure, 11th century, Northwest Annex, exploration from 1991// Figura królewska, XI w., Aneks Północno-Zachodni, badania z 1991 r. -
Three Youths in a Fiery Furnace, 13th-14th century, church N.B.2 discovered in 2018// Trzej młodziankowie w piecu ognistym, XIII-XIV w., kościół N.B.2 odkryty w 2018 r. -
White Ware vase, 9th century, discovered in the Citadel (B.I) in 2008/2009 // Misa, warsztat dongolański, IX w., odkryta na Cytadeli (B.I) w latach 2008/2009 -
Archangel Michael and donor (Archpresbyter Marianos), 11th century, Northwest Annex, exploration from 1991// Archanioł Michał i Archiprezbiter Marianos, XI w., Aneks Północno-Zachodni odkryty w 1991 r. -
Christ and the Apostolic College, 12th-13th century, Northwest Annex, exploration from 1991//Chrystus i Kolegium Apostolskie, XII-XIII w., Aneks Północno-Zachodni odkryty w 1991 r. -
Archangel Michael and Holy Trinity, 11th century, Northwest Annex, exploration from 1991// Archanioł Michał i Trójca Święta, XI w., Aneks Północno-Zachodni odkryty w 1991 r. -
Three Youths in a Fiery Furnace, 12th-13th century, Northwest Annex, exploration from 1991// Trzej młodziankowie w piecu ognistym , XII-XIII w., Aneks Północno-Zachodni odkryty w 1991 r. -
Nativity scene, 11th century, Northwest Annex, exploration from 1991// Scena Bożego Narodzenia, XI w., Aneks Północno-Zachodni odkryty w 1991 r.
