08 January 2018
BACA’s Press Conference Unveiled Events Celebrating Muharraq, “Capital of Islamic Culture 2018”
Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA) held a press conference, on 8 January 2018 at Arad Fort, to unveil a series of events celebrating officially Muharraq as the Capital of “ Islamic Culture 2018”. The programmes were announced in the presence of H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of of BACA, many ambassadors and others interested in cultural affairs in the Kingdom. Worth to mention that the 9th Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (ISESCO) session of the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, held in Muscat in 2015, had previously declared Muharraq as the Capital l of Islamic culture for 2018.
Speaking for the occasion, H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said during her speech” We welcome 2018 with a good news heralding Muharraq as the cultural capital of Arab and Islamic countries”, adding that “ the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the under the Leadership’s wise vision has become a world destination, a lighthouse and a model for culture development”. H.E also has expressed gratitude and thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the first supporter of culture in Bahrain, for his strong belief in the cultural work and for his generous support for “Muharraq Capital of Islamic Culture 2018” programme. H.E also thanked His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, for their unlimited support for cultural movement in the Kingdom. In addition, H.E thanked Dr Abdulaziz Othman Al-Tuwaijri, for his presence and support for future projects and plans to be implemented in Bahrain, coinciding with the festivities celebrating Muharraq as Capital of Islamic Culture 2018, and for his interest in the city of Muharraq and his confidence in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which will celebrate its guests from all over the world.
H.E Shaikha Mai argued that said that the nomination of Muharraq as the capital of Islamic culture by ISESCO is a recognition of the historical aspect of the city which has the pearling path as world heritage site, further stressing that the city of Muharraq was named the Capital of Islamic Culture for the year 2018 thanks to its rich its urban fabric and its tangible material and intangible heritage, noting that the Culture Authority will present during the year cultural infrastructure projects that will add more value to the city and enhance its splendour and beauty. Pearling Project, as well as a vibrant program of activities, celebrations and exhibitions throughout Bahrain, will certainly make Muharraq a citadel, a lighthouse and a hub for culture, heritage and arts throughout the year, H.E added .“Through culture, we promote our high values and the authentic spirit of our Islamic religion, and we give the world a better picture of the countries of the Arab and Islamic worlds,” H.E said.
In announcing the Muharraq as the capital of Islamic culture, Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altuwaijri highlighted the history of Muharraq and its human heritage and Bahrain’s unique cultural components. He stressed the importance of preserving the cultural identity of historic cities, noting the role of the Bahrain Culture & Antiquities Authority in safeguarding Bahrain’s cultural heritage.
Revealing the most important events for 2018, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) said that it will officially celebrate Muharraq as the capital of Islamic culture on January 28 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, May God protect Him. On January 17, the 44th annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition will be held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, at a specially built tent to celebrate new year’s events, near Arad Fort. on January 17 2018, BACA’s panel will also present the results of the 6th Bahrain International Sculpture Symposium, held currently at the backyard of Bahrain National Museum and presided by the Egyptian the renowned sculptor, Adam Henein.
On January 18, the National Museum of Bahrain will host the exhibition “Art in the Civilization of Muslim Countries - Al Sabah Group”, organized by the House of Islamic Antiquities in Kuwait, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). On the occasion of the Arab Tourism Day, which coincides with the anniversary of the Arab Muslim traveller Ibn Battuta, the Bahrain National Theater will host a concert, on February 25 2018, specially prepared for this world concert by Abed Azriya entitled “The Epic of Gilgamesh”. During the month of March, Bahrain National Museum will open the “Burial Mounds Hall” on March 18, in line with the International Day of Museums. On March 28th , the Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority will organize the 18th Bahrain International Book Fair.
On June 24, 2018, the World Heritage Committee, chaired by the Kingdom m of Bahrain will deliberate its annual meetings and sessions in Manama. On September 27, BACA will launch the second edition of the Passport for Cultural Tourism in conjunction with World Tourism Day. The year will conclude on November 28th 2018, with the official launch of the Pearling : A Testimony of an Island Economy, held under the Patronage of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa may God protect him.
In addition Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, will continue, throughout the year, to present the usual culture seasons as planned, such as Spring of Culture Festival, Annual Heritage Festival, Bahrain Summer Festival, Bahrain International Music Festival, Ta’a al Shabab’s Festival, Food Is Culture, Manama Nuit Blanche, workshops, exhibitions, lectures and many more, which will be announced by the Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority (BCHR) through its website culture.gov.bh
