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27 October 2019 Lecture on the Latest Efforts to Safeguard Manama City’s Historical Landmarks
Lecture on the Latest Efforts to Safeguard Manama City’s Historical Landmarks

 

Bahrain National Museum hosted, on 27 October 2019, a lecture titled “ Restoration of Historical Identities in Manama: The House of Nassif where the Space is for Tolerance and the Minaret of Al-Fadel Mosque" conducted by Dr. Roberto Nardi from the Centro di Conservazione Archeologica in Italy, with the presence of Mr. Domenico Bellato, Ambassador of Italy in the Kingdom of Bahrain, along with a number of culture enthusiasts in Bahrain.

Dr. Roberto Nardi highlighted during his lecture Bahrain Culture Authority’s different action mechanisms to implement the restoration of historical identities in Manama city, stressing the importance of safeguarding its historical prominent landmarks, the need to restore its genuine and original character dating back to the 1930s. Dr. Nardi shed lights on two important historical monumental landmarks; namely the House of Nassif where the space is for tolerance and the minaret of Al Fadel Mosque.
 
Dr. Roberto Nardi also underlined the biggest modifications carried out with regard to Al Fadel Mosque minaret through time, Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities’ efforts to restore its original identity, pointing out to the steps taken already in Venice to re-make and produce the materials of the minaret’s mosaic, which is considered one of the main components of its design. The latest cutting technology raw materials guaranteeing the longevity and sustainability of this mosaic and the expected closing date for works, estimated to be in December 2020, were also unveiled by Dr. Nardi during his presentation.      

Dr. Nardi also spoke about the  restoration of Nassif House, a project by Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture & Research, showcasing old photos depicting the original house status that reflects the Bahraini traditional house, and the steps taken to transform this house into a public space embracing diversity, different culture and multitude of convictions and religious beliefs.