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H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, as per the honorable assignment bestowed upon, expressed her deep gratitude and appreciation for the approval of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Distinguished Prime Minister, May God Protect Him, and his high directives addressed to the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments during the weekly meeting of esteemed cabinet members last Monday. The meeting explored cooperation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities to preserve the archaeological historical mosques, thanking His Highness for this high gesture and the official assignment that would help achieve BACA’s visionary cultural plans, boosting, thus, its relentless efforts to elaborate a permanent schemes to safeguard and preserve the world heritage, as well as highlight the aesthetics of its history and architecture.

H.E said: “This highly honorable assignment, which is much appreciated and cherished, and the directives addressed highlight the importance of cooperation and unity that should prevail between all official entities, reflect a keenness to develop and maintain a real partnerships, through which we can offer attractive deeply-thought rich contents. This is a common national endeavor that entitles us all to safeguard and protect and rehabilitate these universal historical landmarks, re-invest and revive them to carry on their leading roles in every location”. H.E reasserted: “This honorable support and humane gesture by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Distinguished Prime Minister, May God Protect Him, inspires us to do more, give more and carry out our responsibilities and continue towards achieving our utmost goals, that is to safeguard and rehabilitate all our heritage and historic components, among which mosques are significant landmarks and a source of pride”. H.E added that HRH’s constant support to culture has yielded many universal fruitful results, such as the Post Office Museum, which was inaugurated in the historical city of Manama at the end of 2015, HRH’s continuous directives with regard to restoring the historical identity of functional role of Al-Mehza Mosque at Manama old market.          

H.E Shaikha Mai also pointed out that mosques are keystones to BACA’s strategic scheme with regard to ancient genuine cities, given that they form an essential component in every city, an original landmark that models the identity of place and time and its visual symbolism. Indeed, With the aim of restoring its original identity, the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA) has always been keen to restore the visual identity of many historical landmarks and assets,  such as the project, sponsored by HH Shaikha Mariam bint Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and BBK, to restore the architectural design and details of the minaret of Al-Fadhel Mosque to how they were when it was first constructed, thus enhancing its harmony with the unique urban fabric surrounding it in the capital of coexistence and cultural diversity.

Alternatively, Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, has accomplished the first phase of excavation works undertaken at Shaikh Qassim Al Mehza Mosque, Old Manama Suq, carried out in cooperation with the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, as per HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, May God Protect Him. Bahrain Authority looks forward to start the second phase of excavation works, especially after the initial phase’s discoveries unearthed at the foundations of mosque, probably dating back to the 19th century. These findings, will certainly contribute greatly to testify and yield historical evidence values that confirm the authenticity of this mosque, consequently help elaborate a final vision of the project implementation. Commenting on this, H.E said: “This honorable support and humane gesture by the Prime Minister and HRH’s constant support to culture, have no doubt, contributed hugely to the implementation of these projects and achievements according to highest standards with regard to their value and history. Al-Mehza Mosque, being one of these landmarks, embodies an exceptional genuine special character, given its location at the heart of Manama Suq, registered on National Heritage List, and hence, requires detailed accurate treatment standards. Moreover, its genuine identity related historical characteristics inspire us to dedicate all cultural, scientific and architectural tools and assets for its revival and rehabilitation”  

 Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities has also pointed out that its work plans and visions are inspired by elaborative pioneering strategies, reiterating the importance of historical mosques, which are part and parcel of BACA’s safeguard and habilitation policies and schemes. Indeed, BACA has revived and revamped Al-Muawadah Mosque, in the old city of Muharraq, now carrying out its original functional employment at its initial location, Buri Mosque, considered one of the oldest mosques in Bahrain, as well as boosting and strengthening the foundations of Al-Adhar Mosque, a prominent historical religious landmarks registered on National Heritage List. Bahrain Culture Authority reiterated its full readiness to continue cooperation and follow-up with the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments to rehabilitate and revive genuine historical mosques, support restoration works, regain and reshape its identity, historical authenticity in harmony with the architectural practices and values with regard to the surrounding urban fabric. Mosques contribute to the creation of a surrounding environment in cities and villages. BACA has also announced the elaboration of a preliminary comprehensive visionary plan to safeguard Ahmad Al-Fatih Mosque, grave of Ahmad Al-Fatih in the historical city of Manama, pointing out that these landmarks are anchored in memory of time and place, documented as genuine history protected by BACA, committed to its safeguard and to highlight its value.