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H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA), received, on 6November 2018, a delegation from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) led by Chairman Samir Nass, alongside First Vice-Chairman Mr. Khalid Najibi, board member Mrs. Sonia Janahi and Treasurer Mr. Aref Hejris, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Shaker Al Shater. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Dawood Nassif Dawood, Bahrain Petroleum 's Board of Directors Member (BAPCO), and architect Roberto Nardi, from the Centro di Conservazione Archeologica in Italy.
The meeting highlighted the importance of BACA’s efforts and the significance of registering the city of Manama on the World Heritage List as a site that reflects the values of tolerance and coexistence. The meeting discussed ways and means of enhancing civil and private organizations’ participation in the cultural movement and contribution to cultural infrastructure projects, as well briefing the attendants about the latest developments with regard to the nomination of Manama Old City file to Preparatory UNESCO World Heritage List. H.E also pointed out that the City of Manama is a living example, a unique model for peace and co-existence. H.E said “ We meet today to reconfirm our commitment to preserve and safeguard our historical heritage for the next generations, given that Manama city reflects the uniqueness of Bahraini’s world heritage, which a very rich ancient cultural and universal treasure”. H.E argued that the urban heritage is the best tool and clearest gateway to story tell the history of civilizations and their achievements. BACA’s President praised the BCCI’s contributions to promoting the Bahraini society and sustainable development projects.
The BCCI delegation paid a visit to Bahrain National Museum where they enjoyed exhibition halls’ most challenging show, Pearling Path, reflecting information and pictures concerning this UNESCO World Heritage List site. The delegation then attended a lecture addressed by Italian architect Roberto Nardi who focused on the significance of preserving cultural heritage buildings that are being restored in Manama, including Al Fadhil Mosque and Nassif House, a project by Shaikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research. The lecture focused on examples of cultural heritage properties between Muharraq and historic Manama, including Al Fadhel Mosque, Nassif House and Hijazi House, showing best practices in renovation and rehabilitation, and a creative way to sustain the local architectural identity.
Roberto Nardi highlighted during his intervention the importance of complementarity and cooperation between all categories of society, arguing that history and culture are comprehensive elements belonging to all humans. Nardi added that restoration of Al Fadhel Mosque Minaret and beit Nasif, will present real exceptional examples and stereotypes of this complementarity, given that the social society will take part in a comprehensive project implementation.
At the end of his lecture, Nardi said that the Kingdom of Bahrain still embodies many historical heritage components, and that launching the implementation of such projects as early as possible reflects the level of awareness of the Bahrainis about the importance of the country’s assets.