17 April 2021
On The International Day for Monuments and Sites, 18 April, H.E: Bahrain is endowed with a density of its archaeological sites that reflect our genuine historical achievements
On the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, on 18 April 2021, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities marks annually this important event to highlight the importance of archaeological sites as part and parcel of Bahraini historical identity.
Speaking for the occasion, H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, President of BACA, said: “We celebrate with the whole world the International Day for Monuments and Sites, asserting our sense of pride regarding our precious and rich archeological and heritage sites, which are clearly a mirror that reflects the deeply-rooted historical achievements and their authenticity”.
H.E added to say: “We have succeeded in Bahrain to harness our archaeological sites to become a tributary of sustainable development and turn them into an exceptional qualitative cultural tourism industry elements," asserting that despite the Kingdom of Bahrain's small area in comparison to other countries, it has a unique density of sites and monuments that enabled Bahrain to register three sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, indicating its Outstanding Universal value.
H.E has also pointed out that the archaeological sites and monuments of the Kingdom of Bahrain contribute today to decipher and better understand the movement of history and civilizations in this region, noting that the International Day of Monuments and Sites is an opportunity to celebrate these sites, enhance their protection, and share their story with the rest of the world.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has a number of important archaeological sites, on top of which are three sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Qala’at al- Bahrain Fort site (2005), the Pearling Path site (2012) and the Dilmun Burial Mounds site (2019). In addition, it has a number of forts that were built during important periods in the history of the Kingdom, namely Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort in Riffa and Arad Fort in the city of Muharraq. Moreover, other important archaeological sites are spread around the Kingdom, such as the Al-Khamis Mosque, the temples of Barbar, the Saar settlement, and others.
Indeed, Bahrain Culture Authority, and as part of its strategy to enhance the safeguard, preservation and promotion of archaeological sites, has deployed strenuous efforts over the past years to establish museums and visitor and information centers in addition to various sites, such as the Bahrain Fort Site Museum, the Pearling Path Visitor Center, the Bu Maher Fort Information Center and Al- Khamis Mosque Visitor Center. In addition, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities also continues its cooperation with many international archaeological excavation expeditions from France, Japan, the United Kingdom and Denmark, which resulted in important archaeological discoveries.
Worth to mention that followed by UNESCO adoption during its 22nd General Conference in 1983, ICOMOS established 18 April as the International Day for Monuments and Sites in 1982. The aim of the International Day for Monuments and Sites is to encourage local communities and individuals throughout the world to consider the importance of cultural heritage to their lives, identities and communities, and to promote awareness of its diversity and vulnerability and the efforts required to protect and conserve it.
