10 October 2023
Bahrain Culture Authority at “Our Heritage 2023” Exhibition held in the Arab Republic of Egypt until 14 October to show the efforts made to preserve the genuine Bahraini crafts
With a rich tapestry of tradition and culture, Bahrain has always been a country that takes immense pride in its heritage. Now, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is all set to highlight the successful experience of the ‘Made in Bahrain’ project at the ‘Our Heritage 2023’ exhibition in the Arab Republic of Egypt. Indeed, the major show was launched On Sunday, October 8th, under the patronage of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and organized by Project Development Authority. The Kingdom of Bahrain's participation in the exhibition comes within a large Arab presence represented by six countries.
The exhibition, which continues until October 14, aims to provide marketing opportunities for small business owners in the crafts sector Handmade and heritage items, including more than 1,000 exhibitors from various governorates of Egypt and coming from more than 30 heritage sectors.
Indeed, the participation of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in the ‘Our Heritage 2023’ exhibition not only strengthens Bahrain’s cultural ties with Egypt but also creates an international platform for Bahraini craftspeople. This exposure could potentially lead to increased demand for these traditional products and generate economic growth within the sector. Moreover, the spotlight on traditional industries could inspire the younger generation in Bahrain to learn these crafts, ensuring their continuation and contributing to the preservation of Bahrain’s cultural heritage.
There is no doubt that the ‘Made in Bahrain’ project was a significant initiative to highlight the creativity and versatility of Bahraini handicrafts. The project has been instrumental in showcasing an array of products, from fabric crafts to intricate baskets, reflecting the country’s rich history and vibrant culture. Thus, by participating in the ‘Our Heritage 2023’ exhibition, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities aims to bring the spotlight onto Bahrain’s traditional industries and the steps taken to develop and nurture them, as creative products and qualities are a symbol of local identity.
Moreover, the Bahrain Culture Authority, ‘Made in Bahrain’ – Preserving Local Craftsmanship Revitalizing Traditional Crafts – and in order to strengthen the infrastructure to advance handicrafts, which are a form of Intangible Cultural Heritage, inaugurated in 2020 the “Bani Jamra Textile Factory”, or the “Naseej Factory”. The project aims at reviving the traditional textile weaving crafts that are native to the village of Bani Jamrah in Bahrain, and have been passed on from generation to generation for over 3000 years. In order to revitalize the weaving craft for, which the region is famous, the project is located among the farms of Bani Jamra village, and its design reflects the urban identity for the region, and its shape was inspired by the memory of traditional “Barasti” houses. The Authority also restored and opened the Basket House in 2022 to be a permanent headquarters for practicing the craft of basket weaving, and basket making in the village of Karbabad and among its farms.
