A’ Ali Burial Mounds Bahrain has over 170,000 burial mounds dating back to about 3000BC making it probably the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world. The largest of these, some of which are 40 to 50 feet high (12 to 15.25 meters) are known as the “Royal Tombs” and are situated at A’ali village.

AL KHAMIS MOSQUE Al Khamis Mosque is considered to be one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region, and the foundation are believed to have been laid as early as 692 AD An inscription found on the site, however, suggests a foundation date sometime during the late 11th century.

ARAD FORT This 16th century fort of Arabic construction is probably one of the first landmarks you will see upon arrival to Bahrain, due to its proximity to the airport. It has undergone extensive restoration, and is now illuminated at night, presenting a magnificent sight. Little is known of the fort’s history, and there is no firm evidence of the precise date of construction, but comprehensive excavations have been undertaken in order to discover its past.

BARBAR TEMPLE Excavations, which began in the 1950s and 1960s have related three stone-built temples dating from the second and third millennia BC, It is believed that they were built as a place of worship for the GOD of Spring Waters Enki, and a sacred well within the complex strengths this history.

POTTERY AT A’ALI VILLAGE This time- honored industry has been handed down from generation to generation, and the pottery at A’ali is now run by three brothers who learned the process from their father. The clay used at A’ali Pottery, which is the centre of the industry in Bahrain today, is made from a blend of two types of clay. These are combined to create the optimum blend fro their products, which range from traditional bread ovens to water pipes, plants plant pots and money boxes.

BASKET MAKERS AT KARBABAD You will usually find the weavers sitting in the shade of the trees whilst they work the split lengths of palm into baskets, sofra (circular dining mats), chicken coops, date baskets and date trays. Sometimes the palm is dyed with colorings to give a decorative green or purple effect

HANDICRAFT CENTRE Located in the village of Al Jasra, the Handicraft Centre enables you see the practice of local crafts in air conditioned surroundings. It is divided into small rooms, each containing craftsmen engaged in the traditional arts of pottery, cloth and basket weaving. Souvenirs are also available in the shop on site.

DHOW BUILDERS Being an island, Bahrain has forged strong links with the sea, and nowhere is this more evident than in the dhow builder’ yards in Muharraq and Manama. The origin of the word ‘dhow’ is shrouded in history and it is used to describe all types of local boats, although each has an individual name depending on its purpose, size and shape. The main uses for dhows were, of course, fishing and pearling, although the transport of passengers

WEAVERS AT BANI JAMRA VILLAGE In days gone by, there were more than 100 workshops in the village of Bani Jamra, but now only a few remain. Here you can see threads, imported from India and China, woven into Abbayas (cloaks) for women as well as brightly checkered cloth which are made into a kind of sarong for men. Once the fabric is woven, it is stretched, starched And is then ready for production.