Trade is still key to the city in many different manners today. The most obvious, perhaps, is the thriving Bab el- Souq, which offers wares from Cultural colourful handwoven fabrics and spices to pearls. The Al Qaisariya Souq, one of the oldest sections of the Souq, is an crossroads atmospheric take on old Bahrain’s capital, , dates back to the fourth Bahraini life. millennium BC. Today, the trade route confluence The Tree of Life (Shajarat- enshrines a long and colourful history of numerous al-Hayat) – a biological mystery empires, rulers and global influences in the desert – is thought to be 400 years old and discoveries of pottery and other artefacts suggest that the tree has been the site for cults to practice ancient rites. Housed in a building spectacularly engraved with script, Beit al (House of Quran) showcases a fascinating collection of Quranic as well as a library of over 50,000 books written in Arabic, English, and French that centre mostly on . Manuscripts dating back to the 7th Century as well as written on parchment, rice, peas, and grains are among the impressive collection. It is claimed to be the only institute in the world devoted to the Quran. The more modern Bahrain National Theatre was opened in 2012 has become another cultural icon. Its intricately woven ceiling is inspired by the ceilings of traditional Bahraini homes, ahrain’s strategic location At the epicentre of a long Pictured: The Qal’At Al Bahrain with crossing aluminium strips in the has journey through history, is the fort which is part of a UNESCO that allow light and air through. Bbrought rule and influence Bahrain National which World Heritage site Top global musical and theatrical from the Persians, Sumerians, showcases artefacts from the fare come through the venue that Assyrians, Babylonians, ancient civilisation through understood to be the oldest seats 1001 – a homage to the Portuguese, the Arabs, and to the colourful handwoven fabrics recorded trading civilisation. Tales of the 1001 Arabian Nights. the British. sold in the Souqs today. Ivory The Qalat al Bahrain site Boats Trips to Bu Maher This cultural melting pot figurines, pottery, copper articles, and museum (Bahrain Fort) is Fort, a visit to the Old Houses of reflects its critical position at and gold rings – some of which a UNESCO World Heritage Site Muharraq or the Sheikh Salman the centre of major trade routes reflect various cultural influences that stands like a sentinel just Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort. since antiquity – in 2012 the from outside Bahrain – date back outside Manama and is thought Arab League designated Manama as far as the bronze age, when to have been a Dilmun outpost CULTURE ONLINE as the Arab Capital of Culture. the Dilmun civilisation is – safeguarding the trade centre. culture.gov.bh/en ■

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