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Journey through Bahraini heritage in Sharjah

Exhibition focusing on Dilmun civilisation dating from second millennium BC begins at Sharjah Archaeology Museum today.

The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) has announced an innovative exhibition titled ‘Ancient Bahrain: The Power of Trade’ at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum from today to March 29, 2015.

The exhibition is being held in partnership with the Bahrain National Museum and further reinforces Sharjah’s role as 2014 Capital of Islamic Culture, and Manama’s celebrations as Capital of Asian Tourism.

The show will bring magnificent artifacts from Bahrain National Museum’s permanent collection, focusing on the Dilmun civilisation, dating from second millennium BC to third century AD.

It represents the continued joint efforts of SMD and Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture to further enhance their cultural collaboration by creating opportunities for residents and visitors to explore Gulf heritage and learn more about Bahrain’s rich history.

Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahrain Minister of Culture, said: “Our joint exhibition is a continuation of a long history that our nations share. It was our people who turned this coast to a harbour for trade and a hub for multiple communities. The ‘Ancient Bahrain: The Power of Trade’ (exhibition) will shed some light on the historic importance of Bahrain to human civilisation, and Bahraini heritage as a part of the wider Gulf region. We are very happy to hold this exhibition in Sharjah, and congratulate the emirate for its selection as Capital of Islamic Culture 2014.”

Manal Ataya, Director-General, SMD, remarked: “The UAE and Bahrain have a ... (lot) ... in common as both modern day and ancient hubs of trade and civilisation. This exhibition is symbolic of our long-standing friendship and shared history and will acquaint a curious UAE audience with the prosperous metropolis of Dilmun, which in some ways paved the way for the diverse cultural treasure that Bahrain is today. For that reason ‘Ancient Bahrain: The Power of Trade’ (exhibition) is essential viewing for people of all ages interested in acquiring an understanding of Gulf history and commerce.”

Categories

Within Sharjah Archeology Museum, the show’s exhibitions are categorised into four main sections: ‘Dilmun and Tylos; Centuries of Commerce and Prosperity’; ‘Dilmun; the Storage of the Gulf in the Bronze and Iron Ages (2000-500 BC)’; ‘Tylos; the Trade Routes Cross-Road (300-200 BC)’; and ‘Beyond Trade Influence: A Rich Local Culture.’ Around 150 artifacts on display represent Dilmun and Tylos as prosperous markets on important marine trade routes.

Artifacts from the Bahrain National Museum’s permanent collection include stone stamps, pottery, glassware, ivory and Alabaster kitchen pieces, and gold-work and stone. These beautifully conserved displays, dating back as early as 2050 BC testify to the richness of trade activity in the region and Bahrain’s important role as a trade centre and site of the Dilmun civilisation.

The exhibition offers the rare opportunity for visitors to explore the social and cultural domains of old Bahrain, and to further understand how the island’s exceptional geographic location in the heart of the old world made it a melting pot for numerous cultures. The well-preserved artifacts further demonstrate how local communities valued and cherished their local culture from the Dilmun civilisation into the present day. -afkarali@khaleejtimes.com