World Heritage Sites
- Kalat al-Bahrain Archaeological Site (2005)
- Pearl cultivation as evidence of an island economy (2012)
Kalat al-Bahrain Archaeological Site (World Heritage)
The settlement history of the island in the Persian Gulf goes back more than 4000 years and is still present in many places today. Due to its location on the sea trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, Bahrain was an important economic center and intersection of different cultures even in antiquity. The settlement mound Kalat al-Bahrain was once the main town of the island, the remains of the settlement date back to approx. 2200 BC. BC back. The area is dominated today by the fortress, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Kalat al-Bahrain Archaeological Site: Facts
| Official title: | Kalat al-Bahrain archaeological site |
| Cultural monument: | Extensive prehistoric site on the north coast of the island of Bahrain; named after the nearby ruins of a Portuguese fortress from the 16th century; multi-phase city of the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC With defensive structures up to the 16th century; Former capital of the Dilmun culture (former name of Bahrain) and an important trading port |
| Continent: | Asia |
| Country: | Bahrain |
| Location: | Kalat al-Bahrain |
| Appointment: | 2005 |
| Meaning: | Outstanding evidence of a port city as an ancient trading center; unique representation of the Dilmun culture |
Pearl farming on Muharrak (World Heritage)
Historical buildings on the island of Muharrak and three oyster beds off the coast are a reminder of the former importance of pearl farming.
Pearl farming on Muharrak: facts
| Official title: | Pearl cultivation as evidence of an island economy |
| Cultural monument: | Site of the famous pearl cultivation in the Persian Gulf with 17 magnificent buildings in Muharrak (including trading houses, shops, warehouses, mosque), three offshore oyster beds and a fort as a landing stage for fishing boats; Beginning of pearl cultivation in the 2nd century until the 1930s, end of economic boom due to the appearance of cultured pearls in Japan; high quality of local handicrafts when processing the beads with wood and plaster |
| Continent: | Asia |
| Country: | Bahrain |
| Location: | Muharrak, Northern Bahrain |
| Appointment: | 2012 |
| Meaning: | Last remaining testimony to the cultural tradition of pearl cultivation and the prosperity associated with it; unique example of the traditional use of marine resources and human interaction with the natural conditions of the sea |
