Bahrain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the Middle Eastern area with footfall of over two million visitors per year. One can easily assume that Bahrain Tourism has been doing quite well and has also been earning huge amounts of revenues for the government of the nation. There is a large number of tourists visiting Bahrain and most of them are from the adjoining or nearby Arab or Persian Gulf states but recently there have been a large number of people from around the globe that are visiting this land. There is no dearth of Bahrain Tourist Attractions and they form high points of Tourism in Bahrain.
There is but a unique and novel combination of authentic Arab culture in Bahrain and contemporary as well as modern trends. Culture of Bahrain is therefore quite diversified and offers something for everyone. Anyone visiting Bahrain to experience the authentic Arabian culture would be as pleased as a tourist visiting the place for witnessing the modern and liberal ambience that Bahrain beholds. Bahrain Tourism features several types of Arts and Crafts in Bahrain that would surely attract the tourist with an artistic sense. Music and dance in Bahrain is also highly advanced and these two particular art forms are sure to attract even a larger amount of crowd to this famous Arabian kingdom.
Some of the most famous and popular Bahrain Tourism destinations that are sure to attract huge amounts of travelers include, the Souq that is a fantastic place which sells everything from gold jewels to clothes to traditional spices and is typically a flea market where the tourists can bargain for their desired wares. Bahrain Tourism includes several other tourist attractions like the Al Khamis Mosque in Bahrain, horse riding and horse racing, the Barbar Temple in Bahrain that upholds the rich cultural heritage of the place and the Arab Fort that is a 16th century old fort of huge historical importance. Other magnificent attractions without which the Bahrain Tourism would be incomplete are Al-Khamis House, Siyadi Mosque, King Fahad Causeway and the Jasra House in Bahrain. There is also an array of exhibitions, cinemas, sports and other cultural shows that are held in Bahrain on a regular basis.History of Bahrain
Let's look into Bahrain Overview and find out things that were never known to you before. This small Arab nation is to be found in the Persian Gulf. If you travel back to times of yore, you will know that Bahrain has influences from places like Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Babylonians and of course the Arabs. Bahrain Tourist Information guide is certainly a guiding star as to knowing much about the history of Bahrain. History in Bahrain is a fascinating voyage into the makings of a country and its coming of age.
Some Facets of Bahrain History
The beautiful land of Bahrain holds an illustrious past. It was during the 15th and 16th centuries when Bahrain was under Portuguese control and the Portuguese reigned between 1521 and 1622. History of Bahrain reveals that this land faced attacks from many tribal groups as well as state-run groups. It was the al-Khalifa clan, which ultimately took control of Bahrain. Much to the efforts of the clan, Bahrain became a British Protectorate. As a result, the British controlled the foreign and security policies of Bahrain. However, with the discovery of oil in this part of the world turned Bahrain into one of the most flourishing places in the entire world. The facts as regards the History on Bahrain make this all clear.
Bahrain finally became independent with Britain's 'East of Suez' strategic withdrawal giving way to Sheikh Isa al-Khalifa who then ruled Bahrain. Bahraini airfields and ports were used by British and US military forces in some of the major wars in the present world scenario. This is a significant phase in the History of Bahrain.
After Sheikh Isa's demise in March 1999, his son, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa took charge of everything. Under his control, Bahrain was affirmed a constitutional monarchy with none other him as the Head of State. Furthermore, it was announced that majlis elections were to be held. It was in 2002 when the country was declared as a kingdom. Now, it is officially addressed a 'state'. History of Bahrain also tells us about the economic aspect of the country that has also undergone drastic changes with the passage of time. Discovery of oil in Bahrain was one of the biggest factors that accelerated the economic conditions of the country and forms a high water mark in the History of Bahrain.
Culture of Bahrain
Bahrain also known officially as the kingdom of Bahrain is the smallest country in the entire Arab nation. Bahrain is a borderless island nation situated in the Persian Gulf. There is a rich heritage of culture that has been continuing to this
very day. Arts, craft, attires and several other beautiful aspects form the core of the culture of Bahrain. In spite of the rapid economic development that Bahrain has experienced, this nation remains essentially Arab in the matters of culture. Soccer remains the most favorite sport in the land while falconry, hunting and horse riding are still practiced therefore bringing in a perfect balance between the modern world and a traditional world. Arts and Crafts in Bahrain forms a huge portion of the cultural
Culture of Bahrain contains everything from traditional arts, music, dresses and cuisine that is sure to mesmerize the visitor. Traditional handicraft industries in Bahrain are some of the best in the Arab nation. The national museum of Bahrain in Manama consists of local artifacts that include such unique and rare items as ivory figurines, copper articles, pottery and rings made of solid gold. Tourism in Bahrain is highly influenced by the cultural aspects and features in Bahrain. There is a small art community in this Arab nation as well. There is the displaying of Bahraini women's traditional dresses at the national museum as well.
In Bahrain, a tourist can find traditional basket weavers creating excellent hand crafted baskets that are quite an important part of culture in Bahrain. The traditional dresses of men consists of a white gown traditionally called a thobe, a ghutra or a white head dress, agal the black ring on the head gear and finally a bisht or a black overcoat. There is however no formal dress code in the land and the foreigners and tourists are seen in modern outfits.
Arts, music and dance form a very important part of the prevailing culture in Bahrain. In fact music and dance in Bahrain is very important a part of the culture of the land. The various genres of art include readings from the holy Quran, story telling and ceremonial dances performed to the beat of flat drums. There are beautiful poetry that is recited by the famous poets of Bahrain. The Bahrain people are widely known to have a very keen artistic sense and that can be best sensed by looking at the fantastic fishing and pearling boats created by the locals. Intricate artistic intelligence can also be seen in the traditional jewelry that is made here. Khaleeji is a type of a typical Persian Gulf-area folk music that is quite popular among the locals. There are other fantastic types of music and dance forms that are sure to captivate the senses of the tourists.
Food and drinks are a very important part of the culture in Bahrain and local delicacies include machboos, muhammar, shawama and samboosa that will surely to satisfy the taste buds of the tourists.
There is an entire wide gamut of festivals, events and rituals that are also very important parts of culture in Bahrain and are directly responsible for have increased the tourism in Bahrain. Major events and festivals include Bahrain's Independence Day and national Day and Eid ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Other important events include Ramadan and Ashoura.Sightseeing in Bahrain
Sightseeing in Bahrain is a fascinating experience, given the rich culture of Bahrain and the Formula One Grand Prix race. Bahrain is a comparitively liberal as well as modern Arab country.
Any sightseeing in Bahrain should include the following venues:
- Bahrain Grand Prix Circuit
- Manama Souq
- Gold Souq
- Arad Fort and Bahrain Fort
- Bahrain National Museum
- Gate of Bahrain
- Al Fateh and Al Khamis mosques
The Bahrain Grand Prix, a Formula One Championship race, was first held at the Bahrain International Circuit in 2004. It was the first Formula One Grand Prix held in the Middle East. The race is the third race of the Formula One racing calendar.
Manama Souq is a busy market with many traditional and modern shops. It is
near the Bab Al Bahrain. The goods on sale include kaftans, cloth, thobes, spices, dry fruits, nuts, handicrafts and souvenirs. Any sightseeing in Bahrain includes a visit to this market, renowned for its traditional origins. The Gold Souk is also worthy of a visit; for pure, hallmarked 18K / 21K gold ornaments and world famous Bahrain natural pearls.
Arad Fort is a 15th century typical Arab fort in Bahrain. The Fort or the Qalat al Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an archaeological site and fort. The site was the capital of the ancient Dilmun civilization.
The Bahrain National Museum displays archaeological artifacts and tableau spanning 6000 years of Bahrain's history. Then there is the 1940s British-built Gate of Bahrain or the Bab Al Bahrain. Renovated in 1986, with Islamic architectural features, the structure contains the tourist information office and handicrafts shop.
The Al Fateh Mosque is the largest mosque and Al Khamis Mosque was the first mosque in Bahrain.
The other attractions that could be visited while sightseeing in Bahrain are:
- Dilmun Burial Mounds- Beit Al Qur'an
- Barbar Temple
- King Fahd Causeway
- Jasra House
- Riffa Golf Club
- Siyadi House
- Shaikh Isa's House
Bahrain Festivals and Events
Populated by different nationalities and religions, Bahrain all the year round sees one festival or another being celebrated in pomp and grandeur. Bahrain festivals and events testify to the tolerant nature of this country. The January month sees one of the most important Islamic Festivals, known as Eid ul Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice), being observed widely in Bahrain and all over the Islamic world. The festival is observed to commemorate the time when Abraham was about to sacrifice his ward Ishmael for God. Sheep, camels and cows are sacrificed by Muslims all over Bahrain as a ritual.
Islamic New Year or Muharram is a much awaited event on the list of Bahrain festivals and events. A complete ban on alcohol and other intoxicating substances are strictly imposed across the kingdom to observe purity. Christian New Year in the same month is also observed across Bahrain by the believers in Christianity. Big parties are thrown with people dancing to the tunes of music and alcohol is served as a part of this festivity.
The most celebrated event in the month of February is certainly Ashura. Celebrated by the Shiite population of Bahrain, this festival is observed in memory of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali. Some observe this day to celebrate the foundation day of Kaba in Mecca. Prophet Abraham's birth day also thought to have been on 7th February and some celebrate the day in memory of his coming to this world.
Milad al-Nabi is the most widely celebrated festival in Bahrain. This festival is celebrated as a birthday of Muhammad. Both the religious Islamic factions, that is, the Shi and the Sunni celebrate this festival however on different dates. The common events that take place during this festival are processions, feasting and storytelling. Held every year in April, Milad al -Nabi is the most popular among Bahrain festivals and events.
Independence Day in June is the time when the citizens of Bahrain forget all differences of cast, religion and social hierarchy and celebrate with fireworks, opera and day-night long festivities. Other festivals like Ramadan, Chinese Trade Fair, Eid ul Fitr and many more are celebrated across Bahrain. Overall Bahrain festivals and events offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture of this island nation.How to Get in
Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf. Officially known as the kingdom of Bahrain, it is the smallest country in the Arab nation. Getting to Bahrain is easy as it is well connected with all the major cities in the world.
By Air:
Getting to Bahrain by air would be convenient as there are daily flights that are operational to and from the Bahrain airport from most important cities.
By Bus:
Getting to Bahrain by bus is another mode of reaching the country. Saudi-Bahrain Transport Company operates regular bus services to and from Dahran to central Manama.
By Train:
There is no train service for getting to Bahrain.
Hotels in Bahrain
