A feel of Bahrain’s ‘rich’ ancient cultural heritage

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A set of artworks and archaeological collections are on display at the cultural “museum” of the newly launched passenger terminal at Bahrain International Airport.

Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), and Transportation and Telecommunications Minister, Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, visited the exhibition areas and were impressed with the art pieces set up on the two halls.

“Today we are witnessing the launch of a new space to introduce our ancient cultural heritage that the world feels eager to explore.

The opening of these two exhibition areas in the new passenger terminal will create a distinctive experience for all travellers from Bahrain International Airport.

They will gain knowledge about Bahrain’s culture,” said Shaikha Mai.

The artworks and archaeological collections are shown according to the best museum display techniques to present the identity and culture of Bahrain to the travellers and visitors in an interactive manner.

They give visitors a virtual journey to history that reflects the richness of the heritage of Bahrain. This initiative came from the start of the idea of constructing the new building.

The museum is located in the departure area of the airport.

In the Antiquities Hall, BACA presents collections that represent 6,000 years of the history of human settlement in Bahrain, which was a land of eternity and wealth.

Pottery artifacts from the Islamic period and pearling equipment are on display.

These collections from the Bahrain National Museum reveal the richness of civilisations that flourished on the land of the Kingdom, the authenticity of its local culture, and the distinguished skills of Bahrain’s residents.

The Arts Hall focuses on the diversity and vitality of the plastic art movement in the Kingdom and the creativity of the various Bahraini artists.

It includes paintings and artworks that reflect the artists’ various experiences and skills.

The artists participating in this exhibition in alphabetical order are Ibrahim Bou Saad, Ahmed Baqer, Jaafar Al Araibi, Jamal Abdel Rahim, Khalil Al Hashemi, Rashed Al Arifi, Abdel-Jabbar Al Ghadhban, Abdel-Rahim Sharif, Abdel-Latif Moufid, Abdel-Karim Al Areed, Adnan Al Ahmad, and Ali Al Mahmid And Ghada Khonji, Mohsen Al Taitoun, Nasser Al Youssef, Hisham Al Zubari, and Youssef Qassem.

Shaikha Mai thanked the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) for their cooperation in order to achieve this new cultural achievement, as well as everyone who contributed to the success of the project.

Minister Mohammed, who is also BAC Board of Directors chairman, said: “The establishment of art and cultural museums at Bahrain International Airport is aimed at enhancing the passengers’ experience, and providing comfortable spaces with a cultural dimension for airport visitors to enjoy.

“These artworks shed light on the cultural heritage that has been forged through Bahrain’s ancient past and thriving present and celebrate local creativity.

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities will periodically organise art and cultural exhibitions on the halls, with the aim of providing travellers with a glimpse of the local community outside the borders of the airport.

BACA has supervised the preparation of these two exhibition areas with the support of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Bahrain Airport Company.

They were designed by “La Meadows” in cooperation with “Natalie Kernier”.