Bahrain Tourist
Information
Physical Characteristics
Bahrain,is a group consisting of 33 islands, spanning an area of 707 square
kilometres, is situated in the Arabian Gulf, off the east coast of Saudi
Arabia. The local time is GMT + 3 hours.
The state takes its name from the largest island Bahrain, which is 586.5 square kilometres. It is linked by causeways to Muharraq (international airport) and Sitra (industrial area and tank-farm). There are numerous other tiny islands, but they are mainly uninhabited and are best known for the variety of migrating birds which pass through in spring and autumn.
Arabic is the official language, although English is widely understood and it's used by most businesses.
Islam is the religion of Bahrain and is practised by a large, majority . Places of worship of other faiths exist on the island.
The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. From November to April is very pleasant, with temperatures from 15 to 24 degrees centigrade. Temperatures are coolest between December and March when northerly winds prevail. From July to September temperatures average 36 degrees centigrade with high humidity.
Attractions
Manama
Manama is the very new capital of a very old place. Many of the newer hotels and official buildings along the northern edge of the city sit on reclaimed land, while there are neighbourhoods a few blocks inland that have changed little in the last 50 years. Manama is located at the north-eastern tip of Bahrain Island.
The city's major attraction is the National Museum, a modern building with excellent exhibits well-marked in both Arabic and English. The museum covers 7000 years of Bahrain's history, including its many grave mounds and temples; its Dilmun, Tylos and Islamic periods; and Arabic writing and calligraphy. Next to the museum's parking lot is a number of reconstructed traditional buildings and boats. Even if you're not an aficionado of Islamic calligraphy, plan on hitting Beit Al-Qur'an, a museum and research center downtown. Calligraphy is central to Muslim culture and is closely connected to religious life. The centrepiece of the museum is its large collection of Korans, some dating from the 7th century. You'll need a magnifying glass to read the Koranic verses written on a grain of rice.
Qal'at al-Bahrain
The Ad-Diraz Temple is a small second millennium Dilmun site. Its centrepiece is the stone base of what was probably an altar, surrounded by the bases of many columns. The site is about 5km (3mi) west of Manama and accessible by bus. Barbar is a complex of three 2nd and 3rd millennium BC temples, probably dedicated to Enki, the God of Wisdom and the Sweet Waters under the Earth. Walkways give excellent views of the excavated complex, which is about 10km (6mi) west of Manama. The site is a 20 to 30 minute walk west from the bus stop at the Ad-Diraz Temple.
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