Bahrain - the jewel of the Persian Gulf

The Kingdom of Bahrain - the archipelago located in the Persian Gulf has long been a popular destination for international tourists, attracting more than 2 million visitors annually. Bahrain has a total area of ​​only 688km², but is considered one of the 15 countries that form the 'cradle of humanity' in the Middle East, the region with mild winters and long, hot and humid summers.

Lonely Planet tourist guide magazine describes Bahrain as a perfect destination with traditional Arab heritage and many modern architecture, which highlights many works of art over 1,000 years old in the background. Civilization Dilmun and the landscapes associated with history.

Rich and modern island nation

Many Arabs believe that there used to be a paradise in the Persian Gulf. That legendary land is now Bahrain, where there are 844km of coastline. Arabs see Bahrain as a high-class resort. They like to come here to enjoy the warm atmosphere, relax in luxurious resorts, admire the spectacular natural landscape or shop in the world's cheapest gold market.

Houses and streets in Manama capital are spacious and modern with many polished buildings. Impressive is the grandeur of Bahrain World Trade Center, 240m high. This is the first architecture in the world with the appearance of giant wind turbines. The highlight of this work is three suspension bridges connecting the two towers with three huge wind turbines, supplying electricity to the building. Highlighting the land surrounded by blue sea, Bahrain World Trade Center looked as far away as a sail full of wind.

Manama capital city streets are spacious and modern.

As a developed country, Bahrain owns modern infrastructure but still carries the traditional Arab culture, and has a blend of identity of the Gulf states. Bahrainis are friendly and funny and warmly welcome visitors. They have a more open concept than other ethnic groups in neighboring countries. Women in Bahrain are not subject to the same prohibition as in neighboring countries, so they are quite free in life. Since the 1930s, Bahrain women have been entitled to vote.

Around 2,300 years BC, Bahrain's land was a commercial center of the empire. From the sixteenth century to 1743, the Persian king Nadir Shah invaded and controlled Bahrain. Later, a minor king here participated in a treaty with the United Kingdom, turning Bahrain into a protectorate of the British empire. By 1960, Bahrain claimed and became an independent Arab emirate from August 15, 1971.

Before the development of the oil industry, diving and looking for pearls and palm dates brought the main income for the people of Bahrain. The pearl mining industry has made an important contribution to the prosperity of this kingdom since the 1920s. Many people believe that the best pearls come from the Persian Gulf, especially in the pulse. around Bahrain. In 1980, the world witnessed the explosion of oil and gas, bringing great resources to Bahrain. Bahrain replaced Beyrouth to become the Middle East financial center. Many buildings, great bridges and artificial islands are constantly growing, contributing to creating a modern and beautiful appearance for Bahrain.

Right in the center of Manama is the Bab Al Bahrain (Gate of Bahrain) , built by the British in the 1940s. Previously, this work was constructed halfway across the sea, but due to the process of sea encroachment to expand. so the land area now, it takes more than ten minutes to walk from Bab Al Bahrain to reach the coast.

Bahrain World Trade Center is like a sail.

This is the workplace of government agencies, offices of banks, financial groups, forming a key, bustling economic center of Bahrain. The ground floor of the building is a tourist information office and a handicraft shop. Surrounding the building is a row of arched corridors, forming a path that leads directly to Manama's busiest central market.

A lamp shop at Bab Al Bahrain flea market.

Bahrain National Museum is an interesting place, displaying all the archaeological sites discovered on the island nation. Al Fateh Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a huge dome made of fiberglass, capable of accommodating more than 7,000 followers at the same time. Inside the church there is a national library, opened to the public since 2006. Nearby is the Bahraini royal palace, the mansion of the Sultan of Bahrain Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque.

The lost paradise of the Dilmun

Strategically positioned on the Persian Gulf, Bahrain has been in the past for many empires. Perhaps that is why the fortress is the preferred construction type here.

Located on the North Sea, about six kilometers from the center of Manama, Qal'at al-Bahrain fortress is now an important archaeological site of the country. This is also a destination to attract international visitors, especially those who love archeology. The largest fortress in the Gulf was built in the 3rd century BC, on a mound of land that the ancients took a lot of effort to build. This is not only a symbolic image of Dilmun civilization dating back more than 5,000 years, but also an important place for goods and cultural exchanges at that time.

Later, it was reinforced by sandstone by the Portuguese. Due to special cultural values, Qal'at al-Bahrain has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural and historical relic since 2005. With its vivid architecture and still preserved intact, this fortress is Bahrain's most prominent sights. Here, we had the opportunity to see the impressive stone works as well as admire the panoramic view of Manama with the best view.

A corner of Qal'at al-Bahrain fortress.

25 kilometers from Manama, the beautiful Riffa fortress was built by the king Salman Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa in 1812 entirely with locally available materials. Thanks to the strategic position of the time, this fortress was the place where the government apparatus was governed until 1869. In addition to the fortress yard, there were many wooden benches, a great place for tourists to rest and watch their eyes. Panoramic view of Hunanaiya valley.

Located near Bahrain International Airport , the Arad fortress was built in the 15th century on Muharraq Island, the most typical Arab style. The fortress is connected to the mainland by Sheikh Salman Isa high land roads. According to historical records, this fortress was used by Omanis during the occupation of Bahrain in the 1800s and is also a strategic gateway between Bahrain and Muharraq Island. Judged by the government as an important place, the fort was restored not long ago and always lit at night to introduce visitors to its best features. Every week, Thursday and Friday afternoons often take place in traditional music programs in the fortress front yard.

Arad fortress is brilliant under the lights.

The 'life tree' stands out in the desert.

To the south of Manama, the desert of Sakhir desert is dry, without a source of water is another unique symbol. It is hard to imagine that on the hot sand floor under the bright sun there existed a tall tree that was tens of meters tall with branches of green leaves, covered with shadows on the ground. Heard the tree is about 400 years old. The mystery of survival in harsh conditions has made this tree a legend and is named 'life tree'. Local residents believe that this is really the place to live in the Eden and that makes about 50 thousand tourists visit every year.