Exploring Bahrain's Tree Of Life: A Climber's Adventure

The Tree of Life in Bahrain is a Prosopis cineraria tree that stands alone in the heart of the Arabian desert. It is over 400 years old and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. The tree is approximately 10 metres tall and is covered in green leaves. What makes this tree so fascinating is that it has no obvious water source and yet, it flourishes. Various theories attempt to explain the tree's survival, including scientific explanations related to the tree's root system and ability to extract moisture from the air, as well as religious and spiritual beliefs that associate the tree with the biblical Garden of Eden and the ancient Sumerian god Enki. Visitors can climb the hill to see the Tree of Life, which is located about 35-40 kilometres from Manama, Bahrain's capital.

The Tree of Life's mysterious survival

The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat, in Bahrain is a source of wonder for locals and tourists alike. Standing alone in the barren Arabian Desert, this 32-foot-tall tree has survived for over 400 years, despite the arid conditions and lack of visible water sources. The mystery of its survival has sparked various scientific and mythical explanations, making it a unique and captivating attraction.

Scientific Theories

Scientists have proposed several theories to explain the tree's longevity. One idea suggests that the tree, a Prosopis cineraria (or Prosopis juliflora), has incredibly long roots that reach an underground water source. These roots can grow up to 50 meters deep, possibly accessing groundwater or even the salty sea. Another theory attributes the tree's survival to its ability to extract moisture from the humid air or grains of sand.

Mystical Beliefs

The Tree of Life has also inspired mythical interpretations. Some believe it stood in the biblical Garden of Eden and is nourished by mystical water. Others claim it is protected by Enki, the ancient Sumerian god of freshwater and wisdom. The tree's resilience has led to it being regarded as a symbol of resilience, resistance, and survival, attracting visitors seeking a unique and spiritual experience.

Archaeological Discoveries

In 2010, archaeologists unearthed 500-year-old artefacts near the tree, suggesting the remains of a military outpost. This discovery added to the intrigue surrounding the tree, indicating a possible human presence that may have played a role in its survival.

A Lone Survivor

The Tree of Life stands alone on a hill, surrounded by sand dunes. Its isolation and contrast with the barren landscape make it a striking sight. Despite the harsh conditions, the tree flourishes with a dense canopy of green leaves. This contrast between life and desolation has drawn tens of thousands of visitors each year, all seeking to unravel the mystery of its survival.

A Natural Wonder

The tree's resilience and mysterious water source have led to it being regarded as a natural wonder. With no other vegetation in sight and no apparent water nearby, the Tree of Life has captivated imaginations and inspired awe. Its significance extends beyond its physical presence, becoming a symbol of life and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Tree of Life in Bahrain continues to be a subject of fascination and intrigue. While scientists offer explanations for its survival, the tree's resilience and longevity in such harsh conditions remain an enigma. This combination of scientific curiosity and mythical allure ensures that the Tree of Life will continue to captivate and inspire visitors for years to come.

The tree's biblical significance

The Tree of Life in Bahrain is often associated with the Tree of Life mentioned in the Bible. Genesis 2:9 reads:

> "Besides this, God caused every tree beautiful to the sight and good for food to grow from the ground. Also in the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of learning the knowledge of good and evil."

The Bahraini tree is thought by some to have been part of the biblical Garden of Eden, with its apparent mystical water source. In the Bible, the Garden of Eden is described as having its own Tree of Life, which is an Acacia tree—a species similar to the Prosopis cineraria that thrives in desert environments.

The Bahraini tree's ability to survive for over 400 years in a barren desert with no visible water source has led many to believe that it is blessed by Enki, the ancient Sumerian god of freshwater. Legend has it that Enki gave the tree the strength to endure harsh conditions.

The Tree of Life in Bahrain is a source of fascination and wonder for locals and visitors alike, attracting around 65,000 visitors annually. Its resilience and longevity make it a symbol of hope and life for the people of Bahrain.

Visiting the tree

The Tree of Life is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert, about 35 kilometres south of Manama, Bahrain's capital city. The best way to reach it is by hired car or taxi as there are no buses or other public transport options in the area. It takes about 40 to 45 minutes to drive to the tree from Manama.

The tree stands on a hill and is protected by a wall and a barrier. There are usually crowds of tourists and locals at the site, especially at sunset. The average temperature in this area is 40ºC, so it is recommended to plan your visit for either early morning or evening, avoiding the midday heat.

There is a bumpy, sandy dirt road leading up to the tree, but most vehicles should be able to manage it. There are also some cafés and encampments around the site where you can buy food and drinks, but it is still recommended to carry everything you need in a backpack as the nearest town is a 15-minute drive away.

You can walk right up to the tree and take photos, but there is no option to climb it due to the fence that was put up to protect it from vandalism. There is also a small museum at the site that displays various archaeological artefacts that have been discovered in the area.

The tree is free to visit and there is no entrance fee. However, if you choose to hire a taxi or join a tour, there will be associated costs. Tours that include a visit to the Tree of Life typically cost around $70-$80 USD per person.

It is worth noting that there are no vendors or shops selling water or other items at the tree itself, so come prepared.

Best Time to Visit

Bahrain experiences extremely hot temperatures during the summer months, with peak temperatures in the desert exceeding 45°C. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid visiting in June, July, or August unless you can tolerate the extreme heat. Spring and Autumn are also quite warm, with temperatures rarely dipping below 27°C. So, the best time to visit the Tree of Life is during the winter months when temperatures are more manageable at around 21°C.

Tour Options

While it is possible to visit the Tree of Life independently by hiring a car or taxi, there are also organised tours available that include a visit to the tree as part of a larger itinerary. These tours typically include stops at other attractions in Bahrain, such as the Oil Museum and the Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort. Half-day tours usually start at around $70 USD per person, while full-day tours can cost around $150-$190 USD.

Practical Information

• Wear suitable footwear for walking in desert sand and light clothing that covers your body to protect against the strong sun.
• The tree has a dense canopy of dark green leaves and stands at 9.75 metres (32 feet) tall.
• The tree is believed to be over 400 years old and is the only major tree growing in the area.
• The yellow resin of the tree is used to make candles, aromatics, and gum, while the beans are processed into meal, jam, and wine.
• The tree's water source is a mystery, but it is speculated that its roots may reach an underground water source or that it obtains moisture from the humid air.

The tree's height and age

The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat in the local language, is a Prosopis cineraria tree that stands at 9.75 metres (32 feet) tall. While its height is unremarkable, its age certainly is not—the tree is over 400 years old. It is located in Bahrain, in the heart of the Arabian Desert, where it stands alone on top of a 7-metre (25-foot) high hill.

The tree is a survivor, enduring extreme temperatures, lack of freshwater, and limited nutrients. It is abundantly covered in green leaves and its roots are full of water, despite the arid environment. The mystery of how the tree gets its water has sparked scientific theories and religious beliefs. Some believe the tree's roots, which go 50 metres deep, reach an underwater water source, while others attribute its longevity to Enki, the mythical god of water.

The Tree of Life is a local tourist attraction, visited by approximately 65,000 people each year. Its yellow resin is used to make candles, aromatics, and gum, while its beans are processed into meal, jam, and wine. The tree was even nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature list in 2009.

While the exact date of its planting is unknown, a soil and dendrochronology analysis conducted in the 1990s concluded that the tree was an Acacia planted in 1582. This date is contested, especially by deeply religious people who believe the tree may be even older, with a biblical connection to the Garden of Eden.

The tree's location

The Tree of Life in Bahrain is located in the southern region of the country, in the heart of the Sakhir desert. It is around 35-km-40km from Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, and about 6km from Jebel Dukhan, the highest point on the island.

The tree stands alone on top of a 7-metre (25-foot) hill, surrounded by sand dunes, with no other flora in sight. It is accessible by car or taxi, and the journey from Manama takes around 40-45 minutes. There is no public transport in the area, and the nearest town is about 12km away.

The tree is protected by a wall and a barrier, and there is a small museum and a few encampments, snack bars and cafes nearby. It is a popular tourist attraction, with around 50,000-65,000 visitors per year.

Frequently asked questions