Exploring Bahrain's Rich History: Forts And Their Legacies

Bahrain is home to the Qal'at al-Bahrain fort, also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort. Located on Bahrain Island, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country's most important site in antiquity. The fort has been occupied continuously from 2300 BC to the 18th century, with archaeological excavations unearthing antiquities from an artificial mound containing seven layers created by various occupants, including Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese and Persians.

The fort's history

The Forts History

Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain, is an archaeological site located on Bahrain Island's northern seashore, around 6km from Manama, the country's capital. The site is built on an ancient tell, or mound, created by centuries of urban rebuilding. It is the largest tell in the Persian Gulf region and was constructed near the port by reclaiming seashore land.

The Bahrain Fort is believed to have been continuously inhabited since 2300 BC, with the first fort built around three thousand years ago on the northeastern peak of Bahrain Island. The present fort dates from the sixth century AD. The site has been termed Bahrain's "most important site in antiquity", offering valuable insights into the country's history, particularly the Copper and Bronze Ages.

Archaeological excavations at the fort have unearthed antiquities from an artificial mound containing seven stratified layers, created by various occupants from 2300 BC up to the 18th century. These include the Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese, and Persians. The fort was once the capital of the Dilmun civilisation, which, according to the Epic of Gilgamesh, was the "land of immortality" and a meeting point of the gods.

The site covers an area of 17.5 hectares and has revealed structures of different types, including residential, public, commercial, religious, and military buildings. The excavations have provided important insights into the Dilmun civilisation, which was previously only known from written Sumerian references.

The fort is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised in 2005 for its historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins and excavations, learning about the fort's rich history and that of Bahrain more broadly. The fort is supported by a modern visitor centre and an excellent museum, where audioguides are available to enhance the experience.

The fort's archaeological significance

Qal'at al-Bahrain, also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, is an archaeological site located in Bahrain. The fort is built on an artificial mound, or tell, of 12 metres (39 feet) in height, containing seven layers of human occupation from various occupants, including Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese and Persians, from 2300 BC up to the 18th century. The site is located on Bahrain Island, on the northern seashore, and is visible from Saar. It is considered Bahrain's "most important site in antiquity".

The archaeological findings at Qal'at al-Bahrain reveal much about the history of Bahrain, providing valuable insights into the Copper and Bronze Ages of the country. The area is thought to have been occupied for about 5000 years, with the first Bahrain Fort built around three thousand years ago on the northeastern peak of Bahrain Island. The present fort dates from the sixth century AD.

The site has been termed Bahrain's "most important site in antiquity" due to its significance as the capital of the Dilmun civilisation, which was described in the Epic of Gilgamesh as the "land of immortality" and a meeting point of the gods. As the capital of the Dilmun civilisation, Qal'at al-Bahrain contains the richest remains of this ancient culture, which was previously only known from written Sumerian references.

Excavations at the site have revealed a range of structures, including residential, public, commercial, religious and military buildings, testifying to the site's importance as a trading port over the centuries. The fort is also located near a port and was built through the reclamation of seashore land, further emphasising its significance as a hub of trade and cultural exchange.

The archaeological significance of Qal'at al-Bahrain extends beyond its role as a trading port and the capital of the Dilmun civilisation. The site also provides valuable insights into the daily lives and practices of its ancient inhabitants. For example, excavations have revealed the presence of streets, housing complexes, and fortifications, including fort walls, gates, and watchtowers. Additionally, the discovery of various artefacts, such as pottery, vessels, seals, and metal tools, offers a glimpse into the cultural and economic exchanges that occurred at the site.

The fort's architecture

The forts of Bahrain are an impressive feat of architecture, with the country's fort and tell Qal'at al-Bahrain being a notable example. This fort, also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, is located on Bahrain Island's northeastern shore, just 6km from the capital Manama. The tell is the largest in the Persian Gulf region, and the fort stands atop it like a sentinel, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The first Bahrain Fort was constructed around three thousand years ago, with the present structure dating back to the 6th century AD. The site covers an area of 17.5 hectares and has been termed Bahrain's "most important site in antiquity". Archaeological excavations have revealed a rich history, with artefacts and structures from various civilisations, including the Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese, and Persians. The strata of the tell spread over an area of 180,000 square feet, testifying to a continuous human presence from 2300 BC to the 16th century AD.

The fort and the surrounding site showcase the architectural styles of different periods and civilisations. The Portuguese Fort, for example, sits atop a 12-metre-high mound, with impressive fortifications and walls. The excavations have also revealed residential, commercial, public, religious, and military buildings, indicating the site's importance as a trading port over the centuries. The streets were laid out in a north-south direction, with a width of 12 metres, and the fort walls were built using stone masonry, with varying thicknesses and gates to allow for transport and the passing of donkey caravans.

In addition to the fort architecture, Bahrain also has a unique domestic architecture. Traditional Bahraini houses were made up of a series of pavilions arranged around one or two courtyards. The rooms were organised according to seasonal migration, with important pavilions for living and receptions having counterparts on the roof to capture summer breezes and redirect them inside. To combat the intense summer heat, a framework of coral rubble piers with spaces filled with large panels of coral rocks was used. The lightweight and porous coral was lined with lime and gypsum, trapping warm air during the day. However, these structures required yearly maintenance due to the coral's tendency to crack during rainy weather.

The fort's visitor experience

The Forts Visitor Experience

Bahrain's rich history is reflected in its many forts, which offer visitors a unique insight into the country's past. The experience of visiting these forts is one that combines ancient history with modern conveniences, offering something for everyone. Here is what visitors can expect when exploring these fascinating sites.

Upon arriving at the Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain, visitors are greeted by a majestic sight. Located just a short drive from Manama, the capital of Bahrain, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands proudly on an ancient tell, or artificial mound, created by centuries of urban rebuilding. The fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, overlooks the Gulf, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

As visitors wander through the atmospheric excavations of the site, they will discover the remains of residential, commercial, public, military, and religious buildings. The fort has been inhabited continuously since 2300 BC, serving as the capital of the ancient Dilmun Empire and providing a glimpse into the daily lives of its past inhabitants. The importance of this site is further emphasised by the fact that it is home to some of the most significant Dilmun finds in Bahrain.

To enhance the visitor experience, the fort is supported by a stylish and modern visitor centre, offering a range of amenities. Visitors can take advantage of a free audio guide, which provides a wealth of information about the site's history and archaeological significance. This guide is available in multiple languages, making the experience accessible to a global audience.

After exploring the ruins, visitors can relax and enjoy the sea views while savouring a drink and a variety of cuisines at the Museum Café. The fort also boasts an excellent on-site museum, where visitors can explore a diverse range of artefacts unearthed during excavations. The museum's display area consists of five exhibition halls organised around a massive mound wall, showcasing 500 artefacts that bring the settlement's long history to life.

In addition to Bahrain Fort, visitors can also explore other well-known forts in the area, such as the completely restored Riffa Fort, built in 1812 by the 19th-century ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al Fatih. Each fort offers its own unique insights into Bahrain's rich history and cultural heritage.

Overall, the forts of Bahrain provide a fascinating visitor experience that combines historical exploration, modern conveniences, and stunning visual landscapes, making them a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history and cultural immersion.

The fort's military use

The Forts' Military Use

Qal'at al-Bahrain, also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, is an archaeological site located in Bahrain. The fort is of great historical significance due to its military, political, and economic uses throughout history.

The Bahrain Fort is one of Bahrain's oldest military fortifications, with a history of human occupation dating back to around 2300 BC. The fort's military significance is evident through its strategic location on a 12-metre-high artificial mound, its thick stone walls, and the presence of weapons, artefacts, and arrow-shooting holes. The fort also features towers at its four corners, with two of these towers forming the main entrance.

The site has been a significant trading port throughout its history, with various artefacts unearthed providing insights into ancient trade links. These include relics of copper and ivory, as well as pottery and vessels indicating trade with surrounding countries such as Oman and Mesopotamia. The fort also served as the capital of the Dilmun civilisation, which was described as the "land of immortality" in the Epic of Gilgamesh.

The Portuguese occupied the fort in the 16th century, and it became a Portuguese garrison. The Portuguese influence is evident in the fort's architecture, with the impressive Qal`at al-Burtughal (Portuguese fort) sitting atop the 12-metre-high mound.

The fort has also been used as a religious centre and a residential building. Excavations have revealed the presence of various structures, including residential, commercial, public, and religious buildings. The site provides valuable insights into the history of Bahrain, with archaeological findings offering information about the Copper and Bronze Ages of the region.

Frequently asked questions