Sharjah: History and culture are once again the focus of another exhibition, which opened yesterday under the name ’Ancient Bahrain: The Power of Trade’ at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum.
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the exhibition, which will run until March 29, 2015.
The exhibition is the result of collaboration between the Sharjah Archaeology Museum and Bahrain National Museum, and supports initiatives between the Bahrain Ministry of Culture and Sharjah Museums Department (SMD). The exhibition offers an insight into ancient trade links around the Arabian Gulf, and features artefacts from Bahrain National Museum’s permanent collection, focusing on the Dilmun civilisation. It displays about 130 selected artefacts including stone stamps, pottery, glassware, ivory, and alabaster kitchen pieces, as well as golden pieces and stone exhibits that testify to the richness of the region’s trade activity during that era.
“Our present is merely the continuation of a long history that our nations share. Our ancestors turned this coast into a harbour for civilisation and this exhibition sheds new light on the historical significance of Bahrain’s contribution to humanity, and the Bahraini heritage as a part of the wider Gulf region,” said Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, Bahrain Minister of Culture, at the opening.
Exhibits are categorised in four main groups. These include the ‘Dilmun and Tylos, Centuries of Commerce and Prosperity’, ‘Dilmun: The Storage of the Gulf in the Bronze and Iron Ages (2000-500 BC)’, ‘Tylos, the Trade Routes Cross-Road (300-200 BC)’, and ‘Beyond Trade Influence: A Rich Local Culture’.
The event also coincides with Sharjah’s celebrations as Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 and Capital of Arabic Tourism 2015, as well as Manama’s status as Capital of Asian Tourism 2014.
