Bahrain, officially Kingdom of Bahrain (Arabic: مملكة البحرين, Mamlakat al-Baḥrayn, literally: "Kingdom of the Two Seas"), is a small island country in the Persian Gulf ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. While Bahrain is an archipelago of thirty-three islands, the largest (Bahrain Island) is 55 km (34 mi) long by 18 km (11 mi) wide.
The People
Total Population: Population of Bahrain (July 2006 estimate) are 724,645 (Source: CIO)
Official Languages:
The official language is Arabic. English is very widely spoken and is the principal language of commerce.
History:
Bahrain is the Arabic term for "two seas", referring to the freshwater springs that are found within the salty seas surrounding it. Bahrain has been inhabited since ancient times. Its strategic location in the Persian Gulf has brought rule and influence from the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and the Arabs, under whom the island became Islamic. Bahrain may have been associated with Dilmun which is mentioned by Mesopotamian civilizations.
During its history it was called by different names such as Awal, then Mishmahig, when it was a part of the Persian Empire. From the 3rd to 6th century BC, Bahrain was included in Persian Empire by Achaemenians, an Iranian dynasty.From the 3rd century BC to the arrival of Islam in the 7th century AD, Bahrain was controlled by two other Iranian dynasties of Parthians and Sassanids. By about 250 BC, the Parthian dynasty brought the Persian Gulf under its control and extended its influence as far as Oman.
Tourist attractions in bahrain
The Gold Souq
Bahrain gold is usually 21 carat and hallmark; it is available in an infinite number of styles, including traditional Bedouin designs as well as the more contemporary European jewelry.
The Souq (Market Place)
No Visit to Bahrain would be completed without a trip to the soukh , with its profusion of colors, sounds, and aromas.
Siyadi House
This is one of the most impressive examples of a 19th century built by the pearl-merchant Ahmed Bin Qassem Siyadi and has many fine features to look out for
Al-Khamis Mosque
The twin minarets of this ancient mosque are easily identifiable as you drive along the Sh. Salman Road. It's considered being one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region, and the foundation are believed to have been laid as early as 692AD.
Bahrain Fort
The first dwellings on the site are believed to have been constructed around 2800 BC
Barbar Temple
Excavations, which were begun in the 1950s and 1960s, have revealed three stone-built temples dating from the second and third millennia BC.
Museum of Pearl Diving
The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings in Bahrain. Its importance derives from being the first official center for the Bahrain Courts..
Bait Al Qur'an
The House of the Qur'an was built to accommodate a comprehensive and valuable collection of the Holy Qur'an and manuscripts, a concept which is unique in the Arabian Gulf.
Arad Fort
This 16th century fort of Arabic construction is probably one of the first landmarks you will see upon arrival to Bahrain due to its proximity to the airport.
Tree of Life
Standing alone in the desert about 1.2 miles (two kilometers) from the Jebel Dukhan, this flourishing mystic tree provides welcome shade from the heat of the day, although its source of water remains a mystery.
King Fahad Causeway
Opened in 1986, this remarkable 15.5 miles (25km) of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most expensive bridges in the world.
Al-Jasra House
The house was built by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa in 1907, and was the birthplace of the present Amir in July 1933. When the family moved to Riffa later in the 1930, the building fell into disrepair, but they were restored in 1986 and are now open to the public.
Salman bin Ahmed Al fateh Fort
Standing on a low escarpment, overlooking the valley between the east and west Riffa the fort held an ideal strategic position during the 18th century.
Shaikh Isa's House
Shaikh Isa's house, in the old town of Muharraq, was once the home of the Amir`s great-grandfather, Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al khalifa . It provides a fine example of local architecture, complete with wind tower, wall carving and lattice work, and its representative of traditional 19th century life.
Oil Museum
Situated near "Oil Well NO.1" the museum was inaugurated on the 2nd June 1992 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain, the first country of the Middle East to do so.
Arabic Coffee & Hospitality
The drinking of coffee is a traditional part of Bahrain welcome, and begins with the preparation of the coffee itself. Three cupfuls of vaster and a rounded teaspoon of coffee (gahwa) are poured into a saucepan and then boiled for about two minutes. Next comes the "relaxation" process, which is very important, as it allows time for the traditional exchange of greetings and welcome. After adding cardamom and saffron in rosewater, the liquid is poured gently from the saucepan into the coffeepot, or dalla, taking care that the sediment remains in the pan. The coffee is then left to brew for five or ten minutes before being served in a small cup, or finjan. It is polite to accept a second cup if offered, but for third and subsequent helpings, the shaking of the cup from side to side indicates refusal. Coffeepots can be found in many shops on the island, as well as in the soukhs. They make an ideal reminder for the hospitality and welcome extended to visitors by the people of Bahrain.
Horse-Riding
The Middle East is renowned for its love of horses, and Bahrain is no exception. There are a few stables to choose from, with mounts for all ages and abilities.
Horse Racing
Bahrain's love of all things equestrian is further revealed in its splendid racetrack, together with a grandstand those seats 10.000 spectators. Meetings are held every Friday from October to March. Car parking and programs are free; however, betting is strictly prohibited.
Diving
Recorded as far back as 5000 years ago, Pearl Diving has been Bahrain's heritage for millennia and ,today, these same productive oyster beds (the largest of their kind in the world) continue to flourish, offering some very unique, rewarding and exciting recreational diving opportunities all year round. With water temperatures ranging from 34C in summer to 20C in winter, providing comfortable diving conditions year round, up to 30 species of coral and in excess of 200 species of fish can be found, in particular, on the northern offshore reefs of Bahrain.