The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), in collaboration with the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, organised a seminar entitled "Bahrain Archaeology: A Bahraini–British Dialogue" at the Society of Antiquaries of London, Burlington House.
The seminar was attended by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and Dr. Salman Almahari, Director General of Archaeology at the Authority, alongside leading archaeologists, researchers and academics from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom.
The seminar aimed to highlight Bahrain’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage, present key findings from archaeological research and excavations, and examine the contributions of British archaeological expeditions to uncovering evidence of the Kingdom’s history across different periods. It also explored opportunities to strengthen academic and research collaboration in archaeology and cultural heritage preservation.
On this occasion, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, emphasised the importance of academic and research collaboration in highlighting Bahrain’s longstanding cultural heritage and raising awareness of its archaeological sites and historical remains, which reflect the depth of its civilisation and its contributions to human history. He noted the role of archaeological research and excavations in documenting this heritage, deepening understanding of the Kingdom’s history, and developing methods to protect and preserve archaeological sites for future generations.
He explained that archaeological cooperation between Bahrain and the United Kingdom reflects the longstanding academic and cultural ties between the two countries. This cooperation has resulted in significant research contributions and archaeological discoveries that have helped document important periods in Bahrain’s history. He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to expanding partnerships with international academic and research institutions and promoting the exchange of expertise and knowledge to support archaeological research and raise the profile of Bahrain’s cultural heritage within the international academic community.
The seminar explored aspects of Bahrain’s history spanning more than 4,000 years and its position as an important centre of trade and cultural exchange in the Arabian Gulf. Particular attention was given to the Dilmun civilisation and major archaeological discoveries associated with it, alongside ongoing efforts to protect and preserve historical sites.
The seminar featured a series of specialist research presentations, beginning with Professor Timothy Insoll OBE FBA, Al-Qasimi Professor of African and Islamic Archaeology at the University of Exeter. His paper, entitled "From Antiquarianism to the Present: 135 Years of British Archaeological Research in Bahrain", traced the development of British archaeological research in the Kingdom over more than a century, highlighting key milestones and contributions to uncovering and documenting Bahrain’s history.
Dr. Robert Killick, former Director of the London–Bahrain Archaeological Expedition from 1990 to 1999, presented a paper entitled "The Saar Archaeological Site: Insights into Dilmun’s Living Communities". He examined archaeological evidence from the site and its significance for understanding social life and patterns of settlement during the Dilmun period.
Dr. St John Simpson, from the Department of the Middle East at the British Museum, delivered a paper entitled "A Childhood Among Ruins: A Briton’s Lifelong Journey Through Bahrain’s Archaeology". He reflected on his longstanding experience of exploring archaeological sites in Bahrain, sharing observations and discoveries that have contributed to a greater understanding of the Kingdom’s history.
Dr. Samantha Dobson, from the Centre for Islamic Archaeology at the University of Exeter, presented a paper entitled "Recent Research on the Archaeology of Muharraq Town". Her presentation examined recent archaeological research in Muharraq and the findings that contribute to documenting the city’s history and highlighting its cultural significance.
The seminar concluded with a paper by Dr. Salman Almahari, Director General of Archaeology at the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, entitled "Exploring and Preserving Bahrain’s Archaeology". He outlined archaeological research and excavation efforts across the Kingdom and key initiatives to protect and preserve historical sites. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding archaeological remains as an integral part of Bahrain’s historical memory, cultural identity and heritage.