In a bid to revive and safeguard historical treasures, the World Monument Fund embarked on a preservation tour through the Arabian Gulf, beginning in Muharraq, Bahrain, a city teeming with rich history since the late 1800s. Once the capital before the shift to Manama, Muharraq has seen its historical significance dwindle as residents departed, leaving behind neglected landmarks until revitalization efforts took root.
Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa founded the Sheikh Ebrahim Center for Culture and Research in 2002 to breathe life back into the cultural landscape. This non-profit organization serves as a hub for intellectual exchange, nurturing discussions in philosophy, literature, and the arts. Through this cultural renaissance, the center aims to rekindle appreciation for Bahrain’s heritage.
Among its many initiatives, the Fund stands out for restoring 28 historical houses in Muharraq and Manama, which once belonged to notable Bahraini families. During a recent visit, the delegation toured these restored homes, a testament to the commitment of Al-Khalifa and her team to revive Bahrain’s historical charm.
Celebrating their 60th anniversary, World Monuments Fund President Benedicte de Montlaur underscored the organization’s dedication to global heritage preservation. Al-Khalifa, who serves on the Board of Trustees, takes pride in presenting a more complete image of the Arab world to international audiences. “The picture that travels to the world is not always true or complete…” she remarked, emphasizing the need to showcase the region’s historic significance.
The delegation’s itinerary included visits to sites like the Abdullah Al-Zayed House, home to Bahrain’s first daily newspaper, and the Kurar House, where skilled artisans create traditional garments. They marveled at the last remaining room of Sheikh Ebrahim’s original house, a relic echoing the past over two centuries.
With an impressive portfolio featuring over 70 projects across the Arab world, the Fund aims for greater involvement in the Gulf. Noteworthy upcoming endeavors include collaborations with Saudi Arabia, focusing on areas like AlUla and Historic Jeddah, where cultural heritage flourishes amid rapid development. “If you do not know your past, it is very difficult to build a future…” de Montlaur declared, emphasizing the importance of conserving the region’s historical sites.
As the team seeks to enhance regional cooperation in heritage preservation, Al-Khalifa highlighted shared histories and identities that bind nations. “Our Gulf is one, our goals are one, and our history is shared…” she stated, reinforcing the notion that the Gulf’s cultural legacy extends beyond borders, enriching the collective Arab identity.
In a closing sentiment, de Montlaur underscored the universal nature of heritage preservation, emphasizing solidarity across all Arab nations. “It’s really a heritage of humanity as a whole…” she noted, calling for collaborative efforts to restore and protect vital cultural landmarks, ensuring the stories of past generations remain vivid for future ones.
The World Monument Fund’s tour of the Arabian Gulf, starting in Muharraq, Bahrain, aims to enhance historical preservation. The Sheikh Ebrahim Center for Culture and Research plays a vital role in cultural revival, inviting dialogue on the region’s heritage. The Fund is restoring significant historical houses, with plans for further involvement in the Gulf, stressing the unity of cultural identities across nations. President Benedicte de Montlaur and Sheikha Al-Khalifa emphasize cooperative efforts and the importance of preserving shared history.
The World Monument Fund’s visit to Muharraq played a pivotal role in preserving and celebrating Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage. Through collaborations and restoration projects, the initiative emphasizes the importance of historical consciousness in shaping identities. The shared cultural ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia highlight a collective responsibility to safeguard the narrative of the past for future generations to cherish.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
