National Museum, King Abdulaziz Historical Center

Just as I was enthralled and keen to take my time to read, reflect and write about the various exhibits of the National Museum in Bahrain, I wanted so much to spend more time at this museum. In fact, Fernando, Laure and I were stragglers, and Karim had to pull us along a bit. We went there yesterday afternoon, November 24th.

It was way too much to absorb in a short period of time, and I was keen to get a book. Alas, the gift shop was closed for evening prayers, and we had to move on. But I picked up a pamphlet from the museum. Even though it’s in Arabic, the one thing that’s in English is its website: www.saudimuseum.com (which is no longer available, unfortunately).

Here’s what I downloaded:

This Hall represents the ancient Arabian kingdoms that were dominant in the Arabian Peninsula thousands of years prior to the fourth century B.C. Three successive civilizations are represented:

• Early Arab Kingdoms: Dilmon, Madian, Gariah and Tima'a. 

• Intermediary Arab Kingdoms: the famous cities of Al-Hamra, Dawmat Al-Jandal, Tima'a and Tarout. 

• Late Arab Kingdoms: the civilizations that thrived in Al-Aflaaj, Najraan and Ain Zubaida. 

A special location is reserved in the front gallery for a discussion of the early history of the Arabian Peninsula, and contains stone texts from various civilizations dating back to four thousand B.C. 

The hall displays archaeological objects depicting the development of calligraphy: from symbolic writing in Iraq and hieroglyphic writing in Egypt, to the development of the initial alphabets in the period between 2500 - 1500 B.C. 

Presented also is a section of the wall of Tima'a, rebuilt with original brick, as well as a model of the cemetery at Dilmon. The display cases contain subject-related artifacts. 

The first section of the hall addresses the early Arab kingdoms. For instance, the Madian civilization is presented by ceramic artifacts, historic paintings, and other significant objects from the Gariah and Tima'a civilizations, as well as some information about ancient trade routes. 

The second section addresses the intermediate Arab kingdoms, which were dominant in the period between 800-500 B.C, and known by the cities of Tima'a, Al-Fao and Dawmat Al-Jandal. The hall displays replicas of period buildings, as well as architectural objects and artifacts from cemeteries.

The late Arabian kingdoms of the fourth and fifth centuries are presented by a discussion of the cities of Tima'a, Ain Zubaidah, Al Aflaaj, Qasr Ma'abad and finally Najran that was famous for its innovative agricultural practices. In addition, this hall provides information about the basics of archeology science, and the way antiquities are handled. At the end of the stairs is an adjoining hall reserved for research. 

PRESENTATION MEDIA:  A film, as well as slides, transparencies, and sound effects discuss the wall of Tima'a, and computerized three-dimensional replicas depict historical sites such as Mada'en Saleh, Tima'a, and Al- Fao Village.

The pre-Islamic era lasted from 400 B.C until the revelation of the Prophet Mohammad. The exhibit of this period displays the lifestyle of the Arab tribes of the time, including their heritage, beliefs, customs and traditions, markets and the development of Arabic calligraphy. The hall contains pictures, paintings and sculptures that represent the era. 

One of the most important attractions in the museum is "Atams", the depiction of fortresses built by the inhabitants of cities. There is an accompanying collection of weapons and domestic artifacts that dates back to the period between the fourth and the sixth century.

The exhibit includes replicas of the pre historic cities of Makkah, Jarash, Yathrib, Khaibar, Najraan, Khadrama, and Dawmat Aljandal.

The hall exhibits the era's social life and a model of a typical system of irrigation of the time. Simulations of famous markets like Okaz, the alMajaz, Najraan and Habasha are included, as well as petroglyphs and a depiction of Al-Feil, the elephant event which took place in 571A.C, the year of Prophet Mohammad's birth.

An escalator at the end of the hall leads up to the fourth hall.

PRESENTATION MEDIA:  A virtual presentation depicting irrigation systems, as well as additional information about the exhibited objects, is available from a computer display.

Note:  I wondered what religion the Arabian people followed, before the advent of Islam: Apparently it varied and it was, in many circumstances, a matter of tribal custom. Still, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Judaism were prominent.

This hall displays the Arabian Peninsula in the period from the Prophet Mohammed's arrival in Madinah until the establishment of the first Saudi State. This exhibition includes the early era of Islam, as well as the rule of the Caliphs and the Umayyad and Abbasid States. In addition to covering the history of some small independent states including the Mamluk and Ottoman era. The exhibit includes artifacts from the historic al Rabatha city, samples of Islamic weapons, and scientific texts from different Islamic periods.  

The hall exhibits the Prophet's biography from his arrival in Madinah until the conquest and recapturing of Makkah. It also displays the struggle of the Muslim Caliphs and their efforts to expand and build an Islamic State, and the collection, recording, and preservation of the Holy Quran. Also discussed is the lifestyle of the Umayyad State, including related architectural replicas and pots and coins of the period.

A special area in the hall is reserved for a demonstration of the Islamic sciences, and the prosperous era that characterized the rule of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphs. The section concerned with the Abbasid period includes an illustration of its eponymous architectural style with replicas of palaces in al Rabatha and the ports of Ather and Mabiat.

A history of Arabic calligraphy is also exhibited with samples for different types of Arabic script dating from the second century of Hijrah (emigration of the Prophet to Madinah) On grave stelae and stone inscriptions.

The last section of the hall contains replicas of Mamluk and Ottoman buildings such as the Al-Aznam and Mouleh castles, in addition to some old doors, weapons, steel products, pottery and some Arabic manuscripts.  

PRESENTATION MEDIA:  A computer presentation recreates a virtual visit to the ancient city of al Rabatha. In addition, a film explains how science and civilization developed in the region, and discusses the role of Muslim scholars and scientists. Three-dimensional replicas with audio-visual effects illustrate the Muslim conquests of Badr, Uhud, and Al Khandaq.

This hall contains a complete demonstration for the first Saudi reign, and the state of the Arabian Peninsula at the beginning of the second Hijri century, the period of Imam Mohammed Bin Saud's rule and the House of Saud.

Exhibits illustrate the social life and traditions at that time, followed by presentations of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdul-Wahab's invocation and his agreement with Prince Mohammed Bin Saud, the ruler of AlDarryah. This wing describes AlDarryah's history: its origins and locations. A large three-dimensional replica of the city recreates its streets, mosques, markets, and farms.

In addition, the hall illustrates the second era of the Saudi reign and its founder, Imam Turki Bin Abdullah with a collection of documents and a replica of his new capital Riyadh that shows the original walls, streets, buildings, and old weaponry of the time. The hall concludes with documents and photographs recording King Abdul-Aziz's life during his exile, and the suffering he endured until he recaptured Riyadh.

This hall presents King Abdul-Aziz re-capturing the city of Riyadh on the 14 of January 1902. In addition, there is a film and several exhibits that illustrate his unification of the Kingdom; from the time he reentered Riyadh, to his unification of the regions of Najd, alHassa, Aseer, Haiel, alHijaz, and Jazaan. This hall presents King Abdul-Aziz's activities in settling the Bedouin tribes, the daily life in old Riyadh, and historical documents concerning the social life and culture of the cities and villages, as well as some agricultural areas.

Visitors are welcome to explore the rich sources of information concerning the social and cultural traditions of the Kingdom's many regions, including the Najd, alHijaz, Haiel, Aseer, Tihama and the Eastern Province. A documentary film demonstrates the discovery of oil in the Kingdom, the subsequent process of development, and its role in the lives of the people of the Arabian Peninsula. In addition is a display of some of the early tools used to extract oil.

PRESENTATION MEDIA:  A documentary about the unification of the Kingdom is accompanied with sound and laser effects and presented in a round auditorium. Three additional movies depict the exploration for oil in the Kingdom, and the history of the development of the oil industry.

This hall represents the history of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrimage through the centuries. 

A large replica of the Holy City of Makkah is marked with the old Hajj routes. The first of these routes is that of Syria or the Levant, and next those of Iraq (called Zubaida's Path), Egypt, and Yemen. 

A section about the Holy Mosque features a large replica of the structure as it now stands after the second Saudi expansion completed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahad Bin Abdul-Aziz.

There are various exhibits that include ancient and recent tools, the fabric covering of the Holy Ka'abah, and some brass and antique artifacts belonging to the Holy Mosque. In addition there is a curtain and a door of the Holy Ka'abah. This wing describes the history of Makkah Al Mukkaramah and the Ka'abah.

Another section is designated to exhibit the history of Prophet Mohammad's Mosque in Madinah and a replica of the Mosque after the second Saudi expansion.

The showcases in this wing contain architectural objects and artifacts of the Holy Mosque, as well as Islamic texts, pots, and lamps that were used by the builders of the Mosque.

The construction history of the Holy Mosque from the time of the Prophet Mohammad to the present is presented in this section. A map illustrates the history of the pilgrimage through the different Islamic eras. 

PRESENTATION MEDIA:  A film narrates the history of Makkah from the building of the Holy Ka'abah until the last phase of expansions in the Holy Mosque. Another film describes the history of Al Madinah Al Munawarrah and all the expansions in the Holy Mosque. A third film illustrates the process of making the cover for the Holy Ka'abah, and the old Hajj routs.

It’s interesting indeed that the Advisory Committee for the museum is entirely comprised of women. I don’t want to make any assumptions, though I do wonder if this is an honored or a menial opportunity for these princesses.