THE historic Arad Fort should be turned into a buzzing community hub that showcases and celebrates the country’s rich traditions and talent throughout the year, a councillor has said.
A traditional suq, coffee shops and handicraft stalls are among facilities proposed by him inside the fort to make it a lively destination for locals and tourists alike.
“Arad Fort is a major tourist attraction and yet, only a handful of events are held here,” area councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi told the GDN.
“Seasonal activities can continue, but the fort should be a prominent home for something bigger and better and that’s Bahrain’s culture and tradition,” he added.
The magnificent monument, built in the style of Islamic forts at the end of the 15th and early 16th centuries, has hosted major events and concerts by top musicians including Kadim Al Saher and rock legend Eric Clapton over the years. The Brave Combat Federation’s Return of Kombat Kingdom series held last year and the 28th Heritage Festival this April were among other events held at the fort.
“The mud-built fortress holds an enigmatic appeal for visitors and programmes held on moonlit nights are truly memorable experiences,” Mr Al Meghawi said.
“A night bazaar or outlets serving up traditional food inside the fort will be an added attraction for families, especially in winter. It can also host stalls for handicrafts, art and folklore besides traditional suq, coffee shops and musical events throughout the year.”
Mr Al Meghawi suggested that the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities could hand over the management of the fort to Al Dana Amphitheatre, which can organise concerts at the venue.
He said space could also be allotted for building of dhows, pottery, traditional games and a photo gallery depicting the local heritage of pearl diving ... all of which would showcase Bahrain’s history while adding to the fort’s tourism appeal.
“The fort can host events, workshops and competitions for children, besides technology and telecommunications conferences,” he added.
Mr Al Meghawi submitted his proposal to the Muharraq Municipal Council, which has forwarded it to the Cabinet for review.
According to Muharraq historian Hassan Al Wardi, making heritage buildings sustainable is just as important as preserving their history.
“Tourists do not want to go around the fort for a few minutes and leave, they would rather prefer to stay longer and experience the place,” Mr Al Wardi said.
“Having traditional businesses inside or outside would give the historic fort an edge it needs.
“When there is nothing to do, it is an empty venue – even if it sheds light on a historic period dating back to the Portuguese era.”
Parliament services committee chairman Ahmed Al Ansari, whose panel oversees tourism projects, welcomed the business plan, while warning that the 500-year-old fort should not be vandalised or destroyed in the process.
“Seasonal events can be held, but the moment the fort is opened to businesses, it would be turned into a crowded bazaar,” he said.
“People might start dumping waste inside and lovers may vandalise the monument by writing on the walls.
“The fort is a part of our heritage and should be preserved in its pristine form at all cost.
“It would be better to have marketplaces around the fort and not inside.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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