A RARE archaeological site discovered in a Bahrain cemetery, which has been identified as a likely Christian bishop’s house, may soon be added to the kingdom’s growing list of visitor attractions.
Excavators continue to search the Samaheej site, which was unearthed in 2019, while officials and experts consider how to overcome the difficulty of digging the area further because it is located above new graves.
Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) archaeology and museums director Dr Salman Al Mahari, remains optimistic that the discovery can be added to the country’s prestigious list of historic sites.
“We haven’t reached the full extent of excavation yet,” Dr Al Mahari told the GDN. “The issue is that there are graves that prevent further digging, which is a challenge.
“But we are very happy with what we have found so far and, in a way, it truly reflects positively on Bahrain’s culture of tolerance.
“The Christian remains in the middle of a Muslim cemetery could have been considered an unwelcome discovery by some but that has not been the case.”
The GDN reported earlier that the seventh-century cite revealed a structure consisting of small chambers and corridors beneath the ruins of what was thought to be a mosque. Baca preserved the site and it has been open for the public to visit.
“Over the past two years, the team discovered many items indicating the structure as a Christian housing complex, including a cross-engraved ceramic shred and a stone with the cross among others,” said the senior Bahraini archaeologist.
“We aim to continue exploring the site although we have yet to decide how to go about this challenge.
“The aim is to provide a visitors’ centre but we need to talk to all the concerned parties first and find the best way forward.
“Currently it has been marked as a preserved site – we physically put a silk fence around it and legally it’s protected by the law of archaeology in Bahrain.
“The local residents are also monitoring the site with us so there is a real community involvement.”
Also found on the site have been the remains of jars, glass goblets and pottery dating back to the seventh century. One is inscribed in what is thought to be an Aramaic language called Psalter Pahlavi.
Over the years, the authorities had received letters from locals who found what appeared to be ruins of a mosque in the middle of their cemetery, which is still in use.
“They were trying to rebuild the mosque, but some people who are aware about the archaeology and heritage, contacted us seeking our advice,” he said.
“Our team did some initial digging. The excavation revealed its remains but we also found another larger wall which indicated there was another building older than the mosque.
“I stopped the work as it came to my mind that the line of the three villages – Samaheej, Al Dair and Galali – were places related to Christianity, as we know from the history books.
“Over the year we were able to confirm it as a Christian building – more like a Bishop’s house with all the materials and artefacts. It was a big white house, not a church, but also with features of a place of worship.”
The site is being carefully uncovered by a team of archaeologists led by British Expedition in Bahrain head and Islamic scholar Professor Timothy Insoll.
The site is a proof to historical references to the presence of a Christian community in Bahrain between the fifth and seventh centuries, especially in Al Dair, added Baca. Archaeologists also believe it is likely there are more Christian sites in Bahrain which could be discovered in the future.
raji@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))