Plans are underway to establish a Dilmun Burial Mounds Museum in A’ali in a significant move to preserve and showcase Bahrain’s ancient heritage.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) has announced plans to establish a facility dedicated to the numerous discoveries and findings, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2019.
The museum is expected to be built in A’ali, home to the largest concentration of burial mounds, and will serve as an entry point for visitors looking to explore one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the region.
Baca national heritage director Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa revealed during a recent Capital Trustees Board meeting that the project was currently in its consultancy stage.
He stressed the museum’s role in deepening public understanding of Bahrain’s early history. “This museum will be more than just a display of artefacts; it will be a gateway into the history of the Dilmun civilisation,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
“It will transport visitors back in time, allowing them to understand the customs and traditions of an ancient society that thrived in Bahrain thousands of years ago,” he added.
“The museum is expected to house archaeological artefacts, detailed exhibits on the burial traditions of the Dilmun period (2200-1750 BCE) and interactive displays that illustrate the significance of the burial mounds.
“It will also provide insights into the social hierarchy of the Dilmun people, as evidenced by the varying sizes and structures of the burial sites.
“A consultant has been hired to look into how we can do the project justice alongside ideas for what it could look like.”
The Dilmun Burial Mounds are among the most distinctive archaeological sites in the world. Spanning 21 locations across Bahrain’s western region, the site comprises 11,774 burial mounds, including 17 royal mounds constructed as two-story sepulchral towers, resembling small ziggurats.
Archaeological research has shown that these tombs were originally built as cylindrical stone towers, later covered by earth over centuries due to natural erosion.
The tombs provide a unique insight into the funeral practices, social structures and architectural advancements of the Dilmun civilisation, which once positioned Bahrain as a crucial trade hub connecting Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley and the Arabian Peninsula.
“The significance of these burial mounds lies not only in their vast number but also in their unique architectural elements,” said Shaikh Mohammed. “The presence of alcoves within burial chambers, often filled with funerary goods, reflects an advanced understanding of afterlife beliefs.”
In addition to the museum project, a Japanese excavation team is currently conducting archaeological work at the Dilmun Burial Mounds in A’ali.
The research, which will continue until 2029, aims to uncover more details about the royal mounds, their occupants and the broader burial practices of the time.
This excavation effort aligns with Bahrain’s broader initiative to preserve and study its ancient sites, ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate the country’s deep historical roots.
One of the challenges facing the preservation of the Dilmun Burial Mounds is urban encroachment. Over the years, the rapid expansion of residential and commercial areas has threatened the integrity of some sites.
Baca has introduced strict land use regulations to protect these sites from further damage. “The proposed museum is expected to boost cultural tourism in Bahrain, drawing visitors from around the world interested in ancient civilisations and archaeology,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
“It will complement existing efforts to promote the Bahrain National Museum and other heritage sites, ensuring that the country’s history remains a central attraction,” he added. “This is not just about history; it’s about identity.
“The Dilmun civilisation is an essential part of Bahrain’s story and this museum will ensure that its legacy is preserved and shared with the world.”
Shaikh Mohammed added that with the project moving forward and ongoing excavations promising new discoveries, Bahrain is poised to enhance its position as a key centre for archaeological research and cultural heritage in the region.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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