A Bahraini historian and author, who specialises in the archaeology and culture of Dilmun, has donated four of his books to the UK’s national library in a bid to highlight one of the world’s most important civilisations that had Bahrain as its central site.
Mahmood Al Baqlawa hopes the books, now on shelves at the British Library, London, would inspire people to learn more about Bahrain’s ancient and modern history and to visit the kingdom.
Dilmun was an important trading centre from the late fourth millennium BC to 800 BC. At the height of its power, the civilisation controlled trading routes and was very prosperous during the first 300 years of the second millennium BC.
“It was an honour to have my works accepted in the library,” the 58-year-old told the GDN.
“I was in the country for a course and tour, so I emailed them and expressed my desire to donate my books to them, and to my surprise, I was granted permission to do so.
“My books cover a range of topics that showcase many aspects of Bahrain’s ancient history and culture, so even those who are unfamiliar with Dilmun can learn a lot from them.
“It also means that the kingdom’s ancient practices will be preserved so that our cultural identity is not lost,” he added.
The publications donated last month include The Legend: The Story of an Arabian Bahraini Bay Mare, The Amazing Seals in Dilmun Culture, Ziu-Sudra in the Dilmun Paradise and The Original Strings Lyre of Dilmun.
“The Legend highlights the modern history of the kingdom and how the longest serving ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa (1869-1931) gifted a Bahraini mare (female horse) called Al Dahma to the ruler of Egypt at the time, Abbas Hilmi II,” he said.
“This book also reviews the history of Dilmun culture and civilisation.”
Although DNA cannot trace breed purity in the modern population beyond 200 years, there is archaeological evidence of horses in the Middle East with characteristics dating back 3,500 years. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, Arabian horses are one of the most easily recognisable breeds in the world.
“My book, The Amazing Seals in Dilmun Culture, was particularly important to share as it discusses various Dilmun seals, which are tiny works of remarkable craftsmanship,
with each seal telling its own story and identity.
“They are a great way to look back and learn about life at that time,” added Mr Baqlawa.
Seals are known to contain information about life in the Gulf. The images carved suggest they were most probably used to identify property, to notarise contracts and transactions, and as trademarks and amulets.
“The third book tells the story of the ancient Mesopotamian flood myth. According to ancient texts, Ziu-Sudra arrived in Dilmun after a great flood that wiped out all living things on the planet,” he said, adding that it also contains his paintings of Ziu-Sudra and characters from Sumerian mythology.
“Sharing these kinds of stories is a good way of introducing someone to our country and culture,” he added.
Mr Baqlawa, who grew up in Manama, noted that The Original Strings Lyre of Dilmun details the significance of a
lyre, which is a stringed instrument invented by the Sumerians of ancient Iraq around 3,200 BCE. Its design was evolved from the harp.
Based on contextual evidence, Dilmun was located along a trade route between Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and the Indus Valley civilisation, close to the sea. Dilmun encompassed Bahrain, Kuwait and the eastern Saudi Arabia.
“These books would attract students of archaeology or history to Bahrain,” he said, adding that it could also encourage them to visit the country and learn more about its rich history and heritage.
Founded in 1973, the British Library holds more than 170 million items, including around 25m books. It has manuscripts and historical items dating back as far as 300BC, as well as books, journals, newspapers, magazines, sound recordings, patents, maps, stamps, prints, drawings and more.
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