Ten reasons why Bahrain is best – #4 Cultural hub

The Gulf region is perhaps not the first part of the world people think of when looking for a vibrant centre for culture and arts with a rich cultural heritage. However, Bahrain very much proves to be the exception.

The annual Spring of Culture is Bahrain’s showcase for its ability to host diverse and stimulating culturalevents. A significant proportion of those displaying their talents in the dozens of events at locations across Bahrain are themselves Bahrainis, or are from neighbouring states. These events also bring the best of the global art world to Bahrain’s shores.

In a region where cultural practices are often sharply curtailed by laws and regulations, Bahrain’s Constitution is arguably the most protective legal framework for the arts. Bahrain’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, respect for non-Muslim cultures and practices, and entrenches the rights of all to live according to their beliefs and ethical principles.

Bahrain’s deeply-rooted cultural traditions have been continually enriched throughout the ages with the best of regional and global cultural currents. As a group of islands based on trade and the sale of pearls, Bahrain hosted a non-stop flow of visitors stopping briefly on its shores. As a result, traditional Bahraini music, art and foods are influenced by Indian, Persian and Arabian civilization – as well as more distant western and eastern cultures.

The best of these cultural traditions have become so deeply entrenched in Bahrain’s heritage and traditions that this rich diversity has become an integral and inseparable part of Bahrain’s social fabric.

Education has always been highly prized in Bahrain and not long after the school system became well-established in the early twentieth century, there were efforts to ensure that girls equally benefitted from modern education. Bahrain’s universities have a strong reputation across the region.

As a result, Bahrain has always boasted a wide cross-section of society with a strong appreciation of the arts, writing, crafts and music; as well as Bahrain’s society producing many gifted writers, artisans, intellectuals and musicians.

Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo and Eric Clapton are among the many performers who have recently put on concerts in Bahrain. Bahrain is also a fertile location for homegrown music.

For example, well-known musical luminaries over past decades have been Ali Bahar and his band Al-Ekhwa and the progressive rock band Osiris. More recently, extreme metal bands like Motor Militia, Lunacyst and Smouldering in Forgotten have built up dedicated local fan-bases.

Bahrain also hosts an impressive range of art galleries and cultural centres. Special mention should be made to Block 338 in Adliya, the location of Al-Riwaq Gallery and an important cultural hub.

Shaikha Mai Al Khalifa over recent years has been a key patron of the arts in Bahrain, first as Minister of Culture and more recently as President of the Authority for Culture and Antiquities. The success of the Spring of Culture has been largely a result of her energy and commitment. The Bahrain Museum has thrived under Shaikha Mai’s patronage and the Bahrain National Theatre is also her brainchild.

In previous decades, Beirut, Tunis, Baghdad and Cairo were world-renowned centres for Arab culture. These days, all these capitals are dragged in instability and economic challenges. In recent years with good reason, Manama has repeatedly been recognized as the capital of tourism and culture in the Arab world.

For people visiting and taking up residence in Bahrain, Bahrain’s cultural horizons come as a breath of fresh air. There is always a broad range of events and activities; and the encouragement and patronage of artistic and intellectual pursuits makes Bahrain a rewarding destination for those who thrive on culture and arts.

As much of this region endures various brands of instability, extremism and intolerance, it has never been more vital to protect and consolidate hubs of culture, freedoms and enlightenment like Bahrain. In this respect, we hope Bahrain continues to get the respect and solidarity it deserves.