The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) organised the Archaeology Walkathon, a cultural sports initiative centred on walking and on-site exploration of key archaeological sites in the Northern Governorate of the Kingdom. The event aimed to combine physical activity with the discovery of archaeological heritage, contributing to greater public awareness of the Kingdom’s history and civilisational legacy.
The walk began at Qal’at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and continued through Hillat Abdul Saleh, the Al Maqsha archaeological site, the Al Hajar burial mounds, and the Shakhura burial mounds, before concluding at the Abu Saiba archaeological site.
The event brought together approximately 250 participants, including ambassadors, diplomats, citizens, and residents. They covered a five-kilometre route linking sites rich in history spanning from the Dilmun civilisation to the Islamic period. Participants were briefed on the characteristics of each site and the most significant discoveries made in the area over the past decades, offering a unique opportunity to engage closely with Bahrain’s ancient history.
The Archaeology Walkathon is one of the community initiatives organised by BACA to strengthen public engagement with archaeological sites and encourage interaction with them as an essential part of national identity. Through such activities, the Authority seeks to promote the concept of cultural tourism, offering an experience that blends sport and knowledge while highlighting Bahrain’s diverse civilisation extending back thousands of years.
This initiative forms part of the Bahraini-French Archaeological Collaboration Week, organised by the Authority in collaboration with the French Embassy in Bahrain, marking the twentieth anniversary of Qal’at al-Bahrain’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The occasion underscores the site’s significance as the ancient harbour and capital of Dilmun, dating back to the third millennium BCE, and reflects the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding humanity’s shared heritage.
BACA highlighted that this event aligns with its ongoing efforts to promote Bahrain’s archaeological heritage, raise public awareness of the importance of its preservation, and foster a culture of care for historical sites across all segments of society. Through such specialised programmes, the Authority aims to make archaeology an active part of daily community life and highlight Bahrain’s unique civilisational legacy at the regional and global levels.
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