Al-Muhafazah Ash-Shamaliyah: Temples and Burial Fields from the Dilmun Period
Accommodation in Al-Muhafazah Ash-Shamaliyah
Al-Muhafazah Ash-Shamaliyah lies on the northwestern side of Bahrain’s main island. Temples, settlement remains and extensive burial fields give the region a distinctive archaeological profile. Those interested in Bahrain’s history will find a range of evidence here from the Dilmun period and later eras—from temple complexes to graves used over long periods.
Dilmun Settlements and Temples
At the Diraz temple complex, the southwestern remains of an extensive Dilmun settlement have been preserved. These remains cover approximately 700 square metres. The Temple of Diraz was probably built in the early 2nd millennium BC. The combination of the temple and settlement remains makes Diraz a distinct point of interest for anyone wishing to learn about life and religious sites in the Dilmun period.
The Barbar Temples offer a different historical perspective: they comprise three successive temples, built in five construction phases and dating from the 2nd and 3rd millennia BC. The Saar Heritage Park area contains an Early Dynastic Dilmun city, a southern and a northern burial complex, a Late Dilmun temple and individual burial mounds. These different features represent varied forms of settlement and burial within the region.
Burial Mounds and Burial Traditions
The A´Ali West Burial Mound Field contains 723 burial mounds. Six are distinguished by outer ring walls and are considered evidence of chiefly burials. The A´Ali East Burial Mound Field adds another point of reference: it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Dilmun Burial Mounds.” Those interested in the shape and layout of burial fields can consider these remains as a focus in their own right alongside the temple complexes.
The Madinat Hamad 1 Burial Mounds Field is also known as the Buri Burial Mound Field. It preserves 754 burial mounds dating from 2050 to 1700 BC. This precise date range gives the burial field a clear historical context. Pottery workshops have also developed in the vicinity of the A´Ali burial mounds. Their facilities were integrated around the graves; in some cases, burial chambers are used as kilns. The area around the graves therefore also brings together evidence of craft activity.
The Shakhura Tylos Necropolis is protected by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and includes 15 visible Tylos burial mounds. Grave stelae and other grave goods from the necropolis are kept or displayed at the Bahrain National Museum. The northern burial complex of Al-Hajjar is distinguished by rare graves carved into the rock. They were used from the early Dilmun period through the Hellenistic and Parthian periods.
Other Aspects of the Region
Ain Umm al-Sujur was once one of Bahrain’s most productive artesian springs. This historical significance adds to the picture of a region whose antiquities are connected not only with temples and burial fields but also with water and landscape. In Janabiya, Block 575, there is an environmental education park with eco-friendly garden furniture. It is intended for a range of residents and visitors, including people with special needs. Archaeological themes and a place dedicated to a different kind of environmental education thus sit side by side.
Choose a Focus for Your Trip
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Al-Muhafazah Ash-Shamaliyah, these interests can help you get a sense of the region as a travel destination.
You can also explore Al-Budayyi as a destination within the region.
For the broader travel overview: Bahrain.
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