Al Khamis Mosque visitor centre opened

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday inaugurated a new visitor centre at the historic Al Khamis Mosque.

Praising Bahrain’s rich national identity, HRH the Crown Prince said the Kingdom’s vibrant Islamic architecture is demonstrated by the country’s mosques and historic buildings, making Bahrain a meeting point among the world’s civilizations.

“Bahrain’s traditions represent an important component of the country’s culture,” the Crown Prince said, adding it will receive continued support from His Majesty the King.

Prince Salman also lauded the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiques’ (BACA) efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s historical landmarks, and its role in the construction of the new visitor centre at the Al Khamis Mosque.

Noting the importance of preserving the mosque, which was built in an important Islamic era, the Crown Prince stressed the role of mosques in spreading the values of tolerance and acceptance within Bahraini society. 

HRH the Crown Prince also welcomed the vital educational and scientific role mosques have played throughout history.

Prince Salman toured Al Khamis Mosque’s new visitors centre and watched a presentation by BACA President, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, and the researcher of Al Khamis area, Archaeology Professor Dr. Timothy Insoll. 

The presentations highlighted archaeological information about various Islamic monuments and artifacts in the area, particularly those excavated from Bilad Al Qadeem since 2001. 

Shaikha Mai expressed gratitude for His Royal Highness’ continued support to Bahrain’s culture, and highlighted that the inauguration of the visitors centre, which holds the slogan, “If monuments could speak”, embodied the country’s historical importance and cultural heritage.