15 February 2016
Culture Authority Celebrates the National Action Charter, H.E: Our celebration of the National Charter principles is an act of gratitude and thanks to His Majesty
Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities celebrated on the 14 of February the anniversary of the National Action Charter, which represents an advanced step in the Kingdom’s outstanding political reform march spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The NAC has consolidated constitutional institutions in the country and met the aspirations of the Bahraini people for further development and progress in various field.
The celebrations were organized in eight different locations with seven music caravans performing joyful songs of love and gratitude. A huge parade of families and visitors enjoyed traditional music, fireworks and food in addition to balloons and flags. The celebrations started at 4:00 pm at the area between the Bahrain National Museum, inaugurated by the late Emir Isa bin Salam Al-Khalifa in 1988, and the National Theater, built as part of Invest in Culture initiative with the generous support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him
H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, president of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, said, “Celebrating the National Charter principles is our way of expressing gratitude and thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him, the first sponsor of culture.” H.E added, “During his prosperous reign, Bahrain has achieved its best cultural and historical achievements as part of the NAC principles from which we inspire loyalty and determination to enhance the Bahraini culture scene.” BACA’s president also said, “The National Action Charter Anniversary is a decisive and important date for us for creating happiness, joy and beautiful aspirations and to tell the whole world that Bahrain is a wonderful and tolerant place capable of embracing everyone.” H.E pointed out that this celebration is in accordance with this year’s theme “Bahrain Your Destination 2016” advocated by Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities to promote sustainable cultural tourism projects in the country.
Bahrain’s cultural renaissance during the reign of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him, has become a landmark in the cultural and historical movement in the country. Annual festivals of music and arts have made Bahrain a pioneering destination in the region and the world. Royal decrees promulgated since 2008 have enhanced the move towards powerful sustainable cultural projects capable of supporting the national economic development goals.
Inauguration of Cultural and Historical Projects
During the prosperous reign of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain has witnessed a series of cultural projects and has inaugurated many historical sites, such as the Cultural Hall inaugurated in 2005. UNESCO World Heritage Qal’at Al Bahrain Fort Site Museum, established as part of the “Invest in Culture” project, remains one of the cornerstones of sustainable cultural achievements in Bahrain.
Bahrain National Theater sponsored and inaugurated in November 2012 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is considered the crowning achievement in the Kingdom’s longstanding efforts to enrich and develop local culture. The Bahrain National Theater hosted a number of global performances from some of the world’s foremost artists, such as the Orchestra of the 21st Century of Russia, legendary composer Yanni, Spanish opera superstar Placido Domingo, the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets from Russia, and Il Divo. In 2012, the Kingdom of Bahrain succeeded to subscribe “Pearling: Testimony of Island Economy” on UNESCO World Heritage List, a project that will be completed by 2018 and will revive the memories of pearls and divers social and economic days.
Cultural projects in many venues in Bahrain have also been inaugurated, such as the Salman Fort Museum exhibits in Rifaa, Tree of Life Visitor’s Center in Sukheir, and the Arab Regional World Heritage Center (ARC-WH).
Bahrain, a unique cultural tourism destination
Manama, thanks to the generous support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has succeeded in hosting many regional cultural events, such as the Arab Culture Capital in 2012, the Arab Tourism Capital in 2013 and Asian Tourism Capital nomination in 2014. During recent years, Bahrain has also been selected as a pioneering culture hub during its participation in international events, such as the Golden Lion award for the best national participation at the 12th Venice Architecture Biennale, whereby the theme of the pavilion was “RECLAIM” and the Kingdom of Bahrain's pavilion won the Silver Prize of the Expo Milano 2015 Pavilion Architecture Award.
Bahraini Heritage Protection
The Kingdom of Bahrain has accomplished many distinguished developmental progress and landmark achievements following the National Charter as well as long strides in the cultural scene. Many heritage projects documenting the tangible and intangible heritage of the Bahraini were inaugurated during the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Bab al-Bahrain site, the protection and perseveration of Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifiya School, Al-Qaysariya Suq restoration, and the restoration of the Al-Khalifiya Library and Al-Khamis Mosque Visitor center are examples of such endeavors.
Annual Cultural Events
During the last decade, a number of different periodic cultural events have been organized in Bahrain, such as this year’s 11th session of Spring of Culture festival, the Bahrain Summer festival, celebrated since 2009, Ta’a Al-Shabab 8th edition this year, the Bahrain International Music festival, Bahrain Annual Heritage festival, Bahrain’s International Book Fair, held every two years, and Bahrain’s Annual Arts Exhibition.
The National Action Charter represents the basis of the modern democratic state in Bahrain put forward by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to ensure a brighter future for this beloved nation.
