Manama, October 30 (BNA) The President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, stressed the importance of the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue, which is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa. Al Khalifa, coinciding with the historic official visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Kingdom of Bahrain at the invitation of His Majesty the King.
The head of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities said that the excavations and archaeological evidence confirmed that Bahrain embodies openness and tolerance.
Samaheej in the northeastern island of Muharraq had a Nestorian Christian presence during its early history.
In 2019, Professor Timothy Insol, of the team of archaeologists in the region, announced the first archaeological evidence of a Christian community in Bahrain, stating: “The find is one of the most important in the entire region.”
Dr. Salman Al-Mahari from the same team said: “This archaeological discovery is evidence of the period of presence of the Christian community on the island of Muharraq.”
“History, region and preliminary information, all point to the presence of a Christian population, but for the first time, since excavations began in the eighteenth century, we can prove this hypothesis.”
Sheikh Khalifa said that Manama today is a beautiful mosaic of mosques, churches and temples that coexist in an astonishing harmony of history and geography and show a deep respect for the beliefs of the people who live, work or just visit there.
He added that nations gain a higher civilized status when they believe that dialogue and moderation are the basis of human coexistence.
“We are proud that the Kingdom of Bahrain is part of the international endeavors to promote the principles of peace and coexistence between religions,” he said.
“The organization of the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue reflects the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to promote peace, coexistence and moderation around the world. We at the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities are fully committed to an open and positive dialogue between leaders of religions, sects and thought around the world for the good of all humanity “.