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Dilmun Burial Mounds: Echoes of an Ancient Civilization

Explore ancient burial grounds dating back to the Dilmun civilization (2200-1750 BCE) at the A'ali West Burial Mound Field in Buri, Bahrain.

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Explore the Dilmun Burial Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bahrain dating back to 2200-1750 BCE, offering a glimpse into the island's Bronze Age civilization. The A'ali West Burial Mound Field, located in Buri, showcases the unique characteristics and distribution of these ancient tumuli.

A brief summary to Dilmun Burial Mounds - A'ali West Burial Mound Field

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the uneven terrain of the burial mounds.
  • Visit during the cooler months (November to March) for a more pleasant experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby A'ali Pottery Workshop to witness traditional Bahraini crafts.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Manama Central Bus Station, take a bus towards Isa Town. From Isa Town Bus Terminal, transfer to another bus heading to A'ali. Alight near the A'ali area and then take a short taxi ride (approximately 5 minutes) or arrange for a local ride-sharing service to the Dilmun Burial Mounds. Alternatively, from Jid Ali, take Bus 12 towards Manama and disembark at the Buri bus stop. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride (1-2 BHD) to the mounds. Bus fare is approximately 0.3 BHD per ride.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From central Manama, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Careem or Uber) provides a direct route to the Dilmun Burial Mounds - A'ali West Burial Mound Field. Input the destination as '4GW4+MWQ, Buri' or provide the coordinates 26.1467201, 50.5073581 to your driver. The ride typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Confirm the fare before starting the journey. The approximate cost is 3-5 BHD.

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Discover more about Dilmun Burial Mounds - A'ali West Burial Mound Field

The Dilmun Burial Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stand as silent sentinels to Bahrain's rich and ancient past. Among these, the A'ali West Burial Mound Field offers a particularly compelling glimpse into the Dilmun civilization that flourished during the Bronze Age, approximately between 2200 and 1750 BCE. Located in the village of Buri, the A'ali West field is a component of a larger complex of burial grounds that once formed a single entity with the A'ali East Burial Mound Field, before being divided by a wadi and later the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. This necropolis comprises 723 burial mounds, each holding stories of the people who lived and died in this region millennia ago. What sets A'ali West apart is its representation of the original distribution of mounds on a cemetery's edge, a feature that has been lost in many other burial sites due to urban development. Here, the mounds are less densely packed, a deliberate choice by the ancient Dilmunites who favored constructing larger mounds at the edges of the cemetery. The mounds themselves vary in size and style, reflecting the social strata of those interred within. While most are simple mounds of earth and gravel, some stand out as special-type burial mounds, distinguished by their outer ring walls. These are believed to be the final remnants of chieftain burials, offering a tangible link to the leaders and elite members of Dilmun society. Archaeological excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts within the mounds, including pottery, jewelry, and tools, providing insights into the daily life, beliefs, and trade connections of the Dilmun civilization. These discoveries underscore Bahrain's importance as a key trading hub during the Bronze Age, connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Visiting the A'ali West Burial Mound Field is an immersive experience that transports you back in time. The mounds stand as a testament to the Dilmun civilization's sophisticated burial practices and their reverence for the afterlife. Beyond its historical significance, the A'ali West Burial Mound Field also offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The surrounding landscape is relatively untouched, providing a peaceful setting for reflection and appreciation of Bahrain's cultural heritage.

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