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Duraz Temple: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

Discover the ancient Duraz Temple in Bahrain, a window into the island's Dilmun civilization dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE.

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Explore the ancient Duraz Temple in Bahrain, a window into the island's Dilmun civilization dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Discover the unique architectural features of this historical landmark, including its giant cylindrical columns, and connect with Bahrain's rich past.

A brief summary to Duraz Temple

  • 6F8F+RR5, Barbar, BH

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy better lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit to Duraz Temple with a trip to the nearby Barbar Temple and Qal'at al-Bahrain for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces while exploring the temple ruins.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, take bus X2 or X3 towards Budaiya. Alight at the Budaiya Highway-9/Markh or Budaiya Highway-10/Diraz bus stop, both within a short walking distance (3-4 minutes) of the temple. The bus fare is approximately 0.20 BHD - 0.50 BHD. Check the latest bus schedules as they may vary.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Careem) are readily available in Manama. A taxi ride from central Manama to Duraz Temple will cost approximately 5-10 BHD, depending on traffic and the specific location. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    From Manama, head northwest on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Take the exit towards Barbar/Diraz. Follow the signs to Diraz. The temple is located just north of Budaiya Highway. Parking is available near the site. Note that Google Maps or Waze may lead you slightly past the parking lot, so keep an eye out for the signs.

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Discover more about Duraz Temple

Located in the village of Duraz, Bahrain, the Duraz Temple, also known as Maabet al-Diraz, offers a captivating glimpse into the Dilmun civilization that flourished in the region during the 3rd millennium BCE. While smaller than other Dilmun sites, its unique charm and historical importance make it a worthwhile destination for history enthusiasts. The temple's discovery is attributed to a British archaeological mission in the 1970s. Excavations revealed artifacts like snake vessels, Barbar potteries, and Dilmun seals, providing valuable insights into the temple's age and purpose. These findings suggest the temple dates back to around the 3rd millennium BCE, making it one of Bahrain's oldest known religious structures. The temple's central part stood on impressive cylindrical columns, each with a diameter of 120 cm, arranged in two rows. Today, nine of these columns still stand, preserved to a height of 60 cm, offering a glimpse into the temple's original grandeur. A square base, possibly for a statue, is visible in the middle of the second row, adding to the site's mystique. To the east of the columned hall, a small quadrangular room likely served as the temple's worship room, complete with a possible altar. Fragmentary clay vessels and two stamp seals in the classical Dilmun style have been unearthed at the site, providing further insights into the temple's function and the culture of its builders. Just east of the temple, a later subterranean tomb, dating to the Kassite period and used through the Iron Age, was discovered, adding another layer to the site's history, demonstrating its continued significance over centuries.

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