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Duraz Temple: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

Explore 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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The Duraz Temple, located in the village of Duraz, Bahrain, is an archaeological site dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, offering a glimpse into the ancient Dilmun civilization. Despite its modest size, the temple holds significant historical and cultural value, featuring unique cylindrical columns not commonly found in other temples of the same era.

A brief summary to Duraz Temple

  • 6F8F+RR5, Barbar, BH

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (November to March) for a more comfortable experience, as Bahrain's summers can be extremely hot.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground while exploring the temple ruins.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, take bus X2 or X3 towards Budaiya. The closest bus stops to Duraz Temple are 'Budaiya Highway-9/Markh' and 'Budaiya Highway-10/Diraz'. From either stop, it's a short 3-4 minute walk to the temple. The bus fare is approximately 0.5 BHD.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available in Manama. A taxi ride from Manama to Duraz Temple typically takes around 15-20 minutes and costs between 5-10 BHD, depending on traffic. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    If driving from Manama, head northwest on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Take the exit towards Barbar/Diraz and follow the signs to Diraz. The temple is located just north of Budaiya Highway. Parking is available near the site. Note that online maps 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

Nestled in the village of Barbar, the Duraz Temple stands as a poignant reminder of Bahrain's ancient heritage, offering a window into the Dilmun civilization that thrived in this region millennia ago. Dating back to approximately the 3rd millennium BCE, this archaeological site, though modest in size, holds significant historical and cultural value. Excavated by a British expedition in the 1970s, the Duraz Temple site has yielded valuable artifacts that shed light on the religious practices and daily life of the Dilmun people. Among the discoveries were fragments of clay vessels, two stamp seals adorned with animal figures, and distinctive Barbar pottery. These artifacts provide tangible evidence of the Dilmun civilization's artistic skills, trade connections, and spiritual beliefs. Today, the archaeological site is preserved in its southwestern corner, reduced to a remnant of about 700 square meters. It is located just north of Budaiya Highway, making it easily accessible to visitors. While the site may be smaller than it once was, it still offers a tangible connection to Bahrain's ancient past. Unlike the grand temples of Mesopotamia or the Indus Valley, the Duraz Temple boasts unique architectural characteristics that set it apart. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of cylindrical columns, a design element not commonly found in other temples of the same era.

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