Al-Muhafazah Ash-Shamaliyah: Temples and Burial Mounds

On the northwestern side of Bahrain’s main island, Al-Muhafazah Ash-Shamaliyah brings together temple complexes, settlement remains, and burial sites from different periods. The Northern Governorate is home to a large share of Bahrain’s antiquities. These include Ain Umm al-Sujur, Barbar Temple, the Madinat Hamad Burial Mound Fields, Saar Settlement, Jannusan Hills, Aali Burial Mounds, Saar Burial Mounds, and Saar Temple. Those interested in the island’s history will find not one single focal point here, but a range of distinct archaeological remains.

Dilmun Settlements, Temples, and Burial Mounds

Near Diraz, the temple complex preserves the southwestern remains of an extensive Dilmun settlement. This surviving area covers about 700 square meters. The temple was probably built in the early 2nd millennium BC. This cautious dating is part of how the site is understood: it places the structure in time without presenting an uncertain attribution as fact.

The Barbar Temples offer a different perspective on early construction. Three successive temples were built in five construction phases and date to the 2nd and 3rd millennia BC. The number of temples and the sequence of construction phases make Barbar a distinct site alongside the settlement remains at Diraz.

The burial mound fields also reveal different forms and historical associations. The A´Ali West Burial Mound Field comprises 723 burial mounds and preserves an arrangement at the edge of a burial mound field. Six notable mounds have outer circular walls; these are considered evidence of burials of chieftains. The A´Ali East Burial Mound Field is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Dilmun Burial Mounds.”

The Madinat Hamad 1 Burial Mounds Field is also known as the Buri Burial Mound Field. It preserves 754 burial mounds dated to the period from 2050 to 1700 BC. This specific time span distinguishes the complex from the temples and the differently classified burial sites in the region.

From Tylos Tombs to the Sites of Saar

The Shakhura Tylos Necropolis is protected by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. Today, 15 Tylos burial mounds are visible there. Excavations have uncovered grave stelae and other grave goods, which are kept or displayed at the Bahrain National Museum. This context connects the necropolis with objects that can be seen at the museum.

Rare rock-cut tombs lie in the northern burial complex of Al-Hajjar. They were used from the early Dilmun period through the Hellenistic and Parthian periods. The Saar Heritage Park area includes an Early Dynastic Dilmun city, a southern and a northern burial complex, a Late Dilmun temple, and individual burial mounds. For a specific visit to this area, check current access arrangements.

Ain Umm al-Sujur was once home to one of Bahrain’s most productive artesian springs; the spring is now dry.

Crafts and Another Place to Visit

Pottery workshops have developed in the vicinity of the A´Ali burial mounds. Their structures have been integrated around the tombs, with some burial chambers used as kilns. This creates an unusual architectural connection between craft and the archaeological setting.

In the Janabiya area, Block 575, there is an environmental education park with eco-friendly garden furniture. It is intended for a range of residents and visitors, including people with special needs. As park facilities can change, it is a good idea to check current conditions before visiting.

Historical Context in Bahrain

In the wider destination of Bahrain, Qal’at al-Bahrain offers another historical landmark: the artificial settlement mound contains layers showing continuous human presence from around 2300 BC to the 16th century AD. The Bahrain National Museum presents part of the country’s 6,000-year history. Its six main halls include “Customs and Traditions” and “Traditional Crafts.” These places are part of the wider destination of Bahrain and should be distinguished from the sites in Al-Muhafazah Ash-Shamaliyah.

When planning your trip, you can first decide whether temples, settlement remains, burial mounds, or the craft tradition will be your main focus.

Discover more destinations: Al-Budayyi, Muhafazat Al-Asimah, Al Manāmah, Al Muharraq, Al-Muhafazah Al-Wustah, Central Governorate.

For the overview of the wider destination: Bahrain.