Arad Fort, Bahrain

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Built between the 15 and 16th centuries, this arabic style fort is situated on Muharraq Island near the airport. For a small fee you can look at the tiny museum before entering the fort and climbing the battlements.

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This fort located in Muharrak is one of the numerous defensive buildings of Bahrain ; built in the 15th century it was occupied by the Portuguese and later taken by Arab soldiers. The square shape with big circular towers at the corners is typical of the local military architecture. Besides beach rock (coral limestone) mainly palm tree wood was used for construction; nearby wells provided for fresh water.
This fort controlled the navigation between a small island and the main Bahrain island..
on the first picture you can see the triangular nose-shaped openings which may have been used for dumping hot oil or water on possible enemies.
The second picture shows the inside with the thick walls and the palm-tree trunks on which the round way was built; on this picture is also a water well in the middle of the yard.
The third picture shows the ceilings inside a tower and and we have an idea of how the materials were used.
The fourth picture is the Manama skyline seen from the Arad Fort.

This fort is now renovated and the modern paved place around takes a bit of its character.
Inside, one can see the old walls built without cement,

Arad fort was built nearly between the end of the fifteenth century and the early sixteenth century. In 1521, the Portuguese occupied Bahrain by using their fleet which was stationed in Oman (Hormuz). During their rule, they used the fort as one of the military garrisons to confront local opposition and the Ottoman interference which aimed to restore Bahrain to the Ottoman Empire through their Wali in Ihsa'.

Arad Fort has a military significance given its strategic location which provided it with deep sea nearby, which is nowadays known as Arad Bay, in addition to its location opposite the southern and eastern side of the Bahrain island, which enabled it to safeguard and protect the coasts of this front against any foreign aggression.

Well its my first trip to Bahrain and it was very windy when we were there....

This 16th century fort of Arabic construction is probably one of the first landmarks you will see upon arrival to Bahrain due to its proximity to the airport. It has undergone extensive restoration, and is now illuminated at night, presenting a magnificent sight. Little is known of the fort history, and there is no firm evidence of the precise date of construction, but comprehensive excavations have been undertaken in order to discover its past.
N.B. Stout shoes should be worn if you intend to pay a visit, in order that you can explore to the full- high heels are not suitable for climbing about on the ramparts!

The first dwellings on the site are believed to have been constructed around 2800 BC, and have subsequently been overlaid by numerous fortified settlements. The last was built in the early 16th century to defend Portugal's recent acquisition of the islands-for this reason, it is also known locally as the Portuguese Fort. Numerous excavations have uncovered a variety of relics from the forts past.

One of the most popular historical sights in Bahrain, after the National Museum. A 16th Century Fortress built by the Turks, later occupied by the Portuguese, it is of traditional mud, stone and straw construction and has been relatively restored using original materials. Quite a sight at sunset, offering a grand sea view, and an escape from the modern eyesore of downtown Manams. Relax with coffee and a houkah pipe in the run-down beach cafe and watch the jet-skiers.

Visit the so called the Portugese Fort. Other name is Qal'at Al-Bahrain. It is sitting on the ancient tell where people used to live thousands years ago. The present building is not so ancient, but quite picturesque.