Communities
The Ancient Saar Project wasn’t just about archaeology. At a time of unprecedented urban and industrial growth in Bahrain, it sought to create a positive image of the country’s past, supporting the case for the preservation of its heritage. To achieve this, it was essential to engage all sectors of Bahraini society: the local community, business leaders eager to modernise, and government ministers with the power to make crucial decisions. Youths from the local village of Saar were employed on the excavations. Thanks to the skills they acquired, over sixty of them went on to full-time employment elsewhere. Visits by school children were a regular feature, and several activities, such as a painting competition and ‘practice’ excavations, were laid on especially for this age group. Many presentations were given to local clubs and societies and extensive media coverage was generated, including a regular feature on Bahrain TV.