Bahrain: 53 Years of Peace & Coexistence Leadership

As we celebrate the National day of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as a beacon of peace and coexistence, marking 53 years of its modern history, and before that its ancient history that spans various civilizations, rich in cultural diversity and the coexistence of religions over the decades.

Bahrain’s history reflects its depth and authenticity, having embraced various peoples and fostered diverse civilizations. Today, we see in one place a mosque, a church, a temple, and a synagogue, contributing to a rich social fabric that cherishes its history and traditions.

The kingdom has guaranteed the freedom to practice rituals and religious celebrations for various faiths and sects. Bahrain has the highest ratio of mosques in the world relative to its population and area, along with more than 19 churches and a Jewish synagogue in downtown Manama, built in 1930, does not require a fence for security, which speaks for itself about the country we live in, as well as many places of worship for other denominations around the Kingdom.

Bahrain has long embodied values of tolerance and mutual respect, and we see these values today reflected in Bahraini society, where citizens and residents celebrate various religious holidays and occasions, showcasing a spirit of unity and brotherhood. Through these values, Bahrain has become a center that promotes interfaith dialogue, contributing to the spread of peace and stability.

Over the years, Bahrain has launched many initiatives aimed at enhancing the concept of peaceful coexistence. From cultural events to educational programs, among the most important are curricula on human rights, tolerance & peace, as well as the launch of a diploma in peaceful coexistence in collaboration with the King Hamad Global Centre for peaceful coexistence and the United Nations University for Peace. This reflects Bahrain’s commitment to promoting the role of education in spreading a culture of peace, dialogue, understanding between cultures, and acceptance of others, as the kingdom seeks to instill values of tolerance and understanding in the new generations.

One of Bahrain’s major achievements, its decision to join the Abraham Accords in September 2020 marked a significant milestone in the kingdom’s diplomatic history, as it aimed to normalize relations with Israel and foster peace in the Middle East. This move was driven by a commitment to enhancing regional stability, promoting economic cooperation. By joining the Accords, Bahrain positioned itself as a proactive player in promoting interfaith dialogue and coexistence, reflecting its long-standing values of tolerance and mutual respect among different cultures and religions.

During a recent meeting with the Head of the Department of External Church Relations at the Moscow Patriarchate, His Majesty the King stated: “Bahrain has a rich history in coexistence… and religious tolerance is a deeply rooted culture, as it has been part of the Bahraini social fabric for ages, thanks to the awareness of its people and their adherence to noble humanitarian principles and respect for people of other faiths.”

Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the national security advisor of the kingdom of Bahrain spoke at the Aspen Security Forum in last August saying: “Signing the Abraham accords was one the of the most important milestones that we have achieved” as this shows the message our leadership have & the people of Bahrain proudly carry, it also emphasis the importance of this message to have stability, harmony & security in the region.

Today, with the conflicts, wars, and global challenges the world faces, the importance of this message is greater than ever, promoting a culture of dialogue, a commitment to moderation, and the standing strong against extremism & hate, Bahrain leading by example for the whole world. We are the ambassadors of the message of the kingdom and His Majesty the King in carrying the Bahraini values that advocates for coexistence and peace.

Celebrating 53 years of Bahrain’s history is a celebration of its achievements in achieving peace and coexistence. In a world filled with challenges, Bahrain remains an exemplary model in promoting human values, achieving a vision for a bright future shaped by peace and prosperity.