With the opening of Arad Fort, after its restoration, the Ministry of Information has taken one more step towards achieving its plan of restoring and preserving archaeological sites and historical monuments. This interest stems from a belief in the importance of these sites as landmarks in the ancient history of this country, landmarks that bear witness to be pioneering role played by Bahrain's people throughout the region and the Arabian Gulf.
Since the preservation of the relics and monuments of the past focuses and sheds light on the history of Bahrain and its people this Ministry sees it as its duty to initiate and support the excavation of archaeological sites throughout the Island, using the most up to date scientific methods. As the number of these archaeological excavations increases so too do the numbers of sites and burial cities increase, and they in their turn create an increasing need for restoration. To this end the Ministry of Information has appointed experts in the fields of conservation and restoration. Work has begun and in some instances has been accomplished in Bahrain Fort, Al-Khamis Mosque, Al-Jassra House (where H H the Amir was born), Siyadi House and Shaikh Isa's House and finally Arad Fort with which this book deals.
Dr Walls, the author of this book has taken great care in the preparation of its contents describing its various stages of building, the manner of restoration, the materials used and the historical role played by this Fort in defending Bahrain against foreign conquests. His many diagrams and sketches explain clearly the details of the Fort, whether they be part of its general setting, or part of its construction. His intention has been to produce a reference useful, not only to students and researchers, but also to the general reader.
