H.E. Esin ÇAKIL, Ambassador of Türkiye to Bahrain

1. What are the things you like most about Bahrain ?

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the leadership and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and her people to embrace myself as the Ambassador of Türkiye, Turkish Embassy and Turkish citizens residing in Bahrain.

From the onset of my tenure in Bahrain, we have established very fruitful cooperation with all authorities and deepen our bonds with people to people contacts.

As I get to know more about the Bahraini society, I am touched by their love and interest to Türkiye, Turkish language, cuisine, and for sure TV series. Türkiye was the first tourism destination of Bahraini people in the summer season of 2022.

One of the most impressive aspect of Bahrain is her harmony within society. Bahrain is historically a multi-national, multi-religious country which has a rich mosaic of cultural diversity. The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to hundreds of Mosques, Churches of all denominations, and many Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist Temples and Synagogues that serve the needs of the country’s multicultural multi-faith populace.

As being a woman Ambassador in Bahrain, I would also like to emphasize the Kingdom’s accomplishments on women’s rights. Bahrain prioritizes empowering women which encourages Bahraini women to pursue and achieve more. I believe Bahrain has already been an excellent model especially for the wider region.

2. What are on your must See and Do list in Bahrain ?

With her ancient civilizational heritage, Bahrain has an important number of historic places must be seen. First and foremost, I recommend the historical sites which UNESCO enlisted them as World Heritage Site, i.e. Qal’at Al Bahrain, Pearling Path and Dilmun Burial Mounds.

To have more acknowledgment on Bahraini nation, visitors should see National Museum of Bahrain which is the first national museum in the GCC. In addition to its panoramic city view, the museum also offers delicious Bahraini food and beverages at Darseen Café.

Old suqs and houses in Muharraq is another must visit while in Bahrain that visitors will be sure to enjoy with the authenticity of Bahrain.

For everyone from all religions and beliefs should visit Al Fateh Grand Mosque where Bahrain’s largest place of worship. I am sure that visitors will be touched by the volunteers efforts on presenting Islam with its tolerance and embracingness.

3. What are your suggestions for restaurants and must eat dishes ?

One of the most attractive feature of Bahrain is that you can find tens of different cuisines all around the world. The right address for discovering all of them, including Turkish, would be Block 338, located in Adliya.

As main dishes of Bahraini cuisine, my favorites are machboos and hammour which both of them has a unique taste with excellent flavors.

My favorite sweet is the traditional Bahraini helwa which is always best to taste with a sip of Arabic coffee. I love the Arabic coffee with characteristic Bahraini flavors like saffron which is an absolute must to try.

It could be easily observed that the richness of Bahraini cuisine comes from her ancient history with her strategic location in the Gulf that brought upon several cultures together.

I consider our national cuisines describe who we are. Bahrain, with her diverse cuisine enriched by different civilizations is a clear sign of the Kingdom’s policy of tolerance leading by His Majesty King Hamad.

4. What are the items to buy in Bahrain and where ?

Visitors are highly recommended to visit Bab Al Bahrain and the old Manama Suq (bazaar) behind it. The suq is a vibrant collection of shops offering a wide range of goods from textiles, spices, incense, perfumes, handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as more modern products from all over the world.

Very close to Bab Al Bahrain, the Gold Suq offers hundreds of jewellery shops where the quality of gold, coupled with excellent craftsmanship and low prices takes place.

However, although gold is quite popular in Bahrain, Bahrain is quite famous for its pearls. She is named as “the pearl of the Gulf”. Bahrain has been a world class pearling center from ancient times. Bahrain’s pearls are internationally famous for their brilliance, purity and beauty since the oyster beds being located near underwater sweet water springs.

The combination of gold and pearl jewellery in Bahrain is truly stunning.

5. Please mention a not to be missed experience / sight in Bahrain ?

Definitely Formula One season should not be missed. Even if you are not a motor racing fan you will be caught up in the thrill and excitement of the event.

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) where the event takes place, should be seen even when Formula One is not taking center stage.

6. What do you say about Bahrain people’s hospitality ?

Because of the country’s multicultural multi-faith populace, no body could feel like a stranger in Bahrain. Even tourists staying in Bahrain for short periods would recognize the immense hospitality of Bahraini people.

Bahrain is a mosaic of different cultures, nations and religions which also provides a variety of experiences. You can; pray in every religion, observe prayers in every religion, get to know different cultures, taste different cuisines, meet people from almost every nation in the world and a lot more of that.

If you visit Bahrain, I can assure you that you will deeply feel Bahraini Dhiyafa (hospitality) as if you are home.