Diraz

Diraz

Diraz is the largest and most populous village on the northwest coast of Bahrain. Two Dilmun-era archaeological sites, namely the Diraz Temple and Ain Umm Sujoor, and Ain umm aldjaj are located in the village. Diraz is also known for the unique Bahraini dialect of its inhabitants, which is easily recognizable as it is quite different from that of the neighboring villages. Diraz Temple is located next to the Budaiya motorway. There is no concrete evidence as to which god(s) the temple was dedicated to. Its architectural features are unique not only in Bahrain, but also in comparison with temple sites from Mesopotamia or the Indus Valley from a similar period. The temple dates from around the 3rd millennium BC, based on finds from the site, which include a snake vessel, Barbar potteries and two Dilmun seals with animal figures on them. Ain Umm Sujoor is another archaeological site located in Diraz. The site, believed to date back to the 3rd millennium BC, consists of an oval cavity measuring approximately 60 x 30 meters, with two wells, several rooms and a ovens. Ain Umm Sujoor, translated into Arabic, means ‘Mother of the spring of overflowing waters’. The well on the north side is called the holy well or water temple, named after the discovery that part of the structure was used to express the people's gratitude to their Gods for water.