Country Summary for BAHRAIN

Definitions

"Monument"—anything (whether a building or moveable object) descending from civilizations, left over by previous generations, or explored or discovered relating to the arts, sciences, literature, ethics, beliefs, daily life, or public events; or anything of artistic or historical value that is at least 50 years of age. Historical documents, manuscripts, related covers are considered monuments. Human and animal remains dating back 600 years may also be considered monuments. The Minister of Information may submit a prorposal, to be approved by the Prime Minister, to consider an edifice or moveable object a monument if the State has a national interest in maintaining it, without complying with the above time limits. (Law No. 11, Art. 2)

"Movable Monuments"—objects manufactured to be naturally separate from the ground or static monuments, which are moveable without damage. (Law No. 11, Art. 3(ii))

"Immovable Monuments"—objects part of (or once part of) a static monument or related to and complementing it (e.g. inscriptions, scripts, architectural elements and grave stones. (Law No. 11, Art. 3(ii))

Registry

The concerned authority is to immovable and movable antiquities that are presented to it in accordance with provisions of this Law to register what it considers registerable and compile relevant data in records especially prepared for this purpose registration is done in accordance with terms and conditions of a decision issued by the Minister of Information.By the time of enacting this Law, antiquities are considered registered are those listed in the intended records until they are reregistered in accordance with the provisions of this Law. (Law No. 11, Art. 26)

In compliance with provisions of Article (25) of this Law, anyone owning or in possession of a movable antiquity before this Law is in effect, is to submit it to the concerned authority for registration within six months from the date of enacting this Law is to notify the concerned authority within seven days from the beginning of possession, and the concerned authority in both cases is to return the antiquity to its owner or possessor after registering it and giving him a certificate of disposability if it does not deem the necessity of registering it or keeping it after paying a compensation in accordance with provisions of Article (51) of this Law. (Law No. 11, Art. 27)