The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life in Bahrain is one of the mysteries of world which should be in your sightseeing list while in this Asian country. The Tree of Life in Bahrain is 400 old mesquite tree which lives in the middle of desert. The mystery of the survival of the tree has made it a legend. People from all over the Middle East and the world want to visit this spot to see this magic of nature. The name “tree of life” is absolutely fit for the tree as it truly symbolizes the magic of life. A legend is also attached to the place where the tree is located. The local inhabitants believe with heart and soul that this was the actual location of the Garden of Eden.

The Tree of Life or Sharajat-al-Hayat, as the Arabs call it, is located 1.2 miles or 2 kilometers away from Jebel Dukhan. The tree stands lonely in the heart of desert and from far away it looks like a green spot in the white desert.

This large tree (the size of a big banyan tree in India), with its solid trunk, stout branches and luxuriant green leaves is a mystery to one andall, stands majestically. It stands on top of a 25-foot-high sandy hill. The tree has continued growing-despite the extremities of the climate. At present it is 32 feet in height.It is fascinating to see something grow in such heavy conditions - loneliness, heat, drought, dust storms and grazing animals. The average temperatures are probably about 110 or so and the hot winds blow heavily.

The tree’s source of water is mystery. Plant scientist may say that its roots go very deep and wide to get water from the reserves of sweet springs kilometers away. The Bedouins believe that Enki, the mythical God of water, had showered its blessing... and greenery on the Tree. This tree is Nature’s gift to Bahrain.According to one theory of some scientists who have studied the rings on the trunk of "Tree" (a tough, ancient acacia), they say it is over 1500 years old. Almost declaring it as the best preserved heritage of the 5000 years old land of "Dilmun" (meaning noble) which was ancient name of Bahrain.

Since I am here in Al-Khobar which is near Bahrain and in one of our project site visit in Bahrain, I was able to visit this famous tree. Check out a couple of pictures taken last November 2011