The Tree of Life

One of the remarkable natural wonders of the tiny Kingdom of Bahrain is the Tree of life, or Shajarat-al Hayat, a lone mesquite tree standing at the heart of Bahrain's desert for over 400 years. It stands at about 9.75m (32 feet) in height on top of a 7.6m (24 foot) sandy hill that formed around a 500 year old fortress. Archaeological digs near the sight have unearthed artifacts around the site, some of which date back to the ancient Dilmun civilization going back to the third millennium BC.

It is truly remarkable how this lone tree has survived for so long with no other visible lifeforms in its vicinity, and average temperatures of around 40 Celsius, often accompanied by brutal sandstorms. Bahrain is also a country with no freshwater lakes or rivers, but is blessed with many underwater springs, giving the land of Bahrain its name which means "two seas". The nearest water source to the Tree of Life is about 2km away...a true testament to the power of nature. Some believe it absorbs water from the gulf breezes. Others believe in a more magical source, believing that the heart and soul of the tree's existence is granted by Enki, the mythical God of Water, and it marks the location of the legendary Garden of Eden.

Surrounded by oilfields about 2km from Jebel Dukhan, Bahrain's highest point, a mere 134m (440ft), the Tree of Life is visited by tens of thousands of visitors every year. Recent improvements to the site include a visitor centre and a small stage for performances and special events.

For a tiny country, Bahrain is a remarkable mix of modern and ancient, and east and west with a rich history going back thousands of years. If you ever visit this Jewel of the Gulf, the Tree of Life is a must see. It stands as a testament to the power of survival.