Bahrain Handicraft
US Department Of State Post Report
Damascus maintains a world-class archeological and historical collection, housing samples of its lengthy history from Neolithic times to the arts of today. Entering through the gateway of the Qasr al-Hair al-Gharbi palace, which was transferred to the Museum from from an Omayyad desert palace near Palmyra, one finds Hittite, Assyrian, Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Islamic antiquities. There is a reconstructed early 2ndcentury underground tomb (hypogeum of Yarhai) from Palmyra, a reconstructed 2nd century synagogue from Dura Europos, and an elaborately detailed salon from an 18th century Damascene house. Next door to the museum are the Suleimaniye Mosque, madrasa (school), and hospice. This classic Ottoman complex was designed and built around 1560 in Syrian fashion with black-and-white striped masonry and contains one of the loveliest gardens in Damascus. The highlight is the architectural ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
The Bahrain Arts Society and several other groups offer classes in drawing, painting, and poetry. The Music Institute provides instruction in a variety of musical instruments to adults and children at reasonable cost. As funds permit, the Embassy also maintains an Arabic-language program. Classes are also available through the Bahrain Ministry of Education or various schools and individuals. Ballet, ice skating, karate, aerobics, and yoga classes are available. Most of the five-star hotels also have thriving health clubs for men and women. Recreation and Social LifeLast Updated: 11/17/2003 9:10 AM Summer is difficult for children and parents because the intense heat and humidity preclude outdoor activities. Bring games, handicrafts, hobby supplies, and beach toys. An outdoor grill an ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
The Arabian Gulf, better known in the West as the Persian Gulf, is an area of contrasts where rapid modernization coexists with ancient tradition. Ambitious development programs, fueled by oil wealth, have swept through the Gulf in recent years, bringing Western products and ideas in their wake. Only remnants of the once-thriving pearl diving, fishing, and handicraft industries remain. Even with all these changes, the values, customs, and traditions bear the unmistakable mark of Arabian and Islamic culture. ... [Read More]
V. Country Narratives -- Countries A through G
Benin is a source, transit, and destination country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation. Beninese children are trafficked to Nigeria, Ghana, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Cameroon for forced labor and prostitution. Beninese children are trafficked within the country for forced labor in construction, commercial enterprises, the handicraft industry, and roadside vending. Children from Niger, Togo, and Burkina Faso are trafficked to Benin for domestic labor and vending. The traditional practice of "vidomegon," whereby poor children are placed with wealthy families, has resulted in some labor and sexual exploitation. Children trafficked outside Benin are trafficked to cocoa plantations in Cote d’Ivoire, rock quarries in Nigeria, and involuntary domestic servitude in Gabon. The Government of Benin does not fully comply with the minimum ... [Read More]
|