Muharraq Island, was once the capital of Bahrain; and enduring within it are stories of the old which now intermingle with the new. Discover how the many brilliant people of the 19th century help build this country and how their efforts linger on and continue till today.
The House of Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa was his residence and the seat of his government. This beautiful house offers insight into the royal life in the 19th century. It consists of several rooms arranged around four courtyards and characterized by its wind towers. It is considered one of the most impressive examples of Gulf Islamic architecture on the island.
This is a new building with a traditional architecture in the heart of old Muharraq. It was built on a plot of land that was originally part of the house and forum of Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, an intellectual and man of letters, in the early 20th century. The design incorporates a large Islamic arch, mashrabiya (traditional windows) and gypsum panels with Arabic calligraphy.
This is the house of the founder of the first weekly newspaper in Bahrain and the Gulf. The house is dedicated to the preservation of Bahrain’s press heritage and at the same time preserves part of the country’s unique architectural traditions.
The house provides a venue for elderly Bahraini ladies to pass on the art of the Kurar to younger generations. Kurar is a form of embroidery using a golden thread.
Smaller than Manama Souq, the Muharraq souq offers a wide range of merchandise and famed sweet shops. The oldest section of the souq, Al Qaisariya, offers a charming shopping experience. Souq Al Qaisariya is an integral component of the “Pearling; a testimony of an Island Economy” (UNESCO World Heritage Site).