Manama mosaics: 72 hours of heritage and history in Bahrain

In Manama, the ancient and the modern intertwine like the threads in its vibrant souqs. Skyscrapers pierce the azure sky while narrow alleyways whisper tales of a bygone era. At the aromatic chaos of the Bab el-Bahrain Souq, spices dance with textiles and shimmering pearls hold the secrets of the deep. Then, turn a corner and you will find yourself transported to the serenity of the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Manama is a city of contrasts, a blend of tradition and progress, waiting to be explored by the curious traveller. And the beauty lies in the fact that you can experience it in just 72 hours.

No matter how long you linger in this Middle Eastern land, a breakfast extravaganza awaits. As you step into one of the city’s cherished cafes, let the intoxicating aroma of Bahraini cuisine envelop you, a prelude to a flavour-filled odyssey that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your spirit for the day to come. Dive into the gastronomic classics by indulging in the timeless delights of Balaleet vermicelli noodles, the rustic allure of Khameer and Regag, alongside the hearty flavours of Foul Fava beans and the savoury embrace of Samboosa fried pastries. Elevate your culinary journey with falafel and shawarma, and don’t forget to snag some Halwa, a quintessential Middle Eastern sweet sensation.

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Among the culinary havens dotting Bahrain’s landscape, seek refuge in esteemed establishments such as Al Ameer, renowned for its culinary finesse; Emmawash celebrated for its mastery of dried shrimp and mung beans; and Freej Bin Al Rashdan, nestled near Dohat Arad Lagoon, where the aromas of lamb machboos and Bahraini kebabs beckon the discerning palate. Conclude your epicurean odyssey at Haji Gahwa, nestled within the bustling enclave of Manama Souq, where authenticity reigns supreme and traditional Bahraini cuisine is savoured with a generous sprinkle of heritage and charm.

Manama delivers all the bling you’d expect from a modern Arab metropolis – sleek malls and skyscrapers that wouldn’t look out of place in a sci-fi movie. But amidst the shiny veneer, you’ll find whispers of a charming past, a reminder of Manama’s days as a bustling port. Old and new coexist with playful harmony, most evident in the legendary Manama Souq, where ancient market vibes and the scents of exotic spices swirl. Before you hunt down the perfect gold bangle or spice up your culinary repertoire at the Souq, soak in the history of Bab Al Bahrain, the gateway to Manama’s bustling souq. This venerable archway, erected in 1949, once held court by the waterfront but now finds itself a few kilometres inland. Today, it’s a colossal arch framing a road—flanked by two smaller arches for pedestrians.

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In the labyrinthine heart of the Manama Souq, tucked between three streets, remnants of old Bahrain emerge – houses with a touch of Indian flair, built from timber that sailed in from afar. And just like that, with a single blink, India comes alive. Hindi fills the air, shopkeepers’ smile of ancestral journeys, and the aroma of chai hangs heavy with nostalgia. And to top it off, a serene moment of wonder awaits within the halls of the 200-year-old Shrinathji Temple. Devoted to Lord Shrinathji, a beloved form of Lord Krishna, this architectural gem, with its carvings and frescoes, holds a special place in the hearts of the Thattai Hindu community who built it after leaving Sindh before India’s partition.

In a fascinating juxtaposition, a mere 5 kilometres away from the vibrant souq—a mere 20-minute jaunt—stands Al Fateh Mosque, a behemoth of Islamic architecture that captures the essence of Bahrainian grandeur. Within the mosque’s innards, be charmed by the intricate embellishments and cascading chandeliers, immersing yourself in its tranquil atmosphere. With a capacity to host up to 7,000 faithful, this architectural marvel decorated with Italian marble, Austrian glass, and Indian teak, boasts a 79-foot dome.

Step back in time on your second day at the Bahrain National Museum, hailed as one of the Gulf’s finest. This cultural gem established in 1988 by the late Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa is a veritable time capsule boasting 6000 years of Bahraini history. Spanning around 20,000 sqm, the aesthetics of Bahrain National Museum are just as imposing as its grand foyers drenched in natural light, and striking white travertine marble facade perched on the peninsula. Inside, the tales of Bahrain unfold across various halls – from the Halls of Graves to the ones dedicated to Dilmun, Tylos, and Islam, not to mention traditional trades and crafts, and a trove of manuscripts.

Spend your afternoon at the Pearling Path in Muharraq, Bahrain, where you can take part in thrilling simulated pearl diving experiences. The country is known for its rich history and connection with pearls. Although the industry’s peak has passed, the tradition remains alive. Besides, you can keep any pearls you find as a unique memento of your Bahraini adventure. About 7 km and 14 minutes away from Muharraq is the beautiful Jarada Island. You can visit Jarada Island on a boat trip to explore its beauty. Even here, you can collect oysters while searching for precious pearls in Bahrain’s waters or book a fishing trip. The prices vary from 25 BHD to 250 BHD for a range of exciting activities. Conclude your evening with traditional Bahraini cuisine. Manama’s exciting restaurant scene spans the price spectrum, from street food to fine dining.

On the third day of your exploration, kickstart your morning with a visit to Qal’at al-Bahrain, also known as the Portuguese Fort or Bahrain Fort. Situated on Bahrain island’s northern seashore, this imposing structure, visible even from Saar on a clear day, stands as a sentinel, a mere 6 kilometres from Manama. The fort rests upon the largest mound in the Persian Gulf, strategically positioned near the port and reclaimed shoreline. Since 1954, this archaeological site has witnessed extensive excavations, unearthing antiquities, spanning seven stratified layers of history. Once the epicentre of the Dilmun civilization, Qal’at al-Bahrain earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2005. From 2300 BC to the 18th century, diverse civilizations left their mark on this site. As you explore, traces of past civilizations—Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese, and Persians—offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Bahrain’s storied past.

If you’re interested in seeing camels, a 15-minute drive from Bahrain Fort will take you to the Royal Camel Farm on Janabiyah highway. The farm is owned by the King of Bahrain and houses more than 500 camels, including a large number of baby camels during the right season. You can even take pictures with them! Please note that male camels are chained to prevent them from fighting over the females. They are spaced equally apart so that they cannot bite each other. Female camels, however, are free to roam inside the pens. The farm is open every day from sunrise to sunset and offers free entry and washroom facilities.

Journey deeper into Bahrain’s heritage with a visit to A’ali, just 15 minutes from the Camel Farm. This small town boasts two unique treasures: ancient burial mounds of the Dilmun civilization (dating back to 3200 BC!), and a tradition of handcrafted pottery still practiced today. Among the significant artefacts is an intriguing statuette portraying a nude woman with voluptuous contours, believed to date back to 2000-1500 BC. Explore the town’s 200 houses, where the Baharna people have been spinning clay and cultivating date palms for generations. Traditional handcrafted pottery can be seen and bought from different potters and boutiques in the whole town. A trip to Bahrain wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Bahrain International Circuit, inaugurated in 2004 as the Middle East’s first Formula 1 track. Hosting a plethora of motorsport events, from the adrenaline-fuelled Grand Prix to exhilarating drag racing sessions, it also features an exceptional go-karting track.

Bahrainis take pride in showcasing their country’s beauty to visitors at a moment’s notice. This affable demeanour aligns with Bahrain’s laid-back lifestyle. Here, things move at a leisurely pace, and there’s little need for haste; tasks will be accomplished in due time. For transportation, there are reliable bus services, although hailing a taxi can be a challenge; it’s advisable to arrange one through your hotel. Keep in mind the importance of modest attire, particularly when visiting mosques, and note that the workweek spans from Sunday to Thursday.

With more than a decade of writing experience and a passion for exploring the world, the author is a travel journalist with a knack for captivating storytelling. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.