Muharraq Island Where Modern Advancement Meets Ancient Roots

The draws of the Bahrain archipelago consist of geological

, historical and naval interest. The oil-rich, technologically advanced Emirate comprises 33 islands, the largest of which is Bahrain Island, closely followed by Hawar and Muharraq Island. Despite the very Islamic culture that pervades almost every aspect of this Arab country, it is difficult to drag one's eye away from the leaping spires of the Bahrain World Trade Centre, the causeways and land reclamation feats of engineering which appear to keep the sea firmly in its place. These trappings of modern urban expansion and extravagant lifestyle distract from the fact that the islands are also endowed with a rich history whose civilization has been fertilized by a multitude of ancient Judeo-Christian cultures.

The island of Muharraq is one which showcases this contrast in the best light. International travelers know this island, which is linked to north-east Manama by a causeway, as being the primary air hub of Bahrain Air and Gulf Air. And indeed, the island as much comprises runways, terminals and airfields (run by the U.S Navy) as it does an upmarket residential area. The name of the island derives from its city, which used to be the capital of Bahrain up until 1923 and is still the country's second-largest metropolis.

This island boasts a rich and varied history of settlers harking back to the civilization of Dilmun, that famous trading nexus between the Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilizations five thousand years ago. For a time, records show that Muharraq had been dominated by the Seleucid Greeks who established a cult centered around the shark god Awal on the island. During the fifth century A.D, the city again emerged to prominence as a refuge for Nestorian Christians fleeing persecution by the Byzantine Empire. The Christian influences of these refugees are still seen in the names of still-existing Muharraq villages such as Al Dair and Qalali, which refer to a monastery and monk's cloisters. The Muharraq Town was first established by a tribal community in the 17th century and is today famous for the traditional architecture of many of its residential buildings. Muharraq is also known for drawing the varied arts and traditional musicians of the nation into its orbit, such as the famous Ali Bahar, as well as it traditional souq or market. Somewhat incongruent with these tributes to its history and culture is the situation of Bahrain's most successful football club on the island, as well as the man-made luxury island of Amwaj, studded with the most exclusive hotels and complexes, which has been built near Muharraq.

Other than the historic religiosity and modern marvels of Muharraq Island, there is more than meets the eye to the Bahrain Kingdom, which can be explored by travelers on extended stays to the country. Business executives on long trips with their families can find ideal Bahrain accommodation at the Somerset Al Fateh in the residential area of Juffair which is one of the most well-reputed luxury serviced apartments Bahrain has to offer, being centrally placed between the central business district, Diplomatic Area and the Bahrain Financial Harbour.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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