Manama history

The history of Manama is rooted in deep antiquity, although the first written mentions of the city appear in Islamic chronicles only in 1345. Archaeological finds, particularly at the Qal'at al-Bahrain site, testify that developed settlements existed in this territory as early as the 3rd millennium BC, during the era of the enigmatic Dilmun civilization, which was a vital trading hub between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

Key Stages of Development

Thanks to its strategic location in the Arabian Gulf, Manama has been a crucial crossroads of maritime trade routes for centuries. This attracted the attention of powerful nations:

• Portuguese Influence: In 1521, the city was seized by the Portuguese, who sought to control trade routes in the region.
• Persian Rule: In 1602, the Persians recaptured the city, and it became part of the Safavid Empire.
• Al Khalifa Dynasty: In 1783, power passed to the Al Khalifa dynasty, which rules to this day and laid the foundations of the modern state of Bahrain.

Economic and Cultural Features

Initially, the city's economy was inextricably linked to the sea. For centuries, the main source of prosperity for Manama and the entire region was the pearling industry. The harvesting of pearls, renowned worldwide for their quality, attracted merchants and provided employment for a significant portion of the population. Additionally, the city was known as a centre of Islamic scholarship and trade, dealing in dates, spices, and handicrafts. This rich history has shaped the unique character of Manama, where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with modernity.

Key Milestones in Manama's History

• c. 3000 BC — The territory of modern Bahrain becomes the centre of the flourishing Dilmun civilization, a vital trade hub of the ancient world.
• 1345 — Manama is mentioned in Islamic chronicles for the first time, marking the first written record of the city.
• 1521 — The Portuguese capture the city, aiming to control trade routes in the Arabian Gulf.
• 1602 — Persian Shah Abbas I retakes Manama from the Portuguese, and the city comes under Persian control.
• 1783 — The Bani Utbah tribe, led by the Al Khalifa dynasty, conquers Bahrain, marking the beginning of the rule of the family that governs the country to this day.
• 1861 — The first of a series of treaties with Great Britain is signed, effectively establishing a British protectorate over Bahrain.
• 1932 — Oil is discovered in Bahrain, fundamentally changing the island's economy, which was previously based on pearl diving.
• 1946 — The residency of the head of the British administration in the Gulf region is moved to Manama.
• 1958 — Manama is declared a free port, strengthening its status as a major trading centre.
• 1971 — Bahrain declares independence from Great Britain, and Manama officially becomes the capital of the new sovereign state.
• 1986 — The King Fahd Causeway opens, connecting Bahrain with Saudi Arabia and boosting economic and tourism development.
• 2002 — Bahrain transitions from an emirate to a kingdom, and Manama becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• 2008 — The Bahrain World Trade Center opens, becoming an architectural symbol of modern Manama.

Stages of Manama's Transformation

Manama's development from a traditional pearling centre to a modern metropolis has been rapid and multifaceted. Key transformations have affected the economy, urban environment, and cultural life, turning the capital into one of the most important hubs in the Arabian Gulf.

• The Oil Era (from the 1930s): The discovery of oil in 1932 was a turning point that radically changed the economy. Revenues from the export of "black gold" allowed for the foundation of modern infrastructure: roads, schools, hospitals, and a port were built, providing a powerful impulse for urbanization.
• Free Port Status (1958): Declaring Manama a free port strengthened its position as a key trade and logistics hub in the region. This move attracted international companies and fostered commercial activity long before similar initiatives by neighbours.
• Capital of an Independent State (1971): Upon gaining the status of capital of independent Bahrain, Manama became the centre of the country's political and administrative life. This led to massive state construction of government buildings and diplomatic missions.
• Construction of the King Fahd Causeway (1986): The construction of the 25-kilometre bridge connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia became a crucial infrastructure project. It stimulated trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, integrating Manama into the economy of the wider Gulf region.
• Financial Boom (1980s – 2000s): Striving to diversify the economy, Manama successfully developed as an international financial centre, particularly in the sphere of Islamic banking. The construction of complexes such as the Bahrain Financial Harbour became a symbol of this economic shift.
• Architectural Transformation (from the 2000s): Manama's urban landscape changed beyond recognition thanks to the appearance of futuristic skyscrapers. Projects such as the Bahrain World Trade Center with integrated wind turbines became the hallmark of the modern city and its innovative approach to architecture.
• Development of Cultural and Tourism Potential (from the 2000s): The city actively invests in cultural venues, such as the Bahrain National Museum and the National Theatre. Hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the international circuit and developing tourism infrastructure have turned Manama into a popular destination for international tourism.

The architectural appearance of Manama presents a striking contrast between traditional Arab masonry and ultra-modern architecture, reflecting the city's rapid journey from a pearl diving centre to a thriving financial metropolis. This layering of eras makes a walk through Bahrain's capital a true journey through time.

Traditional and Colonial Architecture

The historical heart of the city, especially in the Bab Al Bahrain souq area, has preserved features of traditional Arab development. It is characterized by narrow winding streets, coral stone houses with courtyards, and the famous "wind towers" (barjeel) — an ingenious engineering solution for natural cooling of interiors. In the old quarters, one can also see traditional wooden lattices on windows — mashrabiya. In the first half of the 20th century, during the period of British influence, buildings in the colonial style began to appear. The "Gateway of Bahrain" itself (Bab Al Bahrain), built in 1949 by British advisor Charles Belgrave, is a vivid example of the fusion of local and Western architectural ideas of that time. Originally, it stood on the seashore, but due to massive land reclamation projects, the coastline has moved several kilometres away.

The Era of Modernism and Futurism

With the discovery of oil in the mid-20th century, a construction boom began that completely changed the urban landscape. Modern glass and concrete buildings in the international style began to appear in Manama, and the city started to grow upwards. A true symbol of the architectural transformation of the 21st century was the construction of futuristic skyscrapers that defined the modern look of the capital.

Key iconic buildings of this era include:

• Bahrain World Trade Center: two 240-metre sail-shaped towers connected by three bridges with huge wind turbines. This project, completed in 2008, became the first skyscraper in the world with wind generators integrated into the structure, providing up to 15% of the building's energy consumption.
• Bahrain Financial Harbour: a complex of high-rise buildings, including two twin towers 260 metres high, which became the centre of the country's business life and one of the tallest structures in Bahrain.

These ambitious projects, along with large-scale land reclamation to create new districts such as Bahrain Bay, demonstrate Manama's drive for innovation and form its unique silhouette against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf.

Prominent Figures Associated with Manama

The history and culture of Manama and all of Bahrain have been shaped by many outstanding figures — from reformist monarchs to pioneers in the arts. These people left a deep imprint on the development of the city and the country.

• Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa (1848–1932) — The ruler (Hakim) of Bahrain, whose reign was one of the longest in the region's history (63 years). During his era, relations were established with Great Britain, laying the foundations of modern statehood, and the first steps towards modernizing the country began, although he remained a staunch supporter of traditional values.
• Sir Charles Belgrave (1894–1969) — British advisor to the rulers of Bahrain from 1926 to 1957. He played a key role in the administrative and economic formation of modern Bahrain. Under his guidance, the education system, courts, and police were established, and important urban facilities were designed, including the famous Bab Al Bahrain gate in Manama.
• Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1933–1999) — The first Emir of Bahrain after gaining independence in 1971. His reign was marked by economic prosperity thanks to oil revenues and the transformation of Manama into a major financial centre of the Arabian Gulf. He laid the foundation for turning Bahrain into a stable and prosperous state.
• King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (born 1950) — The current King of Bahrain. He ascended the throne in 1999 as Emir, and in 2002 proclaimed Bahrain a kingdom. His reign is noted for significant political reforms, including the introduction of a constitutional monarchy and granting voting rights to women.
• Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa — One of the most influential figures in the cultural life of the Arab world. As President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, she played a key role in preserving the country's historical heritage and inscribing sites such as the Dilmun Burial Mounds on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• Ali Bahar (1960–2011) — A legendary Bahraini singer, musician, and founder of the band Al Ekhwa ("The Brothers"). He was called the "Bob Marley of the Gulf" for his unique blend of reggae with Arabic music. He was an idol for an entire generation and left a huge musical legacy popular throughout the Arab world.
• Rashid Al-Oraifi (1940s – 2017) — One of the founders of modern art in Bahrain. As a painter and sculptor, he actively drew inspiration from the country's ancient history, especially the Dilmun civilization. His works made a huge contribution to shaping national identity in art.