Sights in Manama
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Al-Fatih Mosque
A visitor wanting to learn more about Islam could not do better than to visit this grand mosque, with its unpatronising, informative guides. Built on reclaimed land in 1984, Al-Fatih Mosque is the largest building in the country and is capable of holding up to 7000 worshippers. The mosque was built with marble from Italy, glass from Austria and teak wood from India, carved by local Bahraini craftspeople, and has some fine examples of interior design.
The dedicated guides lead visitors through the mosque, explaining aspects of religious etiquette while pointing out special features of mosque architecture. Visitors begin their guided tour at the small library immediately to…
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B
Beit al-Quran
With its wrapping of carved Kufic script, the distinctive Beit al-Quran is a fine example of modern Bahraini architecture. It was opened in 1990 as a museum and research centre, and houses a large and striking collection of Qurans, manuscripts and woodcarvings. It functions as a good introduction to Islam in general, and Islamic calligraphy in particular. Look out for the miniature Qurans, the smallest of which (from 18th-century Persia) measures only 4.7cm by 3.2cm.
The exhibits are well labelled in English and can be superficially perused within an hour. The bookshop in the foyer sells crafts. Visitors should dress conservatively. The building is next to the Bahrain Red…
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C
Bab al-Bahrain
Built by the British in 1945, Bab al-Bahrain, the 'Gateway to Bahrain' was originally designed by Sir Charles Belgrave. It was redesigned in 1986 to give it more of an 'Islamic' flavour. The small square in front of the bab (gate) was once the terminus of the customs pier (which provides some idea of the extent of land reclamation in the area). The building now houses the Tourist Department and a souvenir shop.
Despite having been moved back from the water's edge, the gateway is still aptly named, as goods of various description, people of all nationalities, street vendors, shoppers and workers pass under its arches in a constant pageant of activity in this, the heart of…
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D
Museum of Pearl Diving
Originally built in 1937 to house the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs, this museum still bears the emblem of weighing scales above the great wooden entrance doors (not the Government Ave entrance). The rooms, which can be seen within an hour, contain displays of Bahrain's pearl-diving and seafaring heritage, exhibits of antique weapons, traditional games, medicine, costumes and musical instruments, as well as the various uses of the date palm.
Upstairs, the collection of photographs of state occasions and of numerous Arab and foreign dignitaries from Bahrain throughout the 20th century is interesting. Photography is prohibited.
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E
Kids Kingdom
An amusement park called Kids Kingdom has a few rides if nearby construction work isn't off-putting, and you'll find plenty of information about what's on for children in the media; in particular, the 'Teens & Kids' section in the magazine Bahrain this Month has heaps of information on fun activities including lessons in hip hop and salsa.
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F
Friday Mosque
Built in 1938, this mosque is easily identifiable by its colourful, mosaic minaret, the mosque's most interesting architectural feature. The mosque is reflected in the glass windows of the neighbouring Batelco Commercial Centre, providing a suggestive reflection of old and new Manama. The mosque is not open to tourists.
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G
Bahrain National Museum
Deserving its reputation as the most popular tourist attraction in Bahrain, the Bahrain National Museum is the best place to start for an intriguing, well-labelled introduction to the sights of the country. It's housed in a fine, post-modern building with landscaping that brings the waterfront location up to the windows.
The museum showcases archaeological finds from ancient Dilmun and includes beautiful agate and carnelian beads and earthenware burial jars - used for the body as well as its chattels. It also outlines the history of pearl fishing with a delightful diorama of a dhow, complete with divers and pullers, sharks and angel fish. There is also a section with…
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