al-Manama, or el-Menâme, is more commonly known as Manama. It is thought that Manama and the adjacent city of Muharraq were founded simultaneously in the 1800s. Because Muharraq sat at a defensive location, it got preference over Manama and became Bahrain's capital. In 1923, however, it was decided that Manama would take this role.
Nowadays it is a city of big contrasts. There are neighborhoods that still look like they did in the 1950s, while other parts of the city (especially in the north) are very modern and built on land, reclaimed from the sea. In 1958 Manama was declared a free port and in 1971 it became the capital of independent Bahrain.
Manama forms a twin city with the adjacent Muharraq.
One of the city's major attractions is the National Museum, which is housed in a modern building. The museum's exhibitions cover Bahrain's history from about 5,000 BC to the present, as well as Arabic writing and calligraphy. The excellent exhibits are well marked in both Arabic and English and include explanations about the country's many grave mounds and temples, as well as the Dilmun, Tylos and Islamic periods.
Adjacent to the museum you can see reconstructions of traditional buildings and boats.
Another good museum in Manama is the Beit Al-Qur'an. This museum and research center is dedicated to Islamic calligraphy, which is central to Muslim culture and religion. The museum's highlight is its collection of Korans, some of which date from the 7th century.
Manama's souk, or market, is just south of Government Avenue. It is a bustling place, where people trade all sorts of goods ranging from electronics to traditional clothing. The souk's back streets are a great place to just wander around and watch all the hustle and bustle of the bazaar.
The main entrance to the souk is marked by the Bab Al Bahrain (باب البحرين), or Gateway of Bahrain. It was built in 1949 and it is located on the Customs Square.
The Al-Fatih Mosque in Manama is the largest building in Bahrain. It has room for 7,000 worshippers and can be visited by non-Muslims. As in every mosque you will have to cover your legs and shoulders and you are not allowed to wear shoes.
Another interesting mosque is the Khamis Mosque, which is Bahrain's oldest mosque and thought to have been founded in the 11th century.
The Portuguese Fort was built by the Portuguese Empire during its rule from 1521 to 1602.
There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Manama. Bahrain International Airport is about 10 km (6 miles) from central Manama and there are good bus connections between the two. Manama sits on the Persian Gulf, at the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island.
Manama ©Charles-Adrien Fournier
Manama ©Charles-Adrien Fournier
Portuguese Fort ©Abdelrahman Sarayreh
Manama ©Afsal Shaji
Modern tower in Manama ©Sonny Saguil
Bahrain world trade center ©Afsal Shaji
Bahrain world trade center ©Sonny Saguil
Bahrain world trade center ©Todd Gardner
Manama ©Favour Anyula
Bahrain world trade center ©Charles-Adrien Fournier
Bahrain Bay ©Zain Sadah
Manama ©Abdelrahman Ismail
Four Seasons Hotel ©Afsal Shaji
Manama ©Junaid Omer
Manama ©Junaid Omer
Coastal road
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