Bahrainthismonth.com 24 December 2023 Muharraq has long been known for being a cultural hub in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This month, Farah Baig went on a walking tour through the city with Khalid Al-Mushari, who was recently certified by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Bahrain’s rich culture, heritage and traditions were experienced firsthand. The city of Muharraq has a rich and storied history, having been the epicentre of Bahrain’s bustling pearling industry in the early days. In fact, Muharraq’s spectacular Pearling Path, which encompasses 330,000sqm, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its historic significance in the Kingdom. With Bahrain’s National Day soon approaching, it only felt natural to traverse the Pearling Path and experience it through the eyes of Khalid Al-Mushari, the Bahraini behind Trip Advisor’s #1 Walking Tour in Bahrain. So, with my most comfortable walking shoes on, I eagerly joined Khalid for a long walk discovering the many historical houses, winding streets, stunning architecture and even unique food while Khalid shared his story and several interesting facts about this beautiful Kingdom. DISCOVERING MUHARRAQ With Khalid we discovered several sites and attractions restored and developed by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). He explains that the Pearling Path includes three oyster beds, 17 buildings and the seafront Bu Maher Fortress, each having played a significant role in Bahrain’s pearling trade. While sitting on the rooftop of a unique bookstore in Souq Al Qayssareyah, offering stunning views of Muharraq, Khalid explains: “I chose Muharraq as my focus because I believe it’s the source of all things Bahrain, culturally and economically. It was Bahrain’s first city and capital up to the year 1923, according to most sources, and really has a stellar cultural value. if you want to trace anything in Bahrain to its original state, it will always come back to Muharraq.” As the evening progressed, we discovered the Mohammed bin Faris House for Vocal Music, Nukhidhah House, and even picturesque gardens unique to Muharraq. “Muharraq used to be extremely green and these gardens used to provide an area for pearl divers to meet and get some respite following their return. Muharraq and Bahrain, in general, used to be very green, a fact that is demonstrated by one of Muharraq’s sites which houses several trees that thrive in Bahrain’s climate,” he explains. During the tour we discovered the role of the various aspects of the pearl trade, including the role of the captain, the process of diving and even its trade. That being said, aside from the historical aspect we enjoyed delicious food that have either grown to be favourites about residents, or are steeped in culture. This included Aloo Basheer’s hot samboosas, khubus jibin (cheese bread) hot out the oven, and, of course, cups of qahwa (coffee) and dates. “If I had to mention my top three foods, I’d say mahyawa, which is Bahrain’s fish sauce that locals and expats love; Bahraini tikka, whether beef or chicken; and Dhai Puri, which isn’t Bahraini but quite popular here,” he laughs. “It’s the number one walking tour for a reason,” says Khalid with a smile. “It was important to me to introduce people to the Kingdom’s architecture, music, food, art, customs and heritage. I’d advise anyone visiting or living in Bahrain to walk through Muharraq and discover it with me.” This is National Day
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