Information About

Manama




Manama ( of Bahrain and is the country's largest city with a population of approximately 155,000, roughly a quarter of country's entire population. Manama is located at .

Manama was mentioned in Islamic chronicles at least as far back as 1345 . It was conquered by the Portuguese in 1521 and then by the Persians in 1602 . It has been held, with brief interruptions, by the ruling Al-Khalifa dynasty since 1783 . Manama was declared a Free Port in 1958 , and in 1971 became the capital of independent Bahrain.

The economic base for Manama is financial services, with over two hundred financial institutions and banks based in the Diplomatic Area. There is also a large retail sector in the shopping malls around Seef, while the centre of Manama is dominated by small workshops and traders. Manama is served by Bahrain International Airport on the nearby island of Al Muharraq , to which it is connected with a causeway. Manama also is home to the American Mission Hospital , founded in 1893 .1

Al Manamah was also one of the twelve Municipalities Of Bahrain , and it is now in the Capital Governorate .


PLACES IN MANAMA


The major places within Manama are:



MANAMA SOUQ


See also: Bab Al Bahrain


Manama Souq is a bustling marketplace with numerous traditional as well as modern shops. The souq (marketplace) is located in the heart of the city, near Bab Al Bahrain . The souq stretches from Bab al Bahrain road on the east side, Al Khalifa Road on the north, Lulu Road on the west and Sh. Abdulla Road on the east. One can see and buy all kinds of spices, fabrics, kaftans, thobes, handicrafts, souveignors, dry fruits, nuts, and any other thing one can imagine.

The Gold souk is also worth visiting and all the gold is hallmarked and pure. One can only find 18K and 21K gold items. 10K and 14K are not usually acceptable as 'gold' jewelry. The Bahraini Pearls are the only natural pearls in the world today and they are one of a kind. They are not cultured but natural.


NOTES AND REFERENCES