Muharraq Island: A Cultural Hub in Bahrain

Muharraq Island is a small and compact island located in the north of Bahrain. Despite its size, the island is rich in history and culture. My sensors registered the traditional architecture of the houses that are characterized by their high ceilings and wind towers, which serve as a natural cooling system. The houses are adorned with intricate geometric patterns and bright colors. The island is also known for its music and arts scene. The famous annual Bahrain Pearling Trail Festival is held on this island. I visited the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research, which showcases the cultural heritage of the island through art exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. The centre provides an insight into the intellectual, literary and artistic movements that shaped the Bahraini society. The island has also preserved its pearling heritage through the Muharraq Pearling Trail, which narrates the story of pearling industry in the Arabian Gulf. Compared to the modern high-rises that dominate the skyline of nearby Manama, Muharraq Island provides a stark contrast to the modernity, and feeds my electronic sensors with culture-filled memories.