Muharraq: The Heartbeat of Bahrain's Heritage

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaeana]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [atharana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urghab fi ru'ya alqaimah, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأرغب في الدفع، من فضلك
  [urghab fi alduf', min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdat!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassal batabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [urghab fi shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatla]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghaly jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid alsu'ru?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonمساء
  [masaa]
• Eveningمساء
  [masaa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayna...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureenii (ala alkhariitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata ya'tii alhafilat altaliat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirat (ila ....)]

Muharraq's history dates back to the ancient Dilmun civilization, which flourished around 3000 BCE. The city was an essential trading hub due to its strategic location in the Persian Gulf, serving as a link between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed numerous artifacts, including pottery, seals, and burial mounds, attesting to the city's historical significance.

In the 7th century CE, the region, including Muharraq, came under Islamic rule following the spread of Islam. The city became an important center for Islamic learning and culture. The Al-Khamis Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Bahrain, stands as a testament to this era, reflecting the architectural and cultural advancements of the early Islamic period.

In the early 16th century, Muharraq, along with the rest of Bahrain, fell under Portuguese control. The Portuguese built several fortifications, including the Qal'at al-Bahrain, to protect their interests in the region. Later, in the 17th century, Persian forces took control, leaving their mark on the city's architecture and culture. The Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House, with its intricate design and traditional Bahraini architecture, offers a glimpse into this period.

In 1783, the Al Khalifa family, originally from the region of Najd in present-day Saudi Arabia, took control of Bahrain, including Muharraq. This marked the beginning of a new era in the city's history. Muharraq became the political and economic center of Bahrain under the Al Khalifa rule. The Arad Fort, a 15th-century Islamic fort, was restored during this period and remains a significant historical landmark.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Muharraq thrived as a major center for the pearling industry. The city's economy was heavily reliant on pearl diving, with many of its inhabitants involved in the trade. The Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, traces the history of pearl diving in Muharraq, featuring several historic buildings and sites associated with this once-lucrative industry.

In the mid-20th century, Bahrain, including Muharraq, underwent significant modernization and development. Despite these changes, efforts have been made to preserve the city's rich cultural heritage. The Bahrain National Museum and the Muharraq Souq offer insights into the city's history and traditional way of life. The Shaikh Ebrahim Center for Culture and Research also plays a vital role in promoting Bahraini culture and arts.

Muharraq is easily accessible via Bahrain International Airport, which is located on the island of Muharraq itself. The airport is well-connected with major cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a rental car to reach your destination within Muharraq. The drive to the city center typically takes around 10-15 minutes.

Muharraq offers various transportation options including taxis, buses, and car rentals. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app. Public buses operated by Bahrain Public Transport Company connect Muharraq to Manama and other parts of Bahrain. For greater flexibility, consider renting a car; several rental agencies have counters at Bahrain International Airport.

The official currency of Bahrain is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in shopping centers and commercial areas. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets.

Muharraq is generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to stay vigilant. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While Muharraq does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's best to stick to well-lit and populated areas.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Bahrain has a well-equipped healthcare system with hospitals and clinics available in Muharraq. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious and local areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, but be aware that physical contact between unrelated men and women is often avoided. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Muharraq like a local, visit the traditional souks where you can buy spices, sweets, and handicrafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pearling Path, which offers insight into Bahrain’s rich pearling history. For a unique experience, take a walk along the coast and enjoy the sea breeze while watching traditional dhows.