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Kurar House: Preserving Bahrain's Golden Threads

Discover the exquisite art of Kurar embroidery at Kurar House in Muharraq, where Bahraini artisans preserve this unique golden thread tradition.

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Kurar House in Muharraq is a cultural center dedicated to preserving the Bahraini art of Kurar embroidery, a technique using shimmering golden threads to embellish traditional garments. Visitors can witness artisans at work and learn about the history and significance of this craft.

A brief summary to Kurar House

  • 7J36+J98, Muharraq, BH

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as Kurar House has specific visiting times, typically in the mornings and afternoons, with a break in between.
  • Consider purchasing a Kurar-embroidered item as a unique and meaningful souvenir, directly supporting the local artisans and their craft.
  • Combine your visit to Kurar House with a tour of other nearby cultural sites in Muharraq, such as the Shaikh Ebrahim Center and the Bin Matar House, for a comprehensive cultural experience.
  • Visit during the morning hours for a quieter experience and a chance to engage more with the guides.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Kurar House is located in the old city center of Muharraq, easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and points of interest. If you are already exploring the Pearling Path or visiting other traditional houses in the area, such as the Bin Matar House or the Shaikh Ebrahim Center, simply follow the signs or use a map to navigate the short distance to Kurar House. The area is characterized by narrow, winding lanes, so be prepared for a pleasant stroll through the historic neighborhood.

  • Public Transport

    For those using public transportation, you can take bus routes that service the Muharraq area. The most common route is bus number 55, which runs frequently from various points in the Northern Region to Muharraq. Once you arrive at the Muharraq bus station, it's about a 15-minute walk to Kurar House. Follow the signs towards the Muharraq Museum, as Kurar House is located nearby. A single bus fare is approximately 0.30 BH.

  • Car

    If you are traveling by car, start by navigating to Muharraq. From Manama, take the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway and continue until you reach the Muharraq area. Look for signs to the Muharraq Museum. Once you are in Muharraq, use a GPS or map app to search for 'Kurar House' to find the exact location. There is generally street parking available around the museum area. Parking is typically free, but availability may be limited depending on the time of day.

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Discover more about Kurar House

Kurar House stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bahraini women and their exquisite artistry. Located in Muharraq, this cultural center preserves and promotes Kurar embroidery, a technique using golden threads to create intricate embellishments on traditional garments. Established in 2007 by the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, Kurar House is both a museum and a working studio. It provides a space for master artisans to pass on their skills, ensuring the survival of this cherished tradition. The art of Kurar embroidery has deep roots in Bahraini history, especially during the pearl diving era when women played a crucial role in supporting their families. Kurar embroidery became a vital source of income and social connection. The creation of Kurar was a communal activity, with women gathering to weave the golden threads together, sharing stories, and nurturing friendships. This collaborative process produced beautiful garments and fostered a strong sense of community. Kurar embroidery involves a team of skilled artisans, with one leading the process (the qataba) and three assistants (dawakheel) working in harmony. The dawakheel weave and intertwine the golden threads (zari), while the qataba secures the resulting strip directly onto the fabric. This meticulous process requires hours of careful work , with a single meter of embroidered strip taking up to three hours of continuous labor. The finished product is then burnished to give it its characteristic shine. Visitors can witness this intricate process firsthand, observing the artisans as they create Kurar-embroidered garments. The house provides a venue for elderly Bahraini ladies to pass on the art to younger generations. You can also purchase authentic, handcrafted souvenirs, such as bracelets and shawls, directly from the artisans , supporting their work and taking home a piece of Bahraini heritage.

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