Exploring Bahrain: The Kingdom's Largest City Unveiled

With a population of around 147,000 people, Manama is Bahrain's capital and biggest city. It is located in the governorate of Al ‘Āşimah and has a diverse population. Manama has long been a significant trading hub in the Persian Gulf, and its twin city is Muharraq, the third-largest city in Bahrain and former capital until 1921/1923.

Manama is the capital and largest city

Manama's history as the largest city in Bahrain is relatively recent. The city and its twin, Muharraq, were founded together in the 1800s, but Muharraq initially took prominence as the capital due to its defensive location. However, Manama was the mercantile capital and served as the gateway to the main Bahrain Island. In 1921, or 1923 by some accounts, Manama replaced Muharraq as the capital city of Bahrain.

In the 20th century, Bahrain's oil wealth contributed to the rapid growth of Manama. A diversification effort in the 1990s led to expansion in various industries, helping transform the city into a significant financial hub in the Middle East. Manama was designated as the Capital of Arab Culture by the Arab League in 2012 and recognised as a beta global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network in 2018.

As Bahrain's largest city, Manama is home to about 147,074 people, contributing to the country's urban population, which comprises about 40% of the country's total population. With a slow increase expected in the urban population, Manama's status as the largest city in Bahrain is set to continue.

Muharraq is the third-largest city

Muharraq was founded in the 1800s alongside its twin city, Manama, which is now Bahrain's capital and largest city. Muharraq initially served as the capital of independent Bahrain due to its defensive location. However, in 1921 or 1923, Manama replaced Muharraq as the capital. Manama has since become a hub for migrant workers and is known for its diverse population.

Muharraq's history as Bahrain's previous capital is significant. During its time as the nation's capital, Muharraq would have been a key administrative and political centre. The city's defensive location likely influenced its initial selection as the capital. Over time, however, Bahrain's economic and developmental priorities may have shifted, leading to the designation of Manama as the new capital.

The transition of the capital from Muharraq to Manama reflects Bahrain's evolving needs and priorities. Manama's mercantile and economic significance, coupled with its role as a gateway to the main Bahrain Island, likely contributed to its eventual ascendancy as the nation's capital. This shift in administrative focus towards Manama may have been influenced by the country's growing emphasis on trade and economic development.

Muharraq remains an important cultural and historical centre in Bahrain. Its status as the third-largest city underscores its continued relevance within the country. The city's rich heritage, including its religious significance, traditional arts, and music, continues to attract visitors and locals alike. Muharraq's football club, souq, and the man-made Amwaj Islands contribute to its enduring appeal and showcase the city's vibrant cultural offerings.

Riffa is the second-largest city

East Riffa serves as a hub for tourists, boasting several shopping malls and two primary shopping streets. It is also home to the historic Riffa Fort and the Royal Golf Club, a popular spot for golf enthusiasts. Meanwhile, West Riffa is predominantly a residential area, known for being home to high-ranking government officials and members of the royal family. The iconic clock tower of Riffa stands tall in the centre of West Riffa, becoming a recognisable landmark in the city.

The Southern Governorate city of Riffa showcases a blend of cultural and recreational offerings. East Riffa's vibrant shopping scene and historical fort contrast with the more residential and politically significant West Riffa. This duality contributes to Riffa's overall appeal as the second-largest city in Bahrain.

With a population of approximately 111,000, Riffa is a significant urban centre in Bahrain, second only to the capital, Manama. The city's division into East and West Riffa provides a balanced mix of tourist attractions, residential areas, and cultural experiences, making it an important destination in Bahrain.

Hamad Town is located centrally

Hamad Town was established in 1984 by the government to provide affordable housing for those who could not afford to live in other expensive parts of the country. The city is named after Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah, the current king of Bahrain.

The city is known for its diversity, with a mixed Shia-Sunni population. It has a long history of welcoming refugees and needy people, who have found shelter in the council houses of Hamad Town. This makes it a true epitome of multiculturalism.

Located in the central part of Bahrain, Hamad Town is easily accessible from other parts of the country. It is well-connected to the surrounding areas, making it a convenient residence for those who may work or travel to other regions of Bahrain.

Hamad Town's central location also makes it a hub for cultural exchange and social interaction. Its diverse population fosters an environment of inclusivity and community, where people from different backgrounds can come together and share their traditions and customs. The town's centrality likely contributes to its vibrant and dynamic nature, making it a significant cultural centre in Bahrain.

A'ali is famous for ancient burial mounds

Manama is the largest city in Bahrain, with a population of about 147,000 people. It is also the country's capital and an important regional port city in the Persian Gulf.

Aali is one of the biggest cities in Bahrain, known for its ancient burial mounds and traditional handcrafted pottery. The city is home to several upper and middle-class families and has grown rapidly since its founding in the late 1970s.

Aali is famous for its ancient burial mounds, which are a defining feature of the city centre. These burial mounds, known as the Dilmun Burial Mounds, date back to the Dilmun and the Umm al-Nar culture. Bahrain has long been known for its abundance of burial sites, with square kilometres of mounds that formed one of the largest cemeteries in the ancient world.

The Dilmun Burial Mounds were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. They consist of necropolis areas concentrated in the north of the island, on stony terrain above the arable farming soils. Studies suggest that the estimated 350,000 ancient grave mounds could have been the result of local population burials over thousands of years.

Each mound varies in size, with the majority measuring 15 by 30 feet in diameter and 3 to 6 feet in height. The mounds contain central stone chambers, usually rectangular with alcoves at one end. The deceased were laid with their heads towards the alcoves, on their right sides. While the chambers contained few items, some included pottery, shell or stone stamp seals, baskets sealed with asphalt, ivory objects, stone jars, and copper weapons.

The burial mounds of Aali provide valuable insights into ancient burial practices and the societies that created them. They stand as a testament to the rich historical and archaeological significance of Bahrain.

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