Exploring Bahrain's Cultural Delights During Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. During this time, Muslims elevate their spiritual and physical submission to God by fasting from dawn until dusk. In Bahrain, a country known for its deep-rooted heritage, vibrant culture, and modern marvels, the holy month of Ramadan is a special time. From sparkling lights in the streets of Manama to versatile food options, the spirit of Ramadan is felt everywhere. Here is a guide to help you navigate and embrace the magic of this month in Bahrain.

Explore the markets: Bab Al Bahrain and Muharraq souq are decorated with twinkling lights and vendors selling treats and souvenirs

Ramadan is a time to immerse yourself in local Bahraini traditions and gain a deeper understanding of Islamic culture. One way to do this is by exploring the vibrant markets of Bab Al Bahrain and Muharraq souq, which come alive during the holy month.

Bab Al Bahrain

Guarding the entrance of the Manama Suq in the capital, Manama, Bab Al Bahrain is a formidable building with a rich history. Constructed in 1949, it once served as the seat of the government's administrative offices. Today, it houses the tourism sector's offices and a visitor centre, offering insights into the area's history. Bab Al Bahrain has undergone several renovations over the years, with the latest efforts by the Ministry of Culture aiming to preserve it as a cultural landmark. The building now shines with its magnificent architecture, blending modern and indigenous features.

Bab Al Bahrain souq is a bustling marketplace with over 30 shops offering a wide range of goods. You can find Arabic perfumes, Bahraini sweets, local handicrafts, traditional antiques, and even a post office and a travel agency within its main facade and walkway. The marketplace is also known for its delicious food and coffee. Café Naseef, Bahrain's first ice cream shop, opened in 1920, while Café Saffron serves traditional Bahraini cuisine. Bab Al Bahrain also hosts a Saturday Market, where artists showcase their crafts, live music echoes through the alleys, and traditional food vendors add to the lively atmosphere.

Muharraq Souq: Souq Al Qaysariya

Muharraq's oldest market, Souq Al Qaysariya, is another captivating destination during Ramadan. Following extensive restoration and redevelopment, the historic trading hub reopened its doors to the public. The site comprises five buildings, including the charming, historically styled Siyadi Shops, one of which has been occupied by the same tenant for about 70 years. The main Qaysariyah Suq Street is a vibrant shopping destination, with pop-up stores selling local fashions, jewellery, art, handicrafts, and more. The regeneration of the souq aims to create a synergistic nexus point for the kingdom's designers, makers, traders, shoppers, and visitors.

The unique architecture of Souq Al Qaysariya is a draw in itself. Dutch architect Anne Holtrop conceived the soil as a shuttering technique, creating imperfect concrete panels cast directly on the earth at the building site. This technique pays homage to the neighbourhood's centuries-old coral stone and has earned international acclaim. The juxtaposition of towering heights and intimate shop fronts, along with the rich textures of the new souq buildings, blends the futuristic with the timeless.

As you wander through the twinkling lights and vibrant stalls of Bab Al Bahrain and Muharraq souq, you'll not only find treats and souvenirs but also experience the warmth and kinship that embody the spirit of Ramadan in Bahrain.

Visit landmarks: The Grand Mosque, Beit Al Qur'an, and Qal'at al-Bahrain are all worth a visit

If you're visiting Bahrain during Ramadan, there are several landmarks that are worth visiting to get involved with local traditions and broaden your understanding of Islamic culture.

The Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque, also known as the Al-Fateh Mosque, is a popular place for Muslims to gather and perform prayers during Ramadan. Non-Muslims can also visit the mosque to observe these prayers and learn more about the Islamic faith. The mosque is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate designs, featuring a large stained glass dome that covers the grand hall.

Beit Al Quran

Beit Al Quran, located in Hoora, is a multi-purpose complex dedicated to the Islamic arts. Established in 1990, it houses an Islamic museum that is recognised as one of the most renowned in the world. The museum showcases a comprehensive collection of Qur'anic manuscripts and Islamic art from various parts of the Islamic world. It also includes rare artefacts such as a rare manuscript of the Qur'an from 1694 AD and the world's oldest translated copy, dating back to 955 AD. The complex also comprises a mosque, a library with over 50,000 books, an auditorium, a madrasa, and a school for Qur'anic studies.

Qalat al-Bahrain

Qalat al-Bahrain, also known as the Bahrain Fort, is an archaeological site and museum located in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the country's ancient history, with artefacts and structures dating back to the Dilmun civilisation. While it may not be directly related to Ramadan traditions, it provides valuable context on Bahrain's cultural and historical significance.

By visiting these landmarks during Ramadan, you can gain a deeper understanding of Islamic culture, appreciate the architectural beauty of these sites, and learn about Bahrain's historical context. Remember to check the opening times and any special arrangements these places may have during the holy month.

Dress modestly: Ensure shoulders and knees are covered, and refrain from tight or revealing clothing

During Ramadan in Bahrain, it is recommended that both men and women dress modestly and conservatively. This is a way to show respect to those who are fasting, as well as to avoid offending cultural and religious sensibilities.

Modest dress generally means covering the shoulders, necklines, and knees. It is best to refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothing. Instead, opt for loose-fitting garments that are not form-fitting. The key is to ensure that your attire is not attention-grabbing or deemed inappropriate by local standards.

For women, this may include wearing long skirts or dresses that fall below the knee, or loose-fitting trousers paired with a modest top. It is also advisable to wear a headscarf, especially when visiting religious sites. While foreign women are not expected to adhere to the same strict dress code as local women, it is important to be mindful of cultural norms and dress conservatively.

Men should also aim for a conservative look, avoiding clothing that is too tight or revealing. Long trousers and shirts with sleeves are generally considered appropriate.

It is worth noting that these guidelines are not just limited to Ramadan but are generally recommended when visiting Bahrain, as the country has conservative dress norms. However, during the holy month, there may be an increased emphasis on modest attire.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings and the context. When visiting mosques or other religious sites, ensure that you are dressed respectfully. Some mosques may provide robes or abayas for visitors to wear over their clothes if needed.

Be mindful of eating and drinking: Avoid doing so in public during Ramadan, and be respectful of those who are fasting

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking between dawn and dusk. As such, it is respectful to avoid eating and drinking in public during this time. In Bahrain, it is illegal to eat in public during Ramadan fasting hours, and doing so can result in a jail term of up to one year and a fine. If you need to eat or drink during daylight hours, do so indoors and out of sight.

It is also important to be mindful of your Muslim friends and colleagues who are fasting. You can show your respect for their practice by avoiding eating, drinking, chewing gum, or smoking in public, including inside your car, as this is considered a public space in Bahrain.

Additionally, it is considered an insult to a religious ritual to speak out loud during the breaking of the fast. This is also punishable by law, with jail terms of three months to a year and fines of up to 100 dinars.

If you are planning to visit Bahrain during Ramadan, it is important to be aware of these laws and customs and to be respectful of the local people's religious practices.

Get involved: Exchange greetings, try traditional dishes, and attend nightly Iftar and Suhour banquets

Ramadan is a great time to immerse yourself in local Bahraini traditions and broaden your understanding of Islamic culture. Here are some ways you can get involved during this special time:

Exchange greetings

The greeting with which everyone starts the month is 'Ramadan Kareem', which means 'Ramadan is generous'. It is truly a month of generosity. Other common greetings include 'Iftar shahy' ('Have a good iftar'), 'Mubarak aleik al shahr' ('May you get the blessings of the month'), and 'Kil aam wa inta fee kheir' ('May each year pass and you be well').

Try traditional dishes

Food preparation for Ramadan starts more than a week before the holy month, when people crowd markets to buy ingredients and start preparing samosas to freeze for daily use. During Ramadan, people usually prefer to cook and eat authentic dishes from their local cuisine. In Bahrain, people almost always start Iftar with soup and samosas, followed by hearty meals such as Machboos (a versatile rice dish cooked with chicken, beef, lamb, or shrimp) and Saloona (a popular Bahraini stew). The traditional Arabic coffee is also a must-try, often accompanied by dates, desserts, or Bahraini Halwa.

Attend nightly Iftar and Suhour banquets

Many hotels host nightly Iftar and Suhour banquets, which are definitely worth attending. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims break their fast, usually done as a community. Traditionally, a date is the first thing consumed when breaking the fast, followed by dried apricots, Ramadan juices, and then a larger meal. Suhour, on the other hand, is the meal consumed early in the morning before the day of fasting starts and is often a very light meal, including yogurt or laban (a yogurt drink) to curb thirst during fasting hours.

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