Muharraq: The Pearling City
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Questions and Answers

What are the primary architectural features that express Islamic ideals in Muharraq's residential designs?

Muharraq's residential architecture features modest exteriors and screens to ensure privacy in domestic life.

How did the farij system contribute to the economy of Muharraq?

The farij system was essential for the viability and religious legitimacy of Muharraq's pearling economy.

In what ways did the architecture in Muharraq reflect regional influences?

Muharraq's architecture combined local styles with influences from India, the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa.

What transformation did Muharraq undergo during the pearling season?

<p>During the pearling season, Muharraq became predominantly a city of women as men left for work on dhows.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Jalahma House in Muharraq's architectural landscape?

<p>Jalahma House is famous for showcasing the influence of women in the architecture of the pearling society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did local women face during the pearling season?

<p>Local women had to manage their finances carefully on cash advances provided by their absent husbands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occupations did some local women take up in response to the absence of men?

<p>Some local women began occupations like bread baking and fishing during the pearling season.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the impact of the pearling industry's decline on Muharraq and its society?

<p>The decline in the pearling industry led to economic challenges and shifts in the social structure of Muharraq.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Muharraq in the pearling economy of the Arabian Gulf?

<p>Muharraq was the Arabian Gulf's pearling capital, home to the largest number of pearl divers and the most significant pearling activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the construction materials used in Muharraq differ from those in smaller pearling centres like Dubai?

<p>Muharraq was primarily built with coral stone, while Dubai had many temporary houses made of palm material (barasti settlements).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decline of Muharraq's prominence as a pearling city?

<p>The decline of the pearling economy and the discovery of oil and gas resources contributed to Muharraq's diminishing role.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What architectural features did Muharraq retain from its pearling era?

<p>Muharraq retained narrow alleyways and a maze-like street pattern characteristic of its pearling heritage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the social organization of Muharraq's neighborhoods.

<p>Neighborhoods, or furjan, in Muharraq were based on tribal and family alliances and centered around mosques or gathering places.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did urban development patterns in Muharraq reflect classic Islamic city designs?

<p>Muharraq featured winding alleyways leading to residential quarters, combined with larger thoroughfares connecting neighborhoods to key areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the discovery of oil and gas resources impact Muharraq and its urban development?

<p>The discovery led to a shift in importance to Manama while allowing Muharraq to retain much of its historical character despite modernization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the market and seashore play in Muharraq's pearling economy?

<p>The market and seashore were crucial for connecting the economic activities of the pearl divers to trade and commerce.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What was Bahrain’s capital during 1810-1923?

Muharraq was the capital of Bahrain during this period.

What material are the Baristi settlements made up of?

The Baristi settlements are made up of coral stone.

Why is Jalahma House famous?

Jalahma House is famous for showcasing the unique architectural influence of women during the pearling era.

What brought about the decline in the Pearling Industry?

The decline in the pearling industry was brought about by the invention of cultured pearls, which led to a significant decrease in demand for natural pearls.

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What occupation did the local women take up?

During the absence of their husbands, local women took up occupations like bread baking and fishing.

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The pear capital of the Arabian region____

The pear capital of the Arabian region during the peak of the pearling industry.

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The neighbourhood region was also known as____

The neighbourhood region was also known as the farij system.

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Doors and frames were imported from ___

Doors and frames were imported from India through trade routes.

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Muharraq's Pearling Heritage

Muharraq was the center of the pearl diving industry in the Arabian Gulf for centuries, with the largest number of divers, pearling vessels, and related businesses.

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Coral Stone Construction

Muharraq's buildings were primarily constructed of coral stone, which helped preserve the city's unique character and provided a lasting testament to the pearling culture.

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Muharraq's Unique Architecture

While many Gulf settlements were built with temporary materials, Muharraq's use of coral stone led to the preservation of its architecture and social structures, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

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Muharraq's Neighborhood Structure

Muharraq's urban development was shaped by tribal and family alliances, forming distinct neighborhoods known as 'furjan', each centered around a mosque and a public space called a 'majlis'.

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Muharraq's Islamic City Layout

The unique urban layout of Muharraq resembles a classic Islamic city, with winding alleyways leading to residential areas and connecting to major thoroughfares, reflecting the importance of the market and the sea in the pearling economy.

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The Shift from Pearling to Oil

The discovery of oil and gas resources in Bahrain led to a decline in the pearling industry, resulting in a shift in focus towards the city of Manama as the new capital.

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Muharraq's Preserved Atmosphere

Despite the rise of Manama, Muharraq has retained much of its original atmosphere due to its historic character and less intense development pressures.

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Muharraq's Street Pattern

Despite modern construction, Muharraq's street pattern remains largely unchanged, preserving the intricate network of narrow alleyways characteristic of the pearling era.

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Study Notes

Muharraq: The Pearling City

  • Muharraq was Bahrain's capital from 1810 to 1923, during the peak of the pearling industry
  • It was the most active and prosperous pearling city in the Arabian Gulf
  • Muharraq was largely built of coral stone, unlike other Gulf cities which were mostly of temporary palm material
  • The decline of the pearling industry coincided with the discovery of oil and gas in Bahrain
  • Muharraq's urban layout consists of narrow, often picturesque alleyways
  • Muharraq was comprised of separate settlements, each with their own tribal and family alliances
  • The neighbourhoods, called "furjan," were important for social organization and economic activities
  • The architecture was influenced by Islamic ideals with privacy prioritized in residential designs
  • The city's design, including alleyways, helped support the pearling economy
  • Muharraq was transformed into a "city of women" during the pearling season when men went out to sea
  • Women took on various roles, including those that would later become more formalized professions (e.g., bread baking, fishing)

Important People and Roles

  • Women played a critical role in Muharraq during pearling season, and their activities and lives changed greatly due to the men leaving for the sea
  • Wealthier women faced relatively unchanged lives thanks to servants, whereas poorer women had to adapt and adjust according to their husband’s instructions

Other Key Facts

  • Jalahma House is a valuable example of the influence women had on the design of the city
  • Muharraq's architecture took local and regional influences (India, the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa)

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History of Muharraq: The Pearling City PDF

Description

Explore the history and significance of Muharraq, Bahrain's capital during the pearling industry's zenith. Learn about its unique architecture, social organization, and how the city transformed during the pearling season. This quiz delves into the rich cultural heritage and urban layout that define Muharraq.

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