Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the primary architectural features that express Islamic ideals in Muharraq's residential designs?
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?
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?
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?
What transformation did Muharraq undergo during the pearling season?
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What was the significance of Jalahma House in Muharraq's architectural landscape?
What was the significance of Jalahma House in Muharraq's architectural landscape?
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What challenges did local women face during the pearling season?
What challenges did local women face during the pearling season?
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What occupations did some local women take up in response to the absence of men?
What occupations did some local women take up in response to the absence of men?
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Describe the impact of the pearling industry's decline on Muharraq and its society?
Describe the impact of the pearling industry's decline on Muharraq and its society?
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What was the significance of Muharraq in the pearling economy of the Arabian Gulf?
What was the significance of Muharraq in the pearling economy of the Arabian Gulf?
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How did the construction materials used in Muharraq differ from those in smaller pearling centres like Dubai?
How did the construction materials used in Muharraq differ from those in smaller pearling centres like Dubai?
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What led to the decline of Muharraq's prominence as a pearling city?
What led to the decline of Muharraq's prominence as a pearling city?
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What architectural features did Muharraq retain from its pearling era?
What architectural features did Muharraq retain from its pearling era?
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Describe the social organization of Muharraq's neighborhoods.
Describe the social organization of Muharraq's neighborhoods.
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In what ways did urban development patterns in Muharraq reflect classic Islamic city designs?
In what ways did urban development patterns in Muharraq reflect classic Islamic city designs?
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How did the discovery of oil and gas resources impact Muharraq and its urban development?
How did the discovery of oil and gas resources impact Muharraq and its urban development?
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What role did the market and seashore play in Muharraq's pearling economy?
What role did the market and seashore play in Muharraq's pearling economy?
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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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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.