“Al- Mouharraq- Architectural Heritage of A Bahraini City”

 

Alraouf, Ali A. “Al- Mouharraq- Architectural Heritage of A Bahraini City”. Full Arabic Translation and Editing. Original text by John Yarwood and English editing by Sohail El-Masri.. Published by Ministry of Information and Culture. Kingdom of Bahrain. 2005. ISBN No: 99901-37-19-6.

The book focuses on the architectural heritage of Muharraq, an important historic town in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is based on Dr. John Yarwood's detailed study of the town, which was carried out during his work in Bahrain from 1983 to 1985. Publishing Dr Yarwood's work is not only a recognition of the authenticity and comprehensiveness of his work that remains till today the most original and complete piece of research about the traditional architecture and urbanism of Muharraq. It is also an acknowledgement of the continuing validity of the issues and lessons discussed even at that time, especially the destructive impacts of rapid urbanisation on the traditional areas in Bahrain and the need for a comprehensive conservation strategy. The book is structured into three main parts: the first part, organised into four chapters, aims to provide background information regarding Urban Structure and House Layouts; Building Elements and Crafts; Building Construction and Materials; and Development of Architectural Styles. The second part, arranged into three chapters, provides a Detailed Analysis of Twelve Buildings; Descriptive Accounts of Selected Features from Thirty Two Buildings; and Analysis of Structure and Buildings in Al Suq. The third part, with one chapter, concludes the book by discussing the Traditional Architecture of Al Muharraq between Past, Present and Future. The book ends with a comprehensive Glossary and a Bibliography. Dedicated to Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Wife of H.M The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and foreword by Sh. Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Asst. Undersecretary for Culture and National Heritage Affairs, this book also boasts of 6 exceptional pages of paintings by famous Bahraini artist Abdul Wahhab Al Kooheji.