Wander through the narrow alleys of Muharraq, the old capital of Bahrain to get a feel of the ancient city and how it would have been to live here. Visit the Beit al Siyadi the Arab-Gulf style 19th Century residence of a well known pearl merchant of the region. View the detailed ornamentation on the façade and the intricately carved wooden frames of the wooden doors and full length windows of this multi storey house, a perfect example of local architecture of the period.
Enter the house to experience the excellence of craftsmanship of the painted ceilings with vibrant geometric designs, gypsum moldings and the vibrant swathes of colour thrown on the floor by the stained glass windows. Catch a glimpse of the bejeweled figure flitting past behind the delicately carved lacelike screens to protect the women folk from the immodest stares of strangers. Climb the steps to the top floor to view the majlis or the community salon, the scene of family gatherings and meetings and an antechamber with remarkable wall and ceiling designs using mirrors to splendid effect. A large iron safe is set into the wall of the ante chamber, no doubt to protect the pearls and is one of the most valuable exports of the country at the time. Visitors can also see the remains of a white painted mosque with a muezzin’s tower in the courtyard of the house. Even though only part of this immense residence remains it offers a glimpse into another era when Bahrain’s wealth was from the pearl trade.
Beit al Sayadi stands adjacent to another statement of old Bahraini architecture the Beit Shiekh Isa which was the centre of government in the late 19th and a part of the 20th century. Bahrain is currently seeking to revive its cultural heritage by restoring traditional Bahraini houses.
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