MP Hassan calls on government to rebuild Old Manama Souq to preserve heritage

TDT | Manama 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

In the aftermath of a devastating fire that ravaged the historic Old Manama Souq, Member of Parliament Jameel Mulla Hassan, who sits on the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and National Security Committee, has urged the government to take swift action to rebuild this iconic marketplace.

The fire, which broke out recently, caused extensive damage to many of the commercial shops in the souq, leaving many citizens and expats who depended on it as their sole source of livelihood in a precarious situation.

“The scale of the financial and emotional damage suffered by the shop owners in the Old Manama Souq is enormous,” Mulla Hassan stated. “These losses will significantly impact their income, particularly during the preparations for Eid al-Adha.

The affected families are now left without their primary source of income and sustenance for their children. T

he government must intervene promptly to support and compensate these owners to prevent further distress.”

Act swiftly

MP Hassan highlighted that 25 commercial units were completely destroyed, with dozens of neighboring shops also sustaining partial damage, underscoring the urgency for the government to act swiftly.

Moreover, the parliamentarian called for the reconstruction of the Old Manama Souq to be done in a manner that preserves Bahrain’s authentic national identity, transforming it into a premier tourist destination for Gulf citizens and visitors from around the world.

He emphasized the importance of safeguarding this historic landmark, which holds significant touristic and cultural value in Bahrain’s modern history.

Original identity

“The government must rebuild the Old Manama Souq with Bahrain’s original identity, making it a magnet for Gulf citizens and tourists from all over the world,” Mulla Hassan urged. “This is a crucial step in preserving an important tourism and cultural heritage site in Bahrain’s history.”

The Old Manama Souq, with its rich history and architectural charm, has long been a cherished landmark in the heart of Bahrain’s capital. The call for its swift reconstruction and preservation reflects the desire to maintain the nation’s cultural legacy and provide support to the affected citizens who rely on this iconic marketplace as their livelihood.