Bahrain's Al Qaysariya souq regains lost glory

Back in the 19th century, it was the centre of the world’s pearling industry, which connected several trade routes and excelled in several trades, including pearl diving and building pearling ships.

The market now includes five historical buildings within the Pearling Path.

Among them are the Siyadi shops and stores, a series of shops and storehouses built in the 1860s and three Amarat Fakhro buildings.

The buildings have been in continuous use by the Siyadhi family ever since and complete the narrative of the grand pearl merchants, who not only sold gemstones but also goods like dates, rice, sugar, tea and coffee. Designed by Anne Holtrop studio, which has offices in Amsterdam and Muharraq, the newly restored Qaysariyah market now includes several shops selling modern goods. The buildings, according to Anne Holtrop, were reconstructed using old construction techniques and materials. “The new stores of the souq are made out of concrete elements cast with unconstrained sand borders on the site.

Each cast results in a unique element, taking over the historical characteristics of the site,” a report by the national news quoted Anne Holtrop as saying. The studio also said the ultimate intention of the project is to “revive the souq as a buzzing place with local shops and cafes.”

Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities said the restored shops now sell fashion items and jewellery and has cafes and other stores selling branded items.

 Kaya, Hala Kexo, Amal Al Majid Jewellery, Basics by Nature, Tiny Ohm, Yalla Habibi, V. Designs, Mehri Boyle, Omni Skincare, Qtyas, Ice Cream, Cup Cream, Masa, IKS, Islanders, Ayesha, Trinitay, Zilona, Aydi Relief, Cala Design with Pretty Rana are the brands available.

Near to these shops are three amarats belonging to the Fakhro family, well known for the boat and timber trade.

The BACA began the restoration of the market in 2010 by ditching plans by the local municipality to demolish the old stalls and erect a modern mall in its place.

“Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy” is the second World Heritage Site of Bahrain listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

The site extends for more than three kilometres inside the historic city of Muharraq.

 The path consists of 15 property components, including three vast oyster beds in the northern territorial waters, a seashore at the southern tip of Muharraq, and nine clusters of historic buildings consisting of seventeen architectural structures in the urban fabric of Muharraq city