Manama, Bahrain

 After a relaxing day at sea we arrived at Manama, the capital city of Bahrain. Bahrain is an island archipelago country, with one main island where Manama is situated, and 30 smaller islands. It is connected to the next largest island of Muharraq by a large modern bridge. 

 Bahrain has been settled since about 2,000 BC. It was valued for its strategic location on trading routes. In more recent times it was conquered by the Portuguese in 1602, and later became a British protectorate from 1830 until it became an independent nation when the British withdrew in 1971.

The World Trade Center building with it's own wind turbines.

Oil was discovered here in 1902, but large production didn't begin until the 1970's. As with the other gulf countries that we have visited, oil revenues have fueled very rapid growth. The city is clean and modern, but has little in the way of cultural or historical character. The main religion is Muslim as in the other Arab countries, but there is freedom of religion for all faiths. Most women are dressed in the traditional black robe and head covering, but many of the men are dressed in western clothing.

The Westin Hotel building. It is the most modern and luxurious in Manama.

Our tour included a visit to the modern Al Fateh Mosque, which can hold up to 7,000 worshippers.

The Al Fateh Mosque. All the women on the tour were required to don the long robe and headscarf to visit inside the mosque. Men wearing shorts also had to put on a long robe.

We also visited the Souk, or market. This one was quite modern, with lots of traditional gold and fabric shops. There was also a number of tailoring shops making heavily gold embroidered traditional garments for women.

Traditional embroidered garments for women and girls in the Souk.

Our last stop was the Royal Camel Farm  This farm is owned by the sheiks' brother and has about 1,000 camels. They are raised as a hobby, although there are sheiks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi who do raise camels for racing. They all appeared to be happy and well fed, and quite content relaxing in the sun or shade.

Camels competing for some juicy greens which are being fed to them.

Camel and his bird buddies.

Mama and baby.

Several of the herd relaxing.