Isa Town, the Gulf’s oldest ‘modern-style’ residential city, could be the subject of a preservation initiative under a new parliamentary proposal.
Five MPs led by Ahmed Al Amer, whose constituency covers northern Isa Town, are seeking to keep the earliest-built homes untouched and preserved as attractions such as restaurants and cafés.
The proposal aims to ensure that the properties, which are described as ‘a witness to history’, don’t get bulldozed to pave the way for new developments.
Earlier in the year, the Cabinet approved a parliamentary proposal to protect one of the homes from the original batch of houses that were distributed to families in 1968.
The home will be turned into a national monument and tourist attraction, by furnishing it to reflect the bygone era, and showcasing items, currencies and equipment from that period.
It will also host cultural activities and programmes to highlight the town which was famous for several renaissance movements, decades ago.
“Isa Town is the first housing town in the Gulf, and people from all across the country, rich and poor, were given homes there,” said Mr Al Amer.
“It is good that we will have a home as a witness to history preserved, but there are many more examples than just one home,” he explained.
“The concept of a modern neighbourhood, the blended community and dissolution of classes, needs to be showcased through a bigger project that sees old homes, even those currently in a derelict state, being turned into something that is alive today, like cafés and restaurants.
“The best way to protect history is through living in it and it is a shame that 52 years of construction and architecture could be destroyed to pave way for new buildings or homes.”
Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi said he was a vivid campaigner to preserve the kingdom’s national history for future generations, but found the proposal to be difficult.
“It is not like a famous open square, this is the first housing town, which means there are not enough car parks and any restaurant or café created could be creating noise for neighbours and put pressure on infrastructure networks,” he feared.
“The proposal’s concept is excellent, I like it. It resembles a similar project in Kuwait and Oman, but in Bahrain we are speaking about limited spaces and those homes are in a derelict state, already being abandoned or rented out to expats.
“What makes Isa Town special is not there anymore, things are special when they have memories or families living there, but after years and as children grow and leave, the attachment or tie is cut.”
Mr Al Tamimi acknowledged that the council backs the concept should a proper study be carried out indicating how best to tackle the likely issues raised, but he stressed that the ‘home museum’ was enough for now.
“Historic cities worldwide have that ‘old buildings and homes’ appeal, which is the case with only Adliya here in my opinion, while the rest is a replica of long gone history,” he added.
The Southern Municipality bulldozed six homes in Isa Town and East Riffa last week following repeated warnings to their owners, who had left them abandoned.
Municipality inspections and monitoring head Mariam Siddiqi said the properties were dangerous, could collapse at any time and were infested by rodents.
A gala ceremony to mark the golden jubilee of Isa Town was held in November last year.
The Housing Ministry told MPs in writing that a 2017 survey of homes handed over more than 50 years ago showed that only one remained unchanged in architecture and design.
“Our engineers found one home that has remained untouched since the handover, but it is in such a bad condition with several cracks and disintegration of construction components,” said the ministry.
“However, using professional technologies it can be restored to its original status.”
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities said preserving Isa Town as a witness to the Gulf’s history was a significant step.
“We recommend that it should be just one home – as a model for future generations to come,” it said. “The proposal has our full backing and should the home be handed over to us then we will start to work on it accordingly.”
Isa Town is divided between the Capital and Southern Governorates.
The Capital Trustees Board has also backed the proposal in writing, while detailing that it should include a photography museum, library, souvenir shop and café, and a lecture hall.
The Southern Municipal Council has also backed the move, urging that work start on it immediately.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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