ONE of the oldest Bahraini silversmiths in Manama Suq is all set to retire and close his shop after nearly six decades.
Abdulrazaq Al Roomi, 89, fondly known as ‘Baba of the Suq’, has been making jewellery, medallions, miniature Arabian kettles, necklaces and other handmade collections since 1963. His exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail were admired by royals, tourists and residents alike, who bought and collected his prized silverware.
However, the silver-haired smith now wants to call it a day as his health has deteriorated and rapid urban developments have hit the business.
“It’s been a long journey,” he told the GDN.
The exquisite handmade pieces made by Mr Al Roomi
Mr Al Roomi still opens his store every day by 8am and after dusting off a few silver items, sits behind a small wooden counter, ready to receive visitors and customers. Behind him sit framed newspaper articles, photographs and historic images that are close to his heart.
“I was 10 years old when I started learning the craft from my father Barakat Khalid Al Roomi, who was a silversmith,” he said.
Khalid and his family came to Bahrain from Iraq in the 1940s. He saw a lot of success selling silverware to the British in Iraq and hoped to emulate it in Bahrain. The young man set up a shop in Manama suq and true to his expectations, several people including members of the English army flocked to buy silverware.
“All of them wanted rings inscribed with their names, my father’s business picked up really well.”
Mr Al Roomi fondly remembered a chance encounter with Charles Belgrave, who was adviser to the rulers of Bahrain from 1926 until 1957.
“I used to come to the shop as early as 4am every day and prepare tea and breakfast for my father.
“We did not have time to eat at home and there weren’t any breakfast places in the Suq at the time, so I would prepare everything before my father arrived.
“On one such day, in the early 1950s, Mr Belgrave passed by our store. He looked at me as I was the only one in the suq at the time. He asked me what I was doing here early in the morning.
“I started talking to him and soon found myself pouring tea for him and his entourage.”
Later on, Mr Belgrave often visited the shop and bought silverware.
Flashback ... a report published in the GDN highlighting Mr Al Roomi’s story
Life as a silversmith in those days was not easy and Mr Al Roomi was not born with a silverspoon in his mouth.
“We did not have electricity or gas then, so we would use coal to slowly melt the silver, and then craft everything from there,” he recalled. “Silver was imported from different countries.”
In 1963, Mr Al Roomi decided to venture out on his own having mastered the craft. He rented a shop for BD20. Those were days when the suq was bustling with tourists and his goods were much sought after.
As the country witnessed rapid developments in the ensuing decades, several stores in the suq were transformed into building complexes. Many of his friends have long since gone – some either retired or left the market to seek out new projects.
Mr Al Roomi, however, continued with his small shop although its rent was increased to BD120.
In the last few months, he has stopped crafting with his eyes and hands becoming weaker.
“The last time I made something was around six months ago,” he said.
“I cannot craft anymore to be able to afford to pay my expenses.”
There has been a global shift to e-commerce, however, the veteran trader has been reluctant to embrace new technologies. It has affected his business since he still only deals with cash.
“I am now approaching 60 years in this business and never considered changing,” he said.
“If I succeed with it, so be it, however, if it fails me, I sink with it.”
Mr Al Roomi plans to shut down his store in the coming weeks.
Asked about the future of the craft, Mr Al Roomi shrugged.
Youngsters may not pick up the mantle of silversmith, he said, citing their lack of fixation on a single line of work.
However, as for himself, the veteran trader sees the silver lining in his upcoming retirement in the next few weeks, which includes spending time with his family and five children – one son and four daughters.
Those interested may visit his store on Tijjar Avenue between 8am -and 10am. Handcrafted items cost between BD5 and BD20.
hussaina@gdn.com.bh
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