Bahrain’s oldest suq is being turned into a state-of-the-art market boulevard with a traditional twist capturing the ambience of its glorious former port trading history.
Work on the modernisation of the Old Muharraq Suq has begun, with new pedestrian walkways and sidewalks to be constructed soon at a cost of BD407,287.
A total of BD597,120 has been allocated for beautification of the suq and expansion of greenery. Relocation of water pipes is estimated to cost BD12,850 while BD20,280 has been set aside for new lighting systems.
The project, which will stretch 620 metres on Shaikh Hamad Avenue, is being carried out by the Works Ministry, in partnership with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
Muharraq Municipal Council acting chairman Saleh Buhazaa, meanwhile, dismissed complaints from traders on social media that the market was currently in a derelict state.
“We are supervising work every day and I don’t think any shop has been closed down, or was forced to shut doors,” said Mr Buhazaa.
“It is normal that business activity would be affected if infrastructure works are underway,” he added.
“This is Bahrain’s oldest suq and it should live up to that reputation. More complaints could dampen the spirit and reduce the pace of progress, and traders or people living in the area should only think about the outcome of the development project.”
Meanwhile, the council’s services and public utilities committee chairman Ahmed Al Meghawi said the new project was vital as the buildings and attractions including the Qaisariah Suq on the Pearling Path, a World Heritage site, fall under its scope.
“The facades of several buildings on the same avenue will also receive a facelift as part of the project,” Mr Al Meghawi added.
“We can always resolve the car parking issue in partnership with concerned government departments in a way that pleases residents and visitors.
“Also, the issue of toilets highlighted in a video, will be addressed later as portable payable ones can be installed. There have never been public toilets in the market for decades and visitors and traders have been using the facilities available in restaurants or cafés nearby.”
It was revealed that Shaikh Abdulla Avenue, an extension of Shaikh Hamad Avenue, will also be developed as part of the modernisation project.
Works Ministry assistant under-secretary for roads Kadhem Abdullatif earlier told councillors that the area would soon have a multi-storey car park. He said options were being explored to help the elderly or people with disabilities.
Bahraini historian Hussain Al Mahdi highlighted that the suq was at least 240 years old.
“Muharraq was Bahrain’s original capital prior to Manama and research shows that it was a main trading port alongside Jeddah, Basra and Aden,” Mr Al Mahdi said.
“Its current status doesn’t reflect the true value or deep richness of the area, despite huge efforts to preserve, protect and promote it,” he added.
“There is much more to the suq as a witness to Bahrain’s modern history rather than just shops. It represents the old port markets and is the country’s oldest suq.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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