The gentle rhythm of hands shaping clay, the tap of chisels on wood and the soft pull of thread through fabric are once again resonating in Jasra.
After weeks of subdued footfall following the blatant Iranian aggression against the kingdom, the Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre is regaining its voice with a renewed calendar of workshops and activities aimed at drawing visitors back to one of Bahrain’s most treasured living museums of traditional craft.
The revival is led by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), which has unveiled a curated calendar of interactive sessions throughout May.
The initiative is more than a return to routine – it is an invitation to the public to rediscover crafts that carry the memory of generations while adapting to a modern creative spirit.
Shaikh Mohammed
Baca director-general of heritage Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the centre’s offerings are unlike anything else in the kingdom.
“What we offer here is truly unique,” he added.
“It attracts the local community, visitors from across the GCC and even tourists from abroad because it is a genuine blend of modernity and heritage.
“Our ‘Made in Bahrain’ fusion handicraft products are in demand. People are curious to see how we work – whether it is pottery, embroidery, carpentry or the crafting of traditional ships.”
He admitted that rebuilding momentum would take time after a difficult period for visitor movement.
“To regain composure, things take time. But we moved quickly with local artisans to organise workshops in record time,” he said.
“Bringing in foreign artisans requires extensive arrangements, and that was not possible within the time window we had. So we focused on activating what we already have – our talented local craftsmen.”
Baca has encouraged citizens and residents to take part in the creative workshops, with registration details shared through its official channels and a dedicated contact for enquiries at handicrafts.workshops@culture.gov.bh.
The renewed activity has been warmly welcomed by area councillor Mohammed Al Dossary.
With workshops restarting and interest gradually returning, there is cautious optimism that the sounds of craft – and conversation – will once again fill the space.
Mr Al Dossary said seeing activity return to the Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre was uplifting. “It brings joy to see the place alive again,” he said. “This is exactly what we needed – to remind people what we have here, and why it matters.”
The councillor had earlier raised concerns over the sharp drop in visitors to the once-bustling centre over the last few months, calling for action to save the site and the craftsmen.
“These are not just souvenirs. These are dying professions – pottery, woodcraft, weaving – skills passed down through generations,” he had said.
Mr Al Dossary called for further co-ordination to restore the centre’s place on tourism itineraries, school visit lists and cultural programmes over the year.
“This is one of the loveliest places in Bahrain. We don’t need to reinvent it. We just need to bring people back to it,” he stressed. “For me, this goes beyond tourism. This centre represents Bahrain’s soul.”
Full schedule of May workshops at the Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre and partner venues:
l Jasmonite
19 May 2026
4pm-6pm
Venue: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre
l Chocolate Making
19-20 May 2026
4pm-6.30pm
Venue: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre
l Ceramic Painting
20 May 2026
4pm-6pm
Venue: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre
l Boat Making
16, 23 and 30 May 2026
10am-12.30pm
Venue: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre
l Pottery on the Wheel
16, 23 and 30 May 2026
10am-12.30pm
Venue: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre
l Weaving
16, 23 and 30 May 2026
10am-12.30pm
Venue: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre
l Traditional Chests
16, 23 and 30 May 2026
10am-12.30pm
Venue: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre
l Al Sabagh (Traditional Dyeing)
16, 23 and 30 May 2026
10am-12.30pm
Venue: House of Basket Weaving
l The Young Artisan: The Little Weaver
14 May 2026
4pm-6pm
Venue: Bani Jamra Textile Weaving
l The Young Artisan: Scents from Nature’s Goodness
16 May 2026
10am-12pm
Venue: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre
For registration and enquiries: handicrafts.workshops@culture.gov
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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