Rare artefacts reflecting Bahrain’s social, cultural and sporting history went under the hammer last night, as Hawa Al Manama hosted a heritage auction.
Organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) in partnership with Mazad, the event was held at the Oriental Palace Hotel, Manama.
It attracted collectors, researchers and heritage enthusiasts keen to acquire pieces described as among the rarest in Bahrain and the wider GCC.
BTEA chief executive Sara Buhiji and Mazad chief executive Nezar Habib attended.
The auction featured a carefully curated selection of antique items, historical documents, old household artefacts and rare maps, many of which were displayed publicly for the first time.
Participation required prior online registration and a refundable deposit of BD25, while bidding started at 8pm.
A six-inch ‘Abu Asad’ plate, a beloved staple in Bahraini homes during the mid-1970s, which is now considered as a prized heritage object, fetched the highest price of BD350 at the event.
Among other standout lots was a government-printed map of Isa Town from November 1979, which had an opening bid of BD45, highlighting Bahrain’s urban development during a key period of expansion.
Sporting history was also represented, with bidding starting at BD30 for tickets from the retirement match of Bahraini international footballer Ahmed bin Yousif Salmeen, a former star of the national team and Al Muharraq Club. Organisers said the item documents a memorable chapter in the kingdom’s sporting legacy.
The auction further showcased a collection of Haj souvenirs, including a pilgrim’s travel bag from the 1960s containing more than 15 traditional memorabilia items, offering a glimpse into the rituals and social customs of pilgrims in past decades.
Music and cultural heritage featured prominently, with an original poster from the 2011 farewell concert of the late Bahraini artist Ali Bahar, leader of the band Al Ikhwa, opening at BD10.
A commemorative item symbolising the historic bonds between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia was also offered.
A dedicated section titled ‘Archive of a Bygone Era’ attracted strong interest, featuring rare newspapers and magazines, including Sawt Al Bahrain magazines from 1953 and 1954, and rare editions of the weekly Al Adhwaa newspaper from 1968 and 1970.
Ms Buhiji highlighted the overwhelming turnout from Bahrain and across the Gulf.
“This auction transported us back to the old days, with the venue resembling a traditional auction hall and organisers dressed in vintage attire. The most notable items included stamps, airfare tickets, old photographs of the leadership and vintage telephones. There was even an old tourism map on sale, which we hoped to purchase for BTEA. I discovered many unique pieces here for the first time.”
Bahrain Philatelic Society auctions committee chairman Habib Tarradah said the items had been selected with exceptional care.
“The pieces auctioned are from the rarest of the rare – not only at the Bahrain and GCC level, but in some cases internationally,” Mr Tarradah said.
“These items are connected to Bahrain’s past and form part of people’s identity. Each piece tells a story and preserves a memory from a time that helped shape our society,” he added.
Mr Tarradah noted that preparations were already underway for future editions.
“The search is on for next year’s auction, with the aim of presenting items that continue to reflect the depth and richness of Bahrain’s heritage.”
He said the event forms part of Hawa Al Manama’s broader efforts to promote interest in cultural and documentary heritage, while providing collectors and researchers with access to rare items of high historical and cultural value.
Hawa Al Manama is the second edition of last year’s mega-popular Manama Retro, organised by BTEA.
Running until January 15, events take place from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays, and 5pm to midnight on weekends.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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