Part of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Muharraq Island is washed by the warm Persian Gulf waters. Three bridges connect it with the mainland. Such closeness to one of the wealthiest countries in the world makes itself visible in the appearance of the small island, in the architecture of modern cultural centers and grand Arab villas as little remains of the unpretentious oriental kingdom that Bahrain had been before the discovery of the large oil fields. However, even this legacy of the ancient country has been preserved much better than the landmarks of the past of neighboring Qatar and Kuwait. No wonder, because the history of Muharraq counts as many as five thousand years. It even has traces of such an ancient civilization as Mesopotamia.

The ancient Greeks, Byzantines, later the Portuguese, and even the British also contributed to the development of the island. Nowadays, you can still feel this cultural and traditional diversity, even though most of the island is filled with historical and cultural landmarks of the late Islamic period. Old picturesque buildings of the 18th-19th centuries in the traditional Arabic style decorate narrow streets towered by ancient Portuguese forts, led by the legendary medieval Arad Fort. Traditional Arab dhow sailing vessels are still built in the old shipyard, and race camels, indicative of the wealth of an Arab family, are bred on a small private farm of Sheik Mohammed Bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Amidst austere oriental quarters, surrounded by intensely green palm trees, shines the main landmark of the island, the Sheik Isa bin Ali House. This magnificent landmark of Islamic architecture dates back to the 19th century. Throughout its history, it served as the residence of the royal dynasty of Al Khalifa. Not far from this palatial building, you can see the Siyadi House and Mosque, which once belonged to a famous pearl merchant.

But the best thing is to take a short trip along the Bahrain Pearling Path, a fabulous architectural complex of seventeen ancient houses, three oyster colonies, and the antique Qal’at Bu Mahir fortress.

Remember to look into the huge Bahrain National Museum, whose collections cover a period of seven thousand years, and then make sure to visit a traditional Arab bazaar to delight your close ones and friends with off-beat gifts.