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Journal Of Contemporary Urban Affairs
2019, Volume 3, Number 2, pages 35– 46
A R T I C L E I N F O: ABSTRACT
Article history: For a long time, Social life in Bahrain was unique and positive. Public
Received 16 January 2018 Participation and social cooperative with no reference of segregation or
Accepted 16 February 2018 discrimination for long time. Regularly residences were gathering together to
Available online 26 September
2018
discuss the daily life, solving problems, discussing their economic and social issues
with spirit of respecting human rights and civilization. In Bahrain, there were many
Keywords: elements, which were positively in city quality of life. For example, “Al-Farej”
Urbanization; which is common name for space in old time in Bahrain, played the role of two main
Social planning; issues.
Sustainability; The research problem is that, unfortunately, most of the old part of Manama city,
Quality of life. Capital of Bahrain, area suffer from losing the identity by modernization in many
forms by urban developing. Consequently, day by day, the social life became
different and lost most of noble characteristics of traditional habitual Social life.
Bahraini heritage alive in the old area of Manama City, the area needs a node and
a reference point for the community to gather in a better-built environment.
Therefore, there is essential need for proposing solution to revive the brilliant of
social life in Kingdom of Bahrain in term of gathering people for cultural events
with economic return to keep the rich history and importance of the area and
This work is licensed under a enhance the environment of the center of Manama.
Creative Commons Attribution
- NonCommercial - NoDerivs 4.0. The aim of the research is to propose solution to solve the missing of social life in
"CC-BY-NC-ND" old part of Bahrain by giving guidelines in representing “Al-Farej” in modern way
matching with the modernization of life in Manama.
www.ijcua.com
Copyright © 2018 Journal Of Contemporary Urban Affairs. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction the encountered challenges, stipulating their
The discreteness and positive credence of the individualistic socioeconomic codes owing to
social life in Bahrain had stood the test of time their inherited civilization. The difference lied in
by virtue of public participation and social their cradle of eminence, for their variant yet
cooperation void of ethnical or racial solidary composition nourished their life quality.
discrimination. Since the birth of their
*Corresponding Author:
community, the residents took to non- Department Of Architecture and interior design, College of
stereotypical assembling to settle upon their Engineering, University of Bahrain, Bahrain.
daily routine regulations, the daily life, sort out Email Address: eelghonaimy@uob.edu.bh
JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY URBAN AFFAIRS, 3(2), 35-46 / 2019
For example, “Al-Farej” played the role of two 1.3. Research Goals
aspects of premier importance; firstly the city Searching about a node “reference point” for
acted as a prominent cultural center, which is the community which should be a building with
an organization, building or complex that social, culture, historical, economic,
promotes culture and arts in Manama. It was urban,…etc values. Moreover, introduce
common within Manama neighborhoods, to guidelines to enhance social residence life in
supply the community with arts and other the study area.
related faculties. While the second was
community gatherings centers, where the 1.4. Research Achievement
community members get in touch to perform “Al-Farej” at the heart of Manama gathers
some group activities, grant social support, people for cultural events for financial profits is
gain public information, and secure other the key to enhance and revive the cultural and
purposes. They may sometimes be open for the social of the center of Manama.
whole community or for a specialized group
within the greater community. Commonly “Al- 1.5. Pilot study
Farej” had been organized by residencies Studying the history of Manama in general
within private, government-sponsored bodies, while concentrating on Al Fadhel District (block
or activist-run. From the researchers’ 305), while Manama is the minor context, this
perspective, “Al-Farej” was the node of the research will review and analyze the urban,
ancient part of Manama city. social, economic, architectural developments
throughout its timeline past to present
1.1. Research Importance chronological sequence.
The research casts the light on the social and
historical roots of Manama in general and Farej 1.6. Research Methodology
Al-Fadhel in specific for they once had the i. Theoretical Phase: Data collection
upper hand; thanks to their wealth and worth. about old district from different
Lamentably, these have been no more but resources about Manama throughout
decayed ruins after the negligence of the old assembling old photos. Interviewing
social pattern and the traditional vernacular residence even elderly or recently
architecture of the deceased Bahraini style. In residents in Al-Fadhel district or its
brief, the research comes up with a solution novice immigrants for information
that will revive the Genius loci of the area by retrieval from Al-Farej residents.
an architectural product, serving as a cultural ii. Analytical Phase: gathered data and
community center at the heart of Manama, to generating a timeline comprising the
revive the former domineering center of social most important information
and cultural values of the Bahraini iii. Findings: After analyzing all data that
communities. were collected, design guidelines will
be generated.
Manama (Al Manamah), the capital, is located tackle the prime constituent of the country
on the northeastern tip of the island of Bahrain. which is identity. The identity is acknowledged
Moreover, Manama has the most commercial to be manifested in the urban pattern,
and cultural centers. Manama's expansion architecture and social and economic
since 1960, when its population was only 62,000 activates in a named community. The following
and estimated the population of 152,000 in points will explore the significant changed
1992. Most of the residences were in entire locations.
villages, fields, and palm and fruit groves
located to the east, north, and south being 3.1. Identity of Vernacular Architecture in
incorporated as part of the urban sprawl. Bahrain
Recently, it also spread to the west through the The term identity, from the Latin word meaning
reclamation of hundreds of hectares from the (sameness), has become problematically
sea. (Pike, 2011). See figure 1&2 in Appendix defined throughout the history to mean
‘A’. differences as well as similarities, within
traditional Western/Euro-centric approaches to
2.2. Manama in the Decay Aftermath Era the study of cultural identity; many people
Historically Manama started developing as a have been excluded as (others).
gateway to the central Bahrain Island. The old “The issue of architectural identity has been a
Manama Port, the place on which the present global concern for many nations, especially in
Bab-Al-Bahrain building was erected during the last century”(Al-Bahar, 1985, p.98).
1940, was the starting point for the growth of Contemporary architecture in some Arab
Manama and expanded eastwards towards countries lost the traditional values, which
Ras Ruman and westwards towards Naeem encouraged the researcher to investigate
along the coast. Gradually it also extended these values and try to revive them in the
towards the south. See figure ‘3’, Appendix ‘A’. contemporary architecture. According to
The 1951 aerial photograph below shows the Guibernau (2007) identity is defined as the
extent of growth of Manama as a dense continuity over time and differentiation from
contagious area extending to the south up to others taking into consideration the
Sunni graveyard and up Hoora and Gudaibiya fundamental elements of national identity.
in the southeast. (Hamosh, Manama City Plans. Continuity springs from the conception of the
Bahrain, 2009). Further, south and at southeast, nation as a historically rooted entity those
there was barren land and at the southwest projects into the future. Individuals perceive this
were palm tree gardens up to the sea. It should continuity through a set of experiences that
be noted that this district of Manama was built spread out across time and united by a
and developed by residents’ needs abiding by common meaning, something that only
no planning strategy. (Al-Nabi, 2012). See 'insiders' can grasp. Differentiation stems from
Figures’4 to 9’, Appendix ‘A’. others leading to the distinction between
members (those who belong) and "strangers",
3. Identity and Urban Changes on Social Life who are looked upon as"' the different' and,
The economic forces growth is developing with sometimes, 'the enemy'.
a growing number of new buildings projects in
individualistic designs, leading to an urban 3.2. Key Questions Concerning identity in
development that is not guided by any general Vernacular Aspects in Bahrain
urban master plan but built up of separate The critical questions concerning identity in
case-by-case decisions instead. The rapidness Vernacular aspects in Bahrain are (Who am I?)
and size of these projects in a grouping with (Who are we?). In fact, defining identity; as an
shrinking restrictions have resulted in interpretation of the self in both social and
decreasing the quality of the built environment psychological terms that establishes what and
in Bahraini districts, mainly due to a deficit of where the person is. Mainly social relations and
technical and social infrastructure. The representations emerge within a system to
affected development of Bahrain’s capital present those identities. In Bahrain, there is a
Manama is a witness of the deficiency of the force to spread their national identity in
current urbanization in old districts, where national projects, as it is a subject of
speculation-driven growth has led to fast urban architectural significance. (Figure 10 & 11) in
progress without sufficient integration of the Appendix ‘A’.
needs of native residents (Wiedmann, 2010).
The urbanization process affects social life in
many forms. In the study, the researcher will
3.3. Modernization and Lost Identity of the absence of concerning the modernization
Vernacular Architecture in Bahrain process and the negative impact of changing
The modernization development in all life fields in urban fabrics and the architecture
as the Western cultural and intellectual invasion vocabulary upon social life in Bahraini
in the beginnings of the 20th century with the residence. Figure’13’, Appendix ‘A’.
steady increase in population. Furthermore, in
buildings, the local design principles were 3.5. Symptoms of identity Loss in Bahraini Social
replaced by foreign standards that have life
changed the architectural and urban form, In conclusion, we can find that there is hybrid
such as the human scale. pattern fusing old traditional concepts with the
The urbanization affects the urban pattern and new contemporary architecture.
the related architectural designs. It directed Consequently, many social changes resulted in
towards using the western ideology rather than the form of losing identity, losing some social
its local counterpart, in many of Bahrain cities. spaces, decrease of public participation in
This reckless course of infringements towards developing the district and the loss of social
the vehicular architectures adopted the interacting between districts residents. All these
westernization policies to the architectural consequences led to delicate social fabrics. It
design in different approaches. Most of the should be noted that a large number of the
new building designs did not flow the ideology local residences in the old part of Manama city
of the characteristic of vehicular architecture in moved out. As a result, the existing residences
Bahrain. Therefore, identity loss in the urban become a mixture of the native and novice,
fabric is the ultimate result of that narrative. which cause identities losing most of their social
These areas have turned into a westernized identity and habits. Even in Bahrain 2030
environment as well as the most of the new National Planning Development Strategy, the
buildings’ forms and appeared with a new focus upon developing the urban fabric and
Western-style rather than a Bahraini one. Thus, architecture is to adopt modernization with
they often failed to achieve environmental and minor concern towards the impacts of
humanitarian functions. In return, it negatively architecture upon social life in Bahraini
affects the social interaction between residents.
residences in general. High buildings are
contradictory to the vernacular architecture as 4. “Al-Farej” in Manama city
well buildings materials. See figure ‘12’ in 4.1. Defending “Al-Farej”
Appendix ‘A’. Studying “Al-Farej”, which is a limited urban
. area, was due to the significance of social
interacting occurred within old districts.
3.4. Bahrain National Planning 2030 and Regularly “Al-Farej” was named is a relation to
identity of the Bahraini Social life one of the prominent families in the area. The
Referencing of Bahrain National Planning 2030, name of the Al-Farej is derived from the old
they stated that, The National Plan seeks to craft of the pearl hole, which is a pearl breach.
transform Bahrain into a prosperous and The nearest definition and the meaning of Al-
innovative city-state of the 21st Century. In the Farej is a small district or a neighborhood.
time of petroleum discovery, many national Defending and exploring the importance of
master plans were created to serve the selecting Al-Farej came from the essential
government in managing the economy of positive function of Al-Farej. Homogenous
Bahrain. Many significant elements such as interweaving between different social
natural resources, inadequate housing, needs background with different faiths, approaches
for specific zoning and insufficient public open and beliefs.
space, low standard of transport infrastructure,
and the need for improved education and 4.2. Main features of “Al-Farej”
depth economic issues and employment The family and its structure as members were at
studies were addressed in these plans. The 2030 all times the most important key factor in
National Plan of Bahrain lays out ten key survival and success. Its social network helped
strategies that coordinate and focus weak members to survive, and its clear
development, control land speculation, hierarchy with a tribal leader as the sheikh
protect resources, preserve historic and made for an active organization that
ecologically significant sites, integrate transport defended common interests. The size and
and ensure public access to open space and wealth of a family determined the power in
the waterfront. As shown in the report, the different levels under its control and had led to
the substantial identity. The Friday Mosque in of the original families belong to their unique
“Al-Farej” as an urban element; became the roles and homes. Extending from the depth of
most critical public arena for the community; belonging to Al-Farej residential spirit. (Al
besides its function as a religious center. It was Humar, 2012).
often used as a court or school, particularly in
smaller settlements. Its simple cubic form with 4.4. Pilot study; Farej Al Fadhel (District);
an additional square, often enclosed by walls Manama City
to form a courtyard, could be easily expanded Farej Al Fadhel (Al Fadhel District) located in
according to the growth of the settlement. Manama, capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is
Thus, the size of the Friday mosque was often adjacent to the Manama market and Farej Al
an expression of the number of inhabitants of Maharka, which was one of the main areas of
“Al-Farej” (Wiedmann, 2010). The local market the capital before its expansion in the 20th
was the heart of urban fabric and considered century. Unlike other regions of the Manama
significant element in intermediate with some market, Farej al-Fadhel is inhabited by Omanis,
Al-Farejs that most of the economic exchanges Indians (especially the Bohras) and Jews, as
have regularly happened in considerable scale well as Bahraini. Although, we can find that
Families had their intimate space within Al- most of the Farej residents celebrate religious
Farej. They lived and grew to do their business and national holidays together. Al-Fadhel
and educated in this fringe, which is a District (Block 305), a minor context of
microcosm of Bahrain. Integration and Manama. See figure ‘15’ in Appendix ‘A’.
commutation were processed in the regular Recently, Al-Fadhel District suffers from many
base, which carries diversity in its social fabric. urban context problems in term of missing the
Residences were living together with the open public spaces that were regularly used in
original educational values in different levels meeting or gathering. These open spaces were
and types and learn skills and handcrafts that used in meeting or convention in different
were instilled within each other. They also grew circumstances as part of their traditional habits.
up in the love of cooperation among all. The Regularly, residences run conferences and
strong bonding of the children of Al-Farej, from gathering to manage their daily life in such
the Al-farej urban pattern. See figure 14, in areas. Solving problems and controlling the
Appendix ‘A’. Significance of “Al-Farej” in inters life process in their districts were sun as
Manama city: well, which regularly is operated by one of the
Long time in Manama city, Al-Farej had selected old people with social and economic
significant impact upon social and economic power.
of Bahraini and non-Bahraini life. Reviving “Al- Al-Fadhel District sustained missing these types
Farej” in old parts of Manama city are to: of open spaces or buildings, lacking greenery
i. Socially; and water surfaces, which once was
a. Enhance the social life of current schematic; loss of reference point for the old
residences. community (The old residents) nor the new city
b. Attract the society again to the culturally for social life and losing the historical and
rich districts and educate them about the cultural heritage. Al-Fadhel residences run
values of these areas. some social celebration events but in some
ii. Economically; multipurpose halls out the district which is
a. Enhance the commercial and trading life meaningless compared with the original target
and the economy of current residences. of such gathering. See figure ‘16’, in Appendix
b. Make advantage of the “opportunity cost” ‘A’.
(In microeconomic theory, it also known as
alternative cost)
iii. Physical Environmental; 4.5. Summary of the Inventory and Site Analysis
a. Revive the historical cultural principles. of Farej Al-Fadhel
b. Decrease aesthetic pollution and bridge Field survey and interviews with Farej Al-Fadhel
the gap in Manama city. residences were designed to examine the
hypnosis that inhabitants are missing the spirit of
4.3. Changing Al-Farej Characteristics Al-Farej in their life. The main observation are as
Recently, there was actively changing Al-Farej follows:
characteristics due to the changing of the
urban fabrics, local emigration from the old 4.5.1.From the Social Perspective
families, changing of economic activities, and i. It was the town for many well-known
style of life instead of the local emigrants, most families.
ii. It consisted of Arab families, however, vi. Near the Main Market, which was
that the majority population is beneficial for the businesspersons,
foreigners, but Manama is still an as they used to walk to their works
attraction and valued space for all without using Vehicles, minimum air
Bahrainis. and noise pollution are there.
iii. In religion events, Mostly people in the b. From the Environmental Perspective:
past go from one religious institution to i. It is the essential district as it is
another. located in the heart of Manama,
iv. Other religions respected and loved the most of the residences manage the
Bahraini families and their religious collecting and disposing of wastes
activities as they fasted in Ramadan there.
with the Muslims. ii. A surprisingly large number of
v. The mixed-use of a large percentage of traditional houses also still stand in
buildings combined with the population low-quality conditions while many of
density and minimal open space these have become almost invisible
provides minimum conditions for a under a cloak of renovations and
diverse urban life. cosmetic changes considering
vi. The small plot size of most land holdings environmental hazards.
is also a factor in limiting the intrusion of iii. The overwhelming car traffic and
large, single-use buildings which would undisciplined parking in the narrow,
threaten the current and historic winding streets is also a significant
diversity. force in speeding the decay of
vii. Neighbors had a healthy relationship, Manama causing different type of
and they were always together, so they pollutions such as aesthetic, noise
never got bored. and air pollutions.
viii. The first school for girls was built in Al-
Fadhel district (Aisha Um-Almumineen 4.6. Reviving Traditional Social Interacting of
School). Al-Fadhel District
ix. The relationship between the families From the previous justifications, Al-Farej idea is
and their houses were always open to a community hub (node) inspired form Al-Farej
welcome anyone and were so intense. concept following Bahraini heritage inspiration.
x. It had one spring, which was in Al- A building in the heart of Manama that gathers
Fadhel mosque, and it had a pool, then people for different events and cultural
residents made a showering area from activities to keep the rich history and
to ab accessible by the residents to importance of the area. It will be a place for
shower. the community to:
xi. They had two central Majlis (halls) for Gather, talk, share knowledge and skills,
gatherings, cooking and welcoming Educate the new generation the
guests from the Gulf countries. Figure artistry handcrafts.
17, Appendix ‘A’. Reference point for them to meet and
gather inside the district in a suitable built
a. From the Economic Perspective environment instead of gathering outside
i. The top car trading, perfume carried by the Majlis concept. Al-Farej
business and famous for pearl concept will be applied to keep the
trading owner lived there. Bahraini heritage strong.
ii. Best teachers and best driving Having facilities like a cultural café
trainers lived there. and restaurant to benefit the current
iii. Best ice cream, sambusa shop in community (economic value). See
the district, they were famous even figure 18 in appendix ‘A’.
in KSA. Therefore, the concept of the project is:
iv. The first fire, trucks were brought
there. a. The revival: The old residents and elderly of
v. There is missing of having centers for the well-known families gather in halls inside
traditional crafts and skills the district to achieve the projects targets.
interacting, running the family The revival of the system of the Majlis for Al-
production project or even Fadhel district to return as the core of
managing public participation meetings. The poets of Bahrain are famous
meetings to develop the district. for their poetic verses and carry on
Appendix A: Figures
Figure 1: Principle springs of Bahrain (Al-Nabi, 2012) Figure 2: Settlement areas of Bahrain in 1996
(Wiedmann, 2010)
Figure 4: Aerial view of Manama, circa 1950s., Droodkin, Figure 5: Ras Roman Residential district
(Droodkin, 2007) Droodkin, (Droodkin, 2007)
Figure 6: Topographic Map of Manama 1951. Figure 7: Topographic Map of Manama 1930
(Al-Nabi, The History of Land use and Development in Bahrain, 2012)
Figure 10. Commercial complex, Seef area Governmental Housing UoB campus (Authors 2018)
Figure 12: Different type of new Buildings in Bahrain are not related to social rotes leads to lose the identity
Figure 145: Al-Fadhel District relate to Bahrain and Manama Governorate map (google map 2018)
Sir Charles D. Belgrave sketching a view of wooden barastis The office of the British Overseas Airways Corporation, in Ras
in Manama. Ruman
Photographed by Walter Sanders, 1952
Al Fadhel mosque in Fadhel neighborhood of Manama House of the poet Abdul Rahman Rafea, in the Fadhel
neighborhood of Manama
Figure 16. Historical buildings and old life of Farej Al-Fadhel district
Figure 15. 1959 Freej Alfadheel/ Figure 16. The anchor, source: Author
(freej.alfadheel, 1959)