Souq Al Qaysariya: Renovation of Muharraq’s oldest market in Bahrain is complete

Its official opening this week follows years of extensive restoration and redevelopment

After years of renovation and restoration, Souq Al Qaysariya in Muharraq, Bahrain has officially opened to the public. George Raphel for The National

The unique architecture features Dutch architect Anne Holtrop's soil as shuttering technique. George Raphel for The National

The soil as shuttering technique sees imperfect concrete panels formed by casting them directly onto the earth at the building site. George Raphel for The National

The richly textured facade of the new souq buildings feels both futuristic and carved by time. George Raphel for The National

Pockets of green feature, too. George Raphel for The National

Shop fronts feature Arabic calligraphy. George Raphel for The National

Pop-up shops filled the stores for the opening, while permanent residents are still to be decided. George Raphel for The National

The main aim of the souq regeneration is to recreate a synergistic nexus point for the kingdom’s designers, makers, traders, shoppers and visitors. George Raphel for The National

Buildings in the souq form part of the Unesco-listed Pearling Path trail. George Raphel for The National

The souq's architecture is bound to attract visitors from both near and far. George Raphel for The National

Following more than a year of coronavirus-related restrictions, Bahrain's culturati safely gathered in the pedestrianised streets of Souq Al Qaysariya on the island of Muharraq earlier this week to celebrate its official opening, following years of extensive restoration and redevelopment.

There has been much anticipation for this milestone, since the historic trading hub was saved from demolition by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities back in 2010.

Since then, some of the five buildings comprising the site had already been completed, such as the charming, historically styled Siyadi Shops, one of which has housed the same tenant for about 70 years.

To mark the opening, the new shops of the main Qaysariyah Suq Street were filled with pop-ups selling local fashions, jewellery, art, handicrafts and more. Soon, a tender process will begin to determine the permanent residents of these striking new retail spaces.

The main aim of the souq regeneration has always been to recreate a synergistic nexus point for the kingdom’s designers, makers, traders, shoppers and visitors.

That mission appears to already be fait accompli, as demonstrated by the prevalence of shopping bags, business card swaps and influencer posts on opening day.

This revamped iteration of one of the country’s oldest markets adds another layer to the historic and commercial significance of the area: architecture that is unique to the world and is sure to draw attention from near and far.

It is the project in which Dutch architect Anne Holtrop first conceived the soil as shuttering technique, whereby imperfect concrete panels are formed by casting them directly on to the earth at the building site. Initially envisaged as an efficient method of paying homage to the neighbourhood's centuries-old coral stone, Holtrop has since evolved this technique in nearby projects, such as at the newly opened cultural site The Green Corner, receiving international acclaim.

Juxtaposition is apparent within every element that is completed, as well as in the interplay between each component project. The towering heights and sprawling expanse of the recently completed Visitors' Centre emphasises the small and intimate feeling of the neighbouring shops.

Such aesthetic diversity and richness goes some way in reflecting the scale and vibrancy of the kingdom's historic pearling economy.

The richly textured facade of the new souq buildings feels simultaneously futuristic and carved by time. This contrast of new and old is a defining characteristic of not just this project, but of the Pearling Path initiative as a whole.

Inscribed to Unesco's World Heritage Site List in 2012, Muharraq's Pearling Path stretches across 3.2 kilometres; from oyster beds in the sea, past the shore and Qal'at Bu Mahir fortress, to 17 buildings representing all the facets and key figures of the pearling industry that made up the island's economy during its heyday as a prosperous geographical centre for the gems.

This project has been in the works for at least 10 years, and was scheduled to be completed in 2021, but during the souq launch Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities's director-general for culture and arts, revealed this date has been pushed back to the end of 2022. "We have slowed down a little bit due to Covid measures … but that gives us more time, more time to build the whole thing."

She explained that the combination of modern and traditional approaches to preserving the heritage of the historic capital city is inherent to the vision and strategy of the cultural authority.

"Every country and every city has its own characteristics, every city has its magic. For us working at the cultural authority, we want to make sure that the magic we have within our fabric here in Bahrain is shown, is celebrated, is seen."

There are several historic structures left to be upgraded on the Pearling Path, as well as public parks yet to be implemented. Four multi-storey car parks are being developed to accommodate the expected boon of visitors to the area.

Beautification efforts that are sensitive to the local heritage of adjacent areas are also well under way. It was these details that stood out most to lead architect Holtrop as he watched his project come to life during the opening event.

“I think it’s really nice for the whole neighbourhood that they have done up the surrounding shops, especially with all the signs in hand-painted Arabic calligraphy,” he said. “It really feels connected and local now.”