The Bahrain Pearling Path (Arabic: مسار اللؤلؤ, romanized: Masār al-Luʼluʼ) is a group of important cultural places added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on June 30, 2012. It includes three oyster beds in the northern waters of Bahrain, a part of the coastline, the Bu Mahir fort near the southern end of Muharraq Island, and 17 buildings in the historical area of Muharraq. These areas are connected by a 3.5 km path for visitors.

This site is Bahrain's second World Heritage Site after the Bahrain Fort. Although it was added under the name "Pearling, testimony of an island economy" by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the international media often refers to it as the "Pearling Path." The site serves as an open-air museum.

Background

The Pearling Path is located on Muharraq Island, near Bahrain’s capital, Manama. It covers 330,000 square meters and includes oyster beds and buildings from the 19th century that were used in the pearl industry.

In 2013, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities began a project to protect and restore this historical area. The goal was to show its importance to society and the economy, especially its role in the pearl trade. The project includes repairing old buildings and making sure any new buildings in the area respect historical sites and plan public spaces carefully.

The revitalization effort includes preserving old structures, building new ones, and creating public spaces. It also involves maintaining streets, parking areas, and building facades. The authority is adding modern activities to the city while keeping its historical character.

Landmarks

Visitors to the area can walk along "The Path," a trail that stretches 3.5 kilometers from the Bu Mahir seashore to the Siyadi complex in the center of Muharraq. This path includes several buildings that were important to the pearling economy, especially during the 19th century. The path also features a modern visitor center, 16 public squares, many cultural buildings, and 4 parking structures.

The buildings recognized by UNESCO include the homes and majlises of pearl merchants, traders, and divers, as well as trade buildings, storage areas, and the Siyadi family mosque.

Historic significance

Pearl diving in Bahrain was first recorded in Assyrian writings from around 2000 BC, which referred to "fish eyes" from Dilmun, an ancient region that included Bahrain. Bahrain, known as Tylos in Greek, was described by Pliny as a place famous for having many pearls. The most successful period for pearling was between the 1850s and 1930, when pearls were more valuable than diamonds and attracted famous jewelers like Jacques Cartier. During the time between the two world wars, pearl trading was mainly controlled by Paris-based companies such as Rosenthal, Pack, Mohammad Ali, and Bienenfeld. After World War II began, the pearl trade moved to Bombay.

By the end of 1930, there were about 30,000 pearl divers in Bahrain. At that time, pearling was the main industry in Bahrain before oil was discovered in 1932. After the pearling industry declined, most divers switched to the newly developed oil industry. Today, trading cultured pearls in Bahrain is not allowed. Only a few pearl divers remain in the country.

Muharraq was the capital and political center of Bahrain in ancient times. However, many older buildings in the area have suffered damage. In addition to the decline of the pearl trade, the region has faced the risk of losing some traditional crafts.

Impact

After older buildings were restored and used again, they brought people from other parts of Bahrain. UNESCO observed that the project showed how the government, community groups, and businesses in Bahrain worked together to protect the nation's cultural heritage.

In addition to its historical and architectural value, the Muharraq revitalization project helped create jobs and economic growth. Traditional crafts from Bahrain, such as Kurar embroidery, were brought back to life after nearly disappearing. Young people are now learning these skills to earn money.

Recognition

UNESCO added the Bahrain Pearling Trail to its World Heritage list on June 30, 2012. UNESCO stated that:

— World Heritage Committee

The revitalization of Muharraq was one of six projects honored with the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. It was recognized for showing the history of the Arabian Peninsula’s pearl industry over many years, especially during its most active time in the 19th century. Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, said, "The Revitalization of Muharraq is a thoughtful effort to preserve the character of this historic city. The project shows care in protecting old buildings and creating modern public spaces." The Aga Khan Award for Architecture honored this project as a community-based effort to restore a city, meaning it combined modern architecture with the protection of traditional buildings.

• The Siyadi family mosque and majlis in the background.