Manama Souq – The Soul and Heartbeat of Manama
TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com
A National Day Feature Celebrating the People Who Keep Its Spirit Alive
As the Kingdom celebrates its National Day, few places reflect the country’s soul as vividly as Manama Souq. Under its red-and-white flags, between the scent of saffron and the glow of gold shops, the Souq becomes more than a marketplace - it becomes a living storybook of the people who built it, shaped it, and continue to keep its heritage alive.
For generations, the Souq has stood at the crossroads of heritage and modern life. It’s where gold shops, textile merchants, oud blenders, and spice sellers sit comfortably beside trendy cafés and boutique concept stores. Here, the past isn’t preserved, it’s lived.
And on National Day, the people who keep this legacy alive shine brightest. This year, we sat with artisans and shopkeepers whose stories reflect the Souq’s enduring spirit.
Calligrapher - Preserving Heritage in Every Stroke
Between the stalls sits a calligrapher whose journey began simply, writing on paper for fun. Tourists later fell in love with his handwritten seashell souvenirs, each piece carrying a slice of Bahrain abroad. A Master’s graduate now preparing a PhD on the psychology of Arabic calligraphy, he turned his passion into his profession. “Calligraphy became my only source of income,” he says proudly. “Bahrain has always supported me.”
Shop - Threads That Tell a 1976 Story
Walk a little deeper and you’ll find Marhabat Textiles, a shop that has stitched itself into the history of the Souq. “This is a story of my father,” the owner says with pride. “He arrived in Bahrain in 1976, worked in his brother’s shop, learned textiles, and within two years opened his own business. Since then, Bahrain has always been home, a place filled with welcoming, lovely people who treated us like family.”
“Abdul Qadir Café: A Souq Classic for 60 Years”
Abdul Qadir Café, a Souq staple for over 60 years, is beloved for its quick, affordable bites, especially its iconic chickpeas with salt and vinegar, cherished across generations.
From early-morning tea to evening pauses, the café still hums with loyal regulars who consider it a second home.
The charm of Abdul Qadir Cafe lies in its simplicity. No modern frills, no reinvented menu, just the same flavours, the same warmth, and the same everyday scenes that make it feel like home.
From Bab Al Bahrain, the gateway to the Souq, to the bustling spice district and the growing wave of artisanal Bahraini brands, the Souq remains warm, colourful, and unforgettable.
Even after the recent fire incident that affected parts of its alleys, the Souq has shown its resilience , shopkeepers reopening, visitors returning, and its spirit standing strong.
And still, countless stories wait to be discovered in its winding lanes.
Where Generations Meet Over a Cup of Tea
And really, how can one walk away without mentioning Haji Café, a Souq icon in its own right. A place where breakfast spills into conversation, where strangers share tables, and where the rhythm of the Souq seems to pause for a moment over a cup of tea. For decades, its simple charm has made it a must-stop for residents, visitors, and generations who grew up wandering these lanes. Known as the oldest café in Manama since 1950, it continues to be a timeless part of the Souq’s story.
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