Veteran Bahraini Silver Craftsman Dies at 96

The old Manama Souq on Sunday mourned the passing of one of Bahrain’s best-known and longest-serving silver craftsmen, Abdulrazzaq Khalid Roomi Al Roomi, who died at the age of 96 after a career spanning nearly 75 years.

Al Roomi remained devoted to the traditional craft throughout his long life, learning its techniques as a child and spending decades working with fire, hammer and intricate engraving.

His death marks the departure of a familiar face from the old market, where his name had been closely associated with silver craftsmanship and a small shop near Bab Al Bahrain. Until his later years, the shop retained elements of the trade’s history, including photographs and stories stretching from the 1940s to the present day.

Born in Al Amarah, southern Iraq, in 1932, Al Roomi came to Bahrain in 1948 and joined his father, Khalid, who worked as a silver craftsman at a shop in Souq Al Tawaweesh, now known as the Bab Al Bahrain market.

He began learning the craft from his father during childhood. His early years were demanding, with long hours spent working in front of the fire before he gradually mastered the techniques and intricacies of silver-making.

In 1964, Al Roomi opened his own shop near Bab Al Bahrain. The rent at the time was around 20 rupees. Following his father's death in the late 1970s, he continued the business on his own.

Al Roomi became known for producing jewellery and the traditional Bahraini silver dallah, as well as household items made from pure silver. His work also included chains, bracelets, rings and wedding bands, with many pieces featuring engravings and designs inspired by Bahrain’s landmarks.

For a period, his shop was the only one of its kind in the market, attracting customers from across the community, including foreign and British visitors who were drawn to silver jewellery, particularly because it was considerably less expensive than gold.

His connection with silver extended beyond the pieces displayed in his shop. His craftsmanship became associated with several events and figures in Bahrain’s history. Gifts and prizes for horse-racing competitions organised by Belgrave were produced at his workshop, while he also crafted silver pieces bearing the Bahrain Police emblem that were placed on police officers’ caps.

Throughout his career, Al Roomi attempted to pass his knowledge and skills on to others. However, the demanding nature of silver craftsmanship — requiring considerable effort, patience and precision — discouraged many who attempted to learn the trade.

Al Roomi remained committed to his craft for decades, continuing to work as Bahrain’s markets and traditional industries underwent profound changes.

His passing brings to an end a remarkable chapter in the story of traditional silver craftsmanship in Bahrain, while the pieces he created and the memories preserved in his shop remain part of the heritage of the old Manama Souq.