Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The 'Culture Vultures' are back in action. Dedicated to present affordable and accessible cultural events in an engaging and enlightening manner, the group started the season with a visit to Muharraq.
Around 40 enthusiastic women of all nationalities swapped their coffee mornings to take a closer look at the renovated old houses of this former capital city - Abdulla Al Zayed House, Iqra Library, Kurar House, Shaikh Isa House and Shaikh Ebrahim Centre and concluded the visit at the ongoing Sculpture Symposium.
Deborah Lanyon, the group's publicity coordinator, said: "Our recent visit arose from a desire to seek out and enjoy the cultural life of Bahrain, particularly from a historical perspective.
"We wanted others to be able to appreciate Muharraq's hidden architectural gems, which have been so beautifully restored and maintained.
"It came to our attention that many people would be interested in visiting this location, but were deterred from doing so simply due to unfamiliarity with the area and not wanting to go alone. All the attendees learned a great deal from the visit, and we hope to arrange future trips during the coming cooler months."
Dutch Ann Timmers, from Jasra, joined the outing although she had seen the houses before. She said: "I love Muharraq and I decided to go along as this was a guided tour, which I enjoyed tremendously."
New Zealander Jessica Rorich, a resident of Al Hamala Beach for the last two and a half years, echoed her thoughts and added: "I have always heard of the lovely buildings that have been restored but could never find my way there.
"I am interested in the history of Bahrain and it was great to have someone show us around. The Shaikh Isa House was simply fantastic with its Arabic architecture, gypsum work and beautiful wind-tower."
French Alexandra Mariot who has been a resident of Bahrain for the last decade felt it was interesting to understand how people lived in the old days without ACs and heaters. She said: "The renovation on the houses is very lovely. I loved the Iqra library and think it's a great idea to use the space for telling stories."
Lilia Ayari, Gabriella Robles Canseco, Tracey Collins, Myrna Issa and Deborah Lanyon form the Culture Vultures. Over the last five-years, this not-for-profit group has been organising several large and small events to enable people to enjoy art and culture in every small way.
Future possible projects for the coming year include a film festival, a concert and a repeat of the highly successful Arthouse Open Studios project, which was organised in April this year.
Anyone interested in joining in with the activities can get in touch by sending an email to culturevulturesbahrain@gmail.com
STOP 1
The outing began with a visit to the Shaikh Isa House in the heart of Muharraq with heritage site supervisor, Rashid Al Muttawa from the Ministry of Information.
Built in the 1800s this was once the home of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the longest serving ruler of Bahrain from 1869 until his death. Occupied until the 1950's, this historical site is an excellent example of local architecture complete with wind tower, wall carving and lattice work, and is representative of traditional 19th century life. The old royal home also speaks highly of Arab hospitality as one of the best rooms was dedicated for guests.
STOP 2
Ezmiralda Qabanni then guided the group on a tour of the buildings renovated by Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa. At the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre, Issa Amin, president of Bahrain historical society gave a very informative introduction to the houses and its relevance for the history of the kingdom.
The centre is housed in the cultural majlis of Shaikha Mai's grandfather, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammad Al Khalifa, and was a forum for discussions and other culture-centric activities. Tastefully renovated it has a well-stocked library complete with well preserved historical documents and royal letters.
STOP 3
The group then walked across to the Iqra children's library, which has story telling sessions in English and Arabic on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
STOP 4
Al Kurar House was the next stop for the group. It is a very interesting space dedicated to the traditional craft of weaving gold thread or zari onto women's dresses called 'kurar'.
The group witnessed women who are currently the only practitioners of this style of embroidery on the island.
The women in charge, called Qataba, and her assistants can be seen in action on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.
STOP 5
A short walk away is the Abdulla Al Zayed house for press heritage. The house belonged to Al Zayed, Bahrain's first editor and publisher who brought out the region's first newspaper - a weekly called Al Bahrain in 1939.
Elegantly refurbished it has on view some of the first editions of the weekly and his typewriter. Today the centre hosts meetings and cultural events related to journalism.
How to get there:
Continue on the 'Novotel hotel road' until you reach the roundabout at Muharraq and take a right - directions to the historic buildings are well signposted. Call 17322354 for further details.
