Manama 20481 223524629 2008-07-04T13:10:29Z 194.51.20.195 {{About|the capital of Bahrain|the song|Mah Nà Mah Nà|the city in Ajman|Manama (Ajman)}} {{Infobox Settlement |official_name = Manama, Bahrain |image_skyline = |nickname= |image_flag = |image_caption = Lagos as seen from Ikoyi Harbor. |image_seal = |image_map = Bahrain map.png |mapsize = |map_caption = Manama and Bahrain. |subdivision_type = [[Governorates of Bahrain|Governorate]] |subdivision_name = [[Capital Governorate]] |leader_title = Governor |leader_name = [[Humood bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa]] |area_magnitude = |area_total_km2 = |area_land_km2 = |area_water_km2 = |population_as_of = 2001 |population_metro = 345000 |population_total = 162000 |area_metro_km2 = |population_density_km2 = 5304 | population_density_sq_mi = |timezone = |timezone_DST = |latd= 26|latm= 13|latNS=N |longd= 50|longm= 35|longEW=E |latitude = |longitude = |elevation_m = |elevation_ft = |website = http://www.capital.gov.bh |footnotes = }} <!-- Infobox ends !--> '''Manama''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: المنامة '''Al-Manāmah''') is the [[capital city]] of [[Bahrain]] and is the country's largest city with a population of approximately 155,000, roughly a quarter of the country's entire population. Manama has emerged as the capital of independent Bahrain after periods of domination by [[Portugal]] and [[Persians]] earlier in its history. Today, it is a modern capital with an economy based around the sales promotion industry as [[crude oil]] takes a less pronounced role in the economy. (See [[Economy of Bahrain]].) Because of its thriving economy, a Danish firm has proposed a skyscraper that would be over {{convert|1000|m|ft|-2|lk=on}} and be called the Murjan Tower to be built. Currently only a concept, if built it would be the world's tallest structure. == History == {{main|History of Manama}} [[Image:Manama SPOT 1046.jpg|thumb|right|Manama seen from SPOT Satellite]] Manama was mentioned in [[Islam]]ic chronicles at least as far back as 1345. It was conquered by [[Portugal]] in 1521 and then by the [[Iran|Persians]] in 1602.<ref name="britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9050436/Manama Encyclopædia Britannica - Manama (retrieved 25 November 2006)]</ref> Since 1783 it has been under the control of the [[Al-Khalifa]] dynasty. Manama was declared a [[free port]] in 1958 and in 1971 became the capital of independent Bahrain.<ref name="lexicorient">[http://lexicorient.com/e.o/manama.htm Encyclopaedia of the Orient - Manama (retrieved 25 November 2006)]</ref> From Other Source: <ref name="manamahistory">[http://directrooms.com/bahrain/travel-guides/manama/history.htm History of Manama (retrieved 29 June 2008)]</ref> The north of Bahrain’s main island which is dominated by Manama today has seen human activity for roughly 5,000 years, as is indicated from the remains around Bahrain Fort. The Dilmun civilisation made this area their capital, burying their dead farther south at the tombs of A’ali. The islanders were soon, however, disturbed by a series of invaders that arrived here by sea, beginning with the Assyrians during the BC period and ending with the Arabs. During these many centuries Dilmun, as it was at first known before its name was changed many times by each new invading power, was a trading post whose importance fluctuated depending on which empire dominated. Manama and its inhabitants first discovered Islam during the 7th century and by the 9th century began to lean to a more conservative almost socialist belief system that caused considerable friction with the surrounding Muslim lands. The Qarmartians, as this group was known, ransacked Mecca in 930 during the sacred Hajj, killing hundreds before escaping with the much revered Black Stone. A feud with the Baghdad-based Abbasids less than 50 years later saw the Qarmartians run out of town. The next major foreign intervention in Bahrain came at the beginning of the 1500s when the Portuguese naval fleets arrived, quickly crushing the small local population in Manama and the surrounding areas. Bahrain Fort was built during this era, probably to keep out the Persians who nevertheless managed a series of invasions as the whole island swapped hands between the Portuguese and Persians for the proceeding two centuries. Once the Persians eventually triumphed, it wasn’t long before the Al Khalifa family appeared from nowhere, or at least from nearby Qatar, to take control of the whole of the island at the end of the 18th century. The new rulers, whose dynasty continues to this day, sought protection against the Persians from the now dominant, empire-building British as Manama entered a period of colonialism that increased over time, not least when oil was discovered 30kms south in the centre of the island and first extracted in 1931.After WWII, Bahrain moved slowly towards independence and eventually in 1971 the British pulled out leaving Manama in charge of its own affairs. This was the beginning of a period that has seen it grow and flourish mainly thanks to considerable wealth accumulated through oil production and processing. ==Climate== In common with the rest of Bahrain, Manama has extremely hot, humid summers, and mild winters. Temperatures may rise as high as 50°C (120°F) in summer, as is the case in the rest of the country.<ref name="lonelyplanetweather">[http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/bahrain/essential?a=weather Lonely Planet - Bahrain - Weather (retrieved 2 December 2006)]</ref> Winters are generally a lot milder, with average temperatures in January around 17°C (63°F).<ref name="ameweather">[http://www.ameinfo.com/bahrain_climate/ AME Info - Bahrain Country Guide - Climate (retrieved 2 December 2006)]</ref> ==Geography== The city is located in the far north-eastern corner of Bahrain island on a small peninsula. As in the rest of Bahrain island, the land is generally flat (or gently rolling) and arid. Manama is served by [[Bahrain International Airport]] on the nearby island of Al Muharraq, to which it is connected via a causeway. [[Image:ExhibitionAvenue.jpg|thumb|top|right|200px|Exhibition Avenue, '''Hoora''']] <!-- Commented out: [[Image:Manama building.JPG|thumb|top|right|200px|MANAMA CITY VIEW from Muharraq]] --> The major places within Manama are: * [[Adliya]] * [[Manama central business district (CBD)|Central Business District (CBD)]] * [[Diplomatic Area]] * [[Gudaibiya]] * [[Hoora]] * [[Noaim]] * [[Juffair]] * [[Seef|Seef District]] * [[Umm Al Hassam]] * [[Zinj, Bahrain|Zinj]] ==Skyline== {{wide image|Manama Skyline.jpg|1000px|A panoramic view of the combined skylines of [[Manama]] and [[Seef]]}} [[Image:BFHtowers.jpg|thumb|top|200px|BFH towers, '''BFH''']] [[Image:Wtc2.jpg|thumb|top|200px|World Trade Center, '''BWTC''']][[Image:Bfh.jpg|thumb|top|200px|BFH towers, '''BFH''']] == Law and government == Manama is part of the [[Capital Governorate]], one of five [[Governorates of Bahrain]]. Until 2002 it was part of the municipality of Al-Manamah. Councils exist within the governorates; eight constituencies are voted upon within Capital Governorate in 2006. <ref name="bahrainnewsagency">[http://english.bna.bh/?action=elections Bahrain News Agency - ELECTION 2006 (retrieved 2 December 2006)]</ref> == Economy == Manama is the focal point of the Bahraini economy. While [[oil]] has decreased in importance in recent years due to depleting reserves, petroleum is still the mainstay of the economy, while [[heavy industry]] (e.g. [[aluminum]] smelting, [[ship]] repair), [[banking]] and finance, and [[tourism]] are increasing in importance. Several multinationals have facilities and offices in and around Manama. <ref name="cia">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html CIA World Factbook - Bahrain (retrieved 2 December 2006)]</ref> The economic base for Manama itself is financial services, with over two hundred financial institutions and banks based in the Diplomatic Area. There is also a large retail sector in the shopping malls around [[Seef]], while the centre of Manama is dominated by small workshops and traders. == Transportation == {{Expand-section|date=June 2008}} The outline of the present road network was traced in the early 1930s, soon after the discovery of oil. The four main islands and all the towns and villages are linked by excellent roads. There were 3,164 km (1,996 mi) of roadways in 2002, of which 2,433 km (1,512 mi) were paved. A four-lane, 2.8-km (1.7-mi) causeway and bridge connect Manama with Al-Muharraq, and another bridge joins Sitra to the main island. A four-lane highway atop a 24-km (15-mi) causeway, linking Bahrain with the Sa'udi Arabian mainland via [[Umm an-Nasan]], was completed in December 1986 and financed by Sa'udi Arabia. In 2000, there were 172,684 passenger vehicles and 41,820 commercial vehicles. Bahrain's port of Mina Sulman can accommodate 16 oceangoing vessels drawing up to 11 m (36 ft). In 2001, Bahrain had a merchant fleet of eight ships of 1,000 GRT or over, totaling 270,784 GRT. Also in 2001, there were four airports, three of which had paved runways. The international airport near Al-Muharraq can handle large jet aircraft and serves more than two dozen international airlines. In 1997, the airport was in the midst of a major expansion. Gulf Air, headquartered in Bahrain and owned equally by the governments of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), flies to other Gulf countries, India, and Europe. In 2001, 1,250,100 passengers were carried on scheduled domestic and international flights. <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image: Manamaeast.jpg|thumb|top|left|''Al Fateh Highway'', eastern Manama.]] --> Private vehicles and taxis are the primary means of transportation in the city. In addition, Manama has a comprehensive bus service which is far more economical than other modes of transport. A minimum fare of 150-200 fils allows you to travel by bus. There are bus routes to other towns such as [[Al Muharraq]] and [[Isa Town]]. [[Bahrain International Airport]] ([[BAH]]) is located approximately 15 kilometers from the city. Bahrain International Airport is a premier hub airport in the [[Middle East]]. Strategically located in the Northern Gulf between the major markets of [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Iran]], the airport has one of the widest range and highest frequency of regional services with ideal connections to major international destinations in [[Europe]], [[Asia]] , [[Africa]] , the [[Far East]] and [[Australasia]]... == Demographics == Manama forms the bulk of the Capital Governorate, the exact population of which was given in 2001 as 163,696. 103,235 of these were male, the other 60,641 female. The majority of Manama residents are non-Bahrainis: only 55,230 residents have Bahraini citizenship.<ref name="cgdatabank>[http://www.capital.gov.bh/index.php?name=EZCMS&page_id=68&menu=19 Capital Governorate Databank - Population by Nationality and Sex (retrieved 25 November 2006)]</ref> == Neighborhoods == The major neighborhoods within Manama are: * [[Awadhiya]] * [[Adliya]] * [[Bu Ashira]] * [[Bu Ghazal]] * [[Diplomatic Area]] * [[Ghuraifa]] * [[Gudaibiya]] * [[Gufool]] * [[Hoora]] * [[Hoora Haddada]] * [[Juffair]] * [[Mahooz]] * [[Manama Souq]] ** [[Fareeq al-Fadhel]] ** [[Fareeq el-Hammam]] ** [[Fareeq el-Hatab]] ** [[Fareeq el-Makharqa]] * [[Noaim]] * [[Ras Rumman]] * [[Segaya]] * [[Seef|Seef District]] * [[Sulmaniya]] * [[Umm Al Hassam]] * [[Zinj, Bahrain|Zinj]] == Culture == [[Image:Ashoora.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Ashura]] reenactment in the [[Manama Souq]]]] {{toofewopinions}} Bahrain is strongly [[Islam]]ic and [[Arab culture|Arabic]]; while Manama shares these traits, it also contains a large number of foreigners and foreign influences, with just under a third of the populace hailing from abroad.<ref name="tripadvisor">[http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293997-s202/Manama:Bahrain:Culture.html - Trip Advisor - Manama Culture (retrieved 2 December 2006)]</ref>. Alcohol is legal in the country, with bars and nightclubs operating in the city. This is in contrast neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which bans alcohol under all circumstances. This is seen as a sign by many that while both Manama and Bahrain are strongly [[Islam]]ic, they are open-minded and tolerant of others and other cultures. [[Soccer]] is a popular sport, with three teams from Manama participating in the [[Bahraini Premier League]]. The [[Bahrain National Museum]] is located in Manama. ==Education== {{Expand-section|date=June 2008}} Manama has a wide range of universities, colleges and institutes. ===Colleges & Universities=== * [http://ahliauniversity.edu.bh/ Ahlia University] * [http://www.amaiub.com/ AMA International University, Bahrain] * Applied Science University * [[Arab Open University]] * [[Arabian Gulf University]] * Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) * College of Health Sciences * Delmon University * [[New York Institute of Technology]] * Kingdom University ==External links== {{Commons|Manama}} *[http://manama.usembassy.gov/ US Embassy Manama Bahrain] *[http://www.gaggafuto.com/bahrain.html Website with pictures of Manama] {{Geolinks-cityscale|26.2152|50.5888}} == Notes and references == {{reflist}} {{Asian capitals}} {{Portuguese overseas empire}} [[Category:Cities, towns and villages in Bahrain]] [[Category:Coastal cities]] [[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]] [[Category:Capitals in Asia]] [[als:Manama]] [[am:ማናማ]] [[ang:Manama]] [[ar:المنامة]] [[frp:Manama]] [[bn:মানামা]] [[be-x-old:Манама]] [[bs:Manama]] [[bg:Манама]] [[ca:Al-Manama]] [[cs:Manáma]] [[da:Manama]] [[de:Manama]] [[et:Al-Manāmah]] [[es:Manama]] [[eo:Manamo]] [[fa:منامه]] [[fr:Manama]] [[fy:Manama]] [[gd:Manama]] [[ko:마나마]] [[hy:Մանամա]] [[hr:Manama]] [[io:Al Manamah]] [[id:Al-Manamah]] [[os:Манамæ]] [[it:Manama]] [[he:מנאמה]] [[ka:მანამა]] [[sw:Manama]] [[ht:Manama]] [[la:Manama]] [[lb:Manama]] [[lt:Menama]] [[hu:Manáma]] [[ms:Manama]] [[mn:Манама]] [[nl:Manamah]] [[ja:マナーマ]] [[no:Manama]] [[nn:Manama]] [[nov:Manama]] [[oc:Manama]] [[pms:Manama]] [[pl:Manama]] [[pt:Manama]] [[ro:Manama]] [[ru:Манама]] [[scn:Manama]] [[simple:Manama]] [[sk:Manáma]] [[sr:Манама]] [[sh:Manama]] [[fi:Manama]] [[sv:Manama]] [[tl:Manama]] [[vi:Manama]] [[tg:Манама]] [[tr:Manama]] [[uk:Манама]] [[vo:Mänamä]] [[zh:麦纳麦]]