Modern History of Bahrain Study Notes

Modern History of Bahrain

1500 – 2002

Chapter One: Bahrain: A Geographical Introduction

The Chapter Outline:

  • First: Name and Location.

  • Second: Topography and Climate.

  • Third: Population.

  • Fourth: Economic Resources.

Name and Location:

  • Historically, Bahrain was part of a larger geographical area compared to the present islands.

  • This area extended from Kuwait in the north to the Omani coast in the south, encompassing Eastern Arabia.

Historical Context of Eastern Arabia:

  • Illustrated on a 1745 map, Eastern Arabia was a region where people could move, settle, and intermarry without the constraints of national borders.

Etymology of Bahrain:

  • The term "Bahrain" (البحرين) translates to "two seas" in Arabic.

  • The predominant theory is that the name references the existence of two types of water resources: saline and fresh, with the latter derived from freshwater springs beneath saltwater oceans.

Geographical Importance:

  • While "Bahrain Region" has been termed "Eastern Arabia," the name "Bahrain" is distinctively applied to the archipelago now recognized as the "Kingdom of Bahrain," which was historically the center of the Bahrain Region.

  • The strategic location of Bahrain enabled it to function as a meeting point for various civilizations from ancient Sumer in Mesopotamia (modern-day Southern Iraq) to the Indus Valley (current India and Pakistan).

  • The historical role of Bahrain as a global seaport will be elaborated in later chapters.

Significance of Location:

  • The geographical positioning contributed to Bahrain's prominence, making it a target for various powers due to its pearl richness and freshwater resources, which established it as a vital trade hub, specifically in transit between India and Europe.

  • The discovery of oil in 1932 further amplified Bahrain's importance.

Geographic Overview:

  • Bahrain encompasses a relatively small area of almost 749.63 square kilometers, yet it possesses a rich historical narrative.

  • It is the largest inhabited grouping of islands in the Arabian Gulf, with Jabal Al Dukhan (Mountain of Smoke) being its highest point at 134 meters (440 feet) above sea level.

Topography & Climate:

  • The Kingdom of Bahrain consists of 51 natural islands complemented by several artificial islands and islets.

Cultural and Tourism Hub:

  • Manama is recognized as a tourism and cultural focal point, evidenced by its designation as the capital of Arab culture (2012), Arab tourism (2013), and Asian tourism (2014).

Major Islands of Bahrain:

  • The Islands of Bahrain include:
      - Manama Island
      - Muharraq Island
      - Sitra Island
      - Nabih Saleh Island
      - Umm al-Na'san Island
      - Umm al-Subban Island
      - Halat Nuaim Island
      - Hawar Islands
      - Al-Dar Islands
      - Jedah Islands
      - Amwaj Islands
      - Diayar Al-Muharraq Island
      - Durrat Al-Bahrain Island
      - Reef Islands
      - Nurana Islands
      - Mohamedia Islands
      - Other Islands

Administrative Structure:

  • Current Governorates of Bahrain:
      1. Capital Governorate
      2. Muharraq Governorate
      3. Northern Governorate
      4. Southern Governorate

Historical Settlement:

  • Settlement in Bahrain is traceable back to the Stone Age.

  • Evidence from Jabal Al Dukhan and sites linked to the Dilmun civilization denotes early human habitation (e.g., Barbar village on the northern coast).

Pre-Islamic and Islamic Era:

  • Numerous Arab tribes settled in Bahrain before the Islamic period.

  • Significant migrations occurred by tribes such as Tamim, Abd Qays, and Bakr Bin Wa’a el.

  • These Arab waves persisted until the 18th century, influencing Bahrain's cultural and social landscape.

Fortifications:

  • Various tribes established forts, such as:
      - Amro Fort (by the Huwala)
      - Riffa Fort (Utoob, 1812)
      - Abu Maher Fort (Utoob, 1820)
      - A'rad Fort (by Omanis, 1802)

  • The Portuguese and later British constructed military bases and adapted existing fortifications.

Trade Relations:

  • Bahrain has maintained trade relationships with Persia and India, resulting in significant Persian and Indian populations residing there, especially post-1937 when the Bahrain Nationality Law was enacted.

Population and Religion:

  • The first population census in Bahrain was conducted in 1941.

  • By late 2006, the estimated population was 742,561, with 61.8% identifying as Bahraini.

  • Muslims constitute approximately 85% of the population, with Christians, Hindus, and a small community of Bahraini Jews also present.

Updated Demographics:

  • As of 2017, Bahrain's population was approximately 1,410,942, comprised of 46% Bahrainis to 54% expatriates.

Economic Transition:

  • The economy transitioned from traditional practices, such as pearl diving, to a predominantly oil-driven economy leading to increased population and investment in health and education services.

Historical Economic Foundations:

  • Until the 1930s, pearl diving was the economic cornerstone of Bahrain.

  • Known for high-quality pearls, income derived primarily from tax on diving ships and customs duties.

  • In 2006, oil revenue contributed 78.5% of total government income.

Agriculture and Fishing:

  • Bahrain historically had fertile agricultural land, particularly for palm trees, which were vital for subsistence.

  • Over time, agricultural decline occurred due to over-extraction of groundwater and increased soil salinity.

  • Fishing has remained a traditional activity, with consumption rates as high as 23 kg per capita.

Oil Discovery and Economic Impact:

  • Oil was discovered on June 2, 1932, at Jabal Al Dukhan, with the first shipment sent to Japan in June 1934.

  • Despite having smaller reserves compared to other GCC nations, Bahrain prioritizes refined oil exports.

  • The first oil refinery unit commenced operations in July 1936, producing 10,000 barrels per day.

Industrialization:

  • The discovery of oil initiated rapid industrialization, shifting focus from traditional industries to various modern sectors supporting the oil industry.

Financial Center:

  • Bahrain has established itself as a key regional financial center, registering 395 financial companies as of September 2007.

Financial Services Overview:

  • In 2005, 25 commercial banks were operating under the oversight of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).

  • The growth of Islamic financing led to 29 Islamic banks being established by October 2007.

Contributions of Real Estate:

  • The development of the Bahrain Financial Harbor (BFH) and other real estate projects has supported the financial sector by providing essential office space.

Stock Exchange:

  • The Bahrain Bourse had 51 registered companies by the end of Q3 2007 and did not face declines in performance during 2006, setting it apart in the Gulf region.

Transition to Modern Economy:

  • The swift transformation to a modern economy that maximizes limited oil resources facilitated significant development since 1971, adapting to global economic shifts.

Future Economic Outlook:

  • Bahrain aims to maintain its position as a vital economic and financial center for global services, outlined in a comprehensive economic vision to achieve sustainability by 2030.

Economic Vision 2030:

  • Launched in October 2008 by King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, this vision outlines long-term developmental goals for Bahrain, prioritizing quality of life improvements for all citizens.

Core Principles of Economic Vision 2030:

  • The vision is based on three primary principles:
      - Sustainability
      - Fairness
      - Competitiveness

  • The vision's formulation included consultations with government entities, private sectors, and international organizations, aiming to cover 2008-2030.

Goals of Economic Vision 2030:

  • Aims to improve living standards and reform key sectors such as government, education, labor market, and health.

Conclusion and Activities:

  • Students are encouraged to reflect on lessons learned from the session and to summarize the pillars of the Economic Vision 2030 in practice, applying insights to their respective fields of study.

Final Notes:

  • For more detailed information, students should refer to the accompanying study manual associated with the Modern History of Bahrain course.

  • Participants are encouraged to actively engage with their module lecturer regarding discussions and critical reflections on the course material.