Muharraq Island
Muharraq Island, formerly known as Moharek, is the second largest island in the archipelago of Bahrain after Bahrain Island. It lies east of the capital, Manama, on Bahrain Island.
History
The island is named after Muharraq City, the former capital of Bahrain. The Al Khalifa dynasty settled there in the nineteenth century and resided there until 1923. The island dominated the trade, fishing and especially pearls industries in Bahrain. The pearl center was made a UNESCO world heritage site in 2012.In recent years, major reclamation of artificial islands like Amwaj Islands has taken place north of Muharraq Island. In the south of the island, at Hidd district, the new Bahrain International Investment Park of the free zone was built. In the far south, the Khalifa Bin Salman Port which opened in 2009.
Demography
Several towns and villages are located on the island, including:- Al Muharraq
- Al Dair
- Arad, formerly a separate island of its own
- Busaiteen
- Hidd
- Galali
- Halat Bu Maher
- Samaheej
Administration
Transportation
The island has the Bahrain International Airport that follows the long east–west axis.The island has the Muharraq Airfield adjacent to Bahrain International Airport.
There are three causeways connecting Muharraq Island with Manama on Bahrain Island:
- Shaikh Hamad Bridge: From Muharraq City to Diplomatic Area
- Shaikh Isa bin Salman Causeway: From Muharraq City/Busaiteen to Diplomatic Area
- Shaikh Khalifa Bridge: From Hidd to Juffair
Image gallery