Manama
The capital of Bahrain, on the island the classical geographers called Awal — a historic pearling and trading centre.
- Country
- Bahrain
- Region
- Bahrain island (classical Awal)
- Known for
- Pearling and trade; springs of Awal
Overview
Manama is the capital of Bahrain, at the northeastern tip of the main island. The classical geographers knew the Bahrain islands as Awal, celebrated for their sweet springs and pearl banks.
History
The town is attested from the ninth century AH and grew as the islands' chief market and port; regional histories record the settlement of the Utub there in the twelfth century AH and Bahrain's long primacy in the Gulf pearl trade.
Sources
- ياقوت الحموي، معجم البلدان، 626هـ — مادة: أوال — للسياق؛ يُوسَّع من التاريخ المحلي
Last reviewed: 2026-07-14