07 February 2016
Culture & Antiquities Authority Implements Conservation Works at Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House
As part of its celebration of 2016 as “Bahrain Your Destination”, the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities is planning to restore and regain the prestigious position the Sheikh Isa bin Ali House has as a Bahraini cultural icon. The House of Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa was his residence and the seat of his government. This beautiful house offers insight into the royal life in the 19th century. It consists of several rooms arranged around four courtyards and characterized by its wind towers. It is considered one of the most impressive examples of Gulf Islamic architecture on the island.
Speaking about her special interest and her ongoing passion with preserving the historical fabric of traditional places in Bahrain, BACA’s President H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa said, “Genuine history is conserved by this beautiful house which reflects one of the longest reigns of Al Khalifa in Bahrain. There lies a deeply-rooted history that will be showcased with gorgeous architecture by turning every room, every corner of this house into a whole museum.” H.E Shaikha Mai added that museum exhibits will be a qualitative leap, reshaping the history and stories related to this building and to the ruling family in the Kingdom of Bahrain. H.E added saying, “Culture is anchored deeply in heritage and history given that it forms the identity of the nation and one key element is its universal human composition. Historical houses were and will be our main focus during “Bahrain Your Destination” 2016 campaign and Sheikh Isa bint Ali is one of the biggest projects that we intend to restore fully before our National Day celebrations this year.”
H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa also pointed out that BACA has made a plan to provide the external lighting of the house in order to finish restoration works before museum shows start. H.E added that BACA is working on the restoration of this historical house in Muharraq to preserve its basic architectural components, assigning teams of specialized architects, led by H.E Dr. Alaa al-Habashi, a restoration specialist. H.E Shaikha Mai said that these historical houses form the common denominator for all Bahrainis; they constitute the country’s memory and sweet souvenirs.
Dr. Alaa Habachi, BACA’s restoration consultant, has presented a series of projects to be implemented in the area and the Ministry’s vision is to preserve the urban heritage and archaeological sites. She has many revolutionary ideas with regard to developing and renovating Muharraq historical houses and highlighted the importance of its historical shops and heritage anchored there.
Another specialist team supervised by Dr. Nadine Baqsmati and including BACA’s Museums Consultant and Dutch architect Anne Holtrop, will provide detailed shows hosted by the house, which will be ready during the inauguration of the museum as part of Bahrain’s celebrations on National Day.
The Sheikh Isa bin Ali House offers a fascinating look at pre-oil life in Bahrain. This building was constructed around 1800 and is one of the finest examples of a traditional house anywhere in the Gulf and was the seat of Bahraini power from 1869 to 1932.
The House of the late Amir Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa offers insight into the royal life in the 19th century. Isa Ibn Ali Al Khalifa was the ruler of Bahrain from 1869-1932 until his death. H.E Shaikha Neila bint Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Khalifa will gather all documents and historical information with regard to this house and it will be showcased at the future house museum.
BACA had previously declared that the 2015 Milano Expo pavilion, “Green Archaeologies” will be moved near the House of Sheikh Isa’s courtyard.
