The history of Bahrain reflects a rich tapestry of influences, with the island having been ruled by a series of powerful civilizations over the centuries. Early on, Bahrain came under the influence of Mesopotamian cultures, including the Dilmun civilization, which established it as a significant trading hub. Later, Persian empires, particularly during the Achaemenid and Sassanian periods, exerted control over the region, leaving a lasting cultural and linguistic legacy. The Portuguese briefly occupied Bahrain in the early 16th century as part of their strategic interests in the Gulf. More recently, Arab rule became established, shaping the identity of Bahrain's cities, villages, and towns, whose names often reflect this diverse historical heritage. This blend of cultural layers highlights Bahrain’s unique position as a crossroads of civilizations in the Persian Gulf.
| Current Name | Former Name | Persian root | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Manama (Arabic: المنامه) | Manamah | Man-Nameh
(Persian: من نامه) |
The name "Manāmah" was first recorded around the year 730 AH (approximately 1330 AD) during the visit of Turān Shah of Hurmuz to the island. At that time, it had already been annexed by his predecessor, Tahamtam II of Hurmuz.[1]: 23
Derived from two words, meaning I and Speech. Originally it was called simply "Manamah" before being renamed to Al-Manamah. In Persian, "man" (من) means "me," and "nameh" (نامه) means "letter," similar to the structure of words like "Shah Nameh" (Book of Kings). Some claim that Al-Manama is actually derived from Arabic Al-Muna'amah (المنعمة) and its people were referred to as Almuna'ami; in the Shia book by Sayyed Mohsen Alameen "A'yan Alshia" (أعيان الشيعة) a Shi'a scholar from Manama or Muna'ama was mentioned Shaykh Ali bin Umran bin Fayad Almuna'ami Albahrani (شيخ علي بن عمران بن فياض المنعمي البحراني) |
| Al-Adliya | Zulmabad[2]: 106 [3] | Zulm Abad
(Persian: ظلم‌آباد) |
Like the name of a village in Gotvand County, Khuzestan, Iran – contrary to the original name, this place is not oppression, and it has become the city of lovers.[3] |
| Al-Diraz (Arabic: دراز) | Diraz | Diraz
(Persian: دراز) |
Long.[4] A village stretched along the coastline. |
| Busaiteen | Beseytin | Beseytin
(Persian: بسیطین) |
Similar to a name of a village in Khouzestan, Iran. |
| Al-Malkiya | Malchiyeh | Mal Chiyeh
(Persian: مال چیه) |
What is it (for)? - The locals still refer to it as "Malchiyeh."[5] Furthermore, it is named similarly to village in Khouzestan. |
| Shahrakan (Arabic: شهركان) | N/A | Shahr-akan | Old Town |
| Karzakan | N/A | Karz-akan | |
| Shakhura (Arabic: شاخورة) | Shahkhura | Shah-khora
(Persian: شاه خورا) |
آخور شاه (اصطبل پادشاه)
Stable of Kings |
| Jurdab (Arabic: جرداب) | Gerdāb | Gerd-āb
(Persian: گردآب) |
Whirlpool |
| Salmabad (Arabic: سلماباد) | Selmābād | Selm-ābād
(Persian: سلم‌آباد) |
Would translate as "the peaceful settlement" or "the place of peace," with "سلم" (Salm) meaning "peace" and "آباد" implying a settled or prosperous area. |
| Karbabad (Arabic: كرباباد) | N/A | Karb-ābād
(Persian: کرب‌آباد) |
Would translate as "the settlement of sadness" or "the place of sorrow," as "کرب" (Karb) refers to "sadness" or "distress" and "آباد" again indicates a settled or inhabited place. |
| Dumistan (Arabic: دمستان) | Dabistan[1]: 134 | Dabistan
(Persian: دب اِستان) |
The term "Dabistan" (دبستان) is a Persian word that typically means "school" or "place of learning."[1]: 134
So, Dabistan can be understood as "the place of learning" or simply "a school." While the last known location of Al-Ittihad school (Persian: دبستان اتحاد ملی, romanized: Dabistan Ittihad Melli, lit. 'National Union Primary School') is known to have been in Manama,[6][7] it is possible that the school at some point may have been located here. |
| Al-Daih (Arabic: ديه) | Daih (Arabic: ديه) | Deh
(Persian: دِه) |
Village[1]: 134 |
| Karrana (Arabic: كرانه) | Kerrāneh | Kerrā-neh
(Persian: کرانه) |
The Coast.[8] |
| Barbar | Barbar | Bar+Bar
(Persian: بار بار) |
Bar Bar - Dobār (two times) - The word 'bar' may have been repeated to confirm the arrival of shipments or foreign cargo to the shore. |
| Samaheej (Arabic: سماهيج) | Samahīj | Se-māhi
(Persian: سِه ماهی) |
Three fish.[1] On the origins of the name Samahīj, al-Bakri quoting others says: "Samāhīj is from Persian se (three) and māhi (fish) and hence, 'the three fish'." The sound change in the final "i < y" of the Persian form māhi is rather pronounced locally "-j" which is a phonetic feature known as "aj ajah" and ascribed to Qudā-ah tribes as in the word Tamīmi (a person belonging to bani Tamīm tribes) realized Tamīmij.[1]: 22, 134 |
| Al-Dair | Dair (Arabic: دير) | Said to be from a Christian origin, the "Dair" being a "Monastery" in Arabic. | |
| Arad | Portuguese: Arados | Said to be from a Portuguese origin, "Arados" possibly referring to agricultural "ploughs" | |
| Tarout | Similar to Beirut |
Islamic Caliphate
edit
According to historians, prior to Islam, Bahrain was inhabited by various ethno-linguistic groups, particularly tribal partially-Christianized Arabs,[10][11][12] who were of diverse origins and spoke different old Arabian vernaculars,[10] a mobile Persian-speaking population,[10][13][9][note 1] who were possibly predominately Zoroastrian,[13] traders and administrators with strong ties to Persia, with whom which they maintained close contact with;[10] a sedentary, non-tribal community of Aramaic-speaking agriculturalists,[13][10][9] Persian clergy who used Syriac as a language of liturgy and and writing more generally,[10] and a small amount of Jews.[14] The Bahraini cultural and religious connections with Mesopotamia and south-western Iran were very close.[9]
According to J. R. Smart, Ancient Bahrain, was a predominately Christian area for several centuries before Islam,[9] as was coastal Oman.[9] In Syriac sources, Bahraini was part of the Nestorian diocese of Beth Qatraye, whilst Oman was known as Beth Mazunaye.[9] Synods of Christian bishops were held in Meshmahij (known today as Samahij), showing the importance of Bahrain as a Christian site at the time.[9] This is supported by archaeological finds in Samahij, which revealed that Bahrain between the 4th and 8th century was a place in which Nestorian Christianity was practised.[15]
 | This following section relies on Islamic historical sources, including hadiths and early Islamic chronicles. While these sources are important for understanding the Islamic perspective on Bahrain's history, it is important to note that they reflect the religious and political contexts of their time. Therefore, the information should be interpreted within the framework of Islamic historiography, which may include theological biases or limitations in historical accuracy. For a more comprehensive understanding, it is recommended to cross-reference with other non-religious historical and archaeological sources (if available). |
Islam or Jizya
editSome Islamic sources claim that the majority of the people of Bahrain were mostly disbelievers, and predominantly Zoroastrians.[16][better source needed]
Ibn Kathir citing Bukhari, Abu Dawood, and al-Bayhaqi, mentions that the delegation of 'Abd al-Qays came to Muhammad, and upon their arrival, Muhammad greeted them.[17]: 246–247 The delegation mentioned that due to the tribe of Mudar, they could only visit Muhammad during the sacred months.[17]: 246–247 They asked him for clear instructions that would grant them entry into paradise and that they could also teach to those who were not present. Muhammad instructed them to believe in Allah, to bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His messenger, to establish prayer, give zakat, fast during Ramadan, and to give a fifth of the war booty.[17]: 246–247 He also forbade them from using certain containers for fermenting drinks such as the dubba’, hantam, naqir, and muzaffat.[17]: 246–247 Ibn Kathir comments that: "the context of Ibn Abbas’s narration indicates that the arrival of the delegation from the Abd al-Qays occurred before the conquest of Mecca, as they said, 'Between us and you is this tribe from Mudar; we cannot reach you except during the sacred months.' And Allah knows best."[17]: 251
Bahrain is said to have officially embraced Islam in 629 CE (the seventh year of Hijra),[18][according to whom?] after which Muhammad had sent Al-Ala’ ibn Al-Hadrami before the conquest of Mecca (629-630) to Al-Mundhir ibn Sawa Al-Abdi, the ruler of Bahrain, inviting him to Islam which he accepted.[17]: 251
It is likely that the Zoroastrians of Bahrain were given the same treatment of People of the Book,[13] as according to a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sunan Abu Dawud (classified as "Da'if/weak in chain" by Al-Albani),[19] a man from the Asbadhiyin — the Zoroastrians of Bahrain — came to the Prophet and, after spending time with him, revealed that the Prophet had given them an ultimatum: "Islam or death." However, Abdul-Rahman bin Awf said that jizya was accepted from them instead.[19][13] Ibn Abbas said: The people followed the statement of Abdul-Rahman bin Awf, and they left that which I heard from the Usbadhi.[19][13]
Amr bin `Auf Al-Ansari (narrated by Bukhari) states that Muhammad established peace with the people of Bahrain and appointed Al-`Ala' bin Al-Hadrami as their governor.[20] Muhammad took the Jizya from them,[21] he sent Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah to Bahrain to collect the Jizya (tax) from them.[20]
The Zoroastrians of the land agreed to pay the jizya (tax), this treaty was made in the Year of Delegations, 630 CE (the ninth year of Hijra).[16][better source needed]
The first Caliph and Ridda Wars
editAl-Mundir Ibn Sawa Al-Abdi died shortly after Muhammad's death in 632,[17]: 251 after which many people had apostatized, including the people of Bahrain.[17]: 251 Al-Ala’ was with Al-Mundir as the emir of Muhammad, over Bahrain.[17]: 251
Upon learning of the apostasy, Abu Bakr, the first caliph, sent a military force to fight the apostates of Bahrain, led by Al-Ala' ibn al-Hadhrami, and Muslims from the tribes he passed through on his way joined him. Al-Ala' sent a message to Al-Jarood, ordering him to march with the Muslims of Banu Abd al-Qays to confront Al-Hutam ibn Dubay’ah, and they joined forces with Al-Ala's army in Hajr. The Muslims dug a trench around their camp, as did the apostates. For a month, the two sides engaged in skirmishes, until one day the Muslims heard noise in the apostates' camp. They sent spies to investigate and found them drunk. The Muslims attacked their enemy, defeating them. Qays ibn Asim al-Minqari killed Al-Hutam ibn Dubay’ah. Most of the apostates fled and crossed over to Darin, but Al-Ala' pursued them with his army and defeated them again.[citation needed]
Second Caliph
editDuring the time of Umar I the famous companion of Muhammad and second caliph, Abu Hurayrah, was the governor of Bahrain.[18] Umar I also appointed Uthman bin Abi Al Aas as governor of the area.[18]
Later Caliphs
editAl Khamis Mosque, founded in 692, was one of the earliest mosques built in Bahrain, in the era of Umayyad caliph Umar II.[18]
The expansion of Islam did not affect Bahrain's reliance on trade, and its prosperity continued to be dependent on markets in Mesopotamia. After Baghdad emerged as the seat of the caliph in 750 and the main centre of Islamic civilization, Bahrain greatly benefited from the city's increased demand for foreign goods especially from China and South Asia.[22] Bahrain became a hub for intellectuals for hundreds of years stretching from the early days of Islam in the 6th century to the 18th century. Philosophers of Bahrain were highly esteemed, such as the 13th century mystic, Sheikh Maitham Al Bahrani (died in 1299).
Sources
edit- ^ a b c d e f Al-Tajer, Mahdi Abdulla (1982). Language & Linguistic Origins In Bahrain. Taylor & Francis. pp. 134, 135. ISBN 9780710300249.
- ^ "تاريخ العرق الفارسي في البحرين" [History of the Persian race in Bahrain] (PDF). Al-Waqt (1346). 2009-10-28. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-06-12.
- ^ a b محمد, العدلية-سعيد. "العدلية... من الأرض المظلومة إلى ملتقى العشاق// البحرين". صحيفة الوسط البحرينية (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "دراز - معنی در دیکشنری آبادیس". abadis.ir. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ Bahrain International Multimedia Production (2016-08-09). ساحل المالكية. Retrieved 2024-09-18 – via YouTube.
- ^ "عملکرد مدرسه اتحاد ملی ایرانیان در بحرین". rasekhoon.net. Archived from the original on 2024-09-21. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ المحلية, المنامة-محرر الشئون. "للمرة الثالثة... سقوط أجزاء من المدرسة الإيرانية". صحيفة الوسط البحرينية (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2019-07-29. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
وأبدى الأهالي «تخوفهم من إصابة الأطفال الذين عادة ما يلعبون بالقرب من مبنى المدرسة الذي أصبح قديما جدا كما انه قريب جدا من أحد المساجد ما يعرض مرتادي المسجد للخطر في حال دخولهم أوخروجهم من وإلى المسجد». يشار إلى أن المدرسة الايرانية تم اقفلها بالتزامن مع انتفاضة التسعينات في العام 1996 بعدما اتهمت البحرين إيران بالتدخل في شئونها الداخلية. وتأسست المدرسة في أواخر القرن التاسع عشر الميلادي، وتعتبر من أوائل المدارس التي افتتحت في البحرين والقائمون عليها هم مجموعة من البحرينيين من ذوي الاصول الايرانية، وعلى رغم استعداد الكثير من الشخصيات لتبني إعادة بناء المبنى فإن الجهات المعنية لم تعر تلك الشخصيات أي اهتمام. ويعتبر مبنى المدرسة أحد المباني التراثية في البحرين.
[The residents expressed their concerns about the potential harm to children who often play near the school building, which has become very old and is also very close to one of the mosques, posing a risk to mosque-goers when they enter or exit. It is noted that the Iranian school was closed during the uprising of the 1990s in 1996, after Bahrain accused Iran of interfering in its internal affairs. The school was established in the late 19th century and is considered one of the first schools opened in Bahrain, founded by a group of Bahrainis of Iranian descent. Despite many individuals expressing their willingness to support the reconstruction of the building, the relevant authorities have shown no interest in these individuals. The school building is regarded as one of the heritage sites in Bahrain.] - ^ "کرانه - معنی در دیکشنری آبادیس" [Meaning of "Karaneh"]. abadis.ir. Archived from the original on 2024-09-18. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Smart, J. R. (2013). Tradition and Modernity in Arabic Language And Literature. Psychology Press. ISBN 9780700704118.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ a b c d e f Holes, Clive (2001). Dialect, Culture, and Society in Eastern Arabia: Glossary. BRILL. pp. XXIV–XXVI. ISBN 978-9004107632.
Thus the elements in the pre-Islamic ethno-linguistic situation in eastern Arabia appear to have been a mixed tribal population of partially Christianised Arabs of diverse origins who probably spoke different old Arabian vernaculars; a mobile Persian-speaking population, possibly of traders and administrators, with strong links to Persia, which they maintained close contact; a small sedentary, non-tribal community of Aramaic-speaking agriculturalists; a Persian clergy, who we know for certain, used Syriac as a language of liturgy and writing more generally, probably alongside Persian as a spoken language.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ Netton, Ian Richard (2006-03-09). A Popular Dictionary of Islam. Routledge. ISBN 9781135797737.
- ^ Husain Syed, Muzaffar (2011). A concise history of Islam. Syed Saud Akhtar, Babuddin Usmani (unabridged ed.). Vij Books India Pvt Ltd. pp. 421–3. ISBN 9789382573470. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f Houtsma, M. Th (1993). E.J. Brill's First Encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936, Volume 5. BRILL. p. 98. ISBN 978-9004097919.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ Al-Rumaihi, Mohammed Ghanim (1973). "Social and political change in Bahrain since the First World War" (PDF). Durham University. pp. 46–47. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 August 2022.
- ^ Maddern, Kerra; Exeter, University of. "Archaeologists discover one of the earliest Christian buildings in Bahrain". phys.org. Archived from the original on 2024-07-14. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ a b "الموقع الرسمي للشيخ محمد صالح المنجد - 09- حديث مال البحرين". almunajjid.com. Archived from the original on 2024-04-14. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i al-Dimashqi, ibn Kathir. al-Bidaya wa l-Nihaya [The Beginning and The End] (in Arabic). Vol. 7.
- ^ a b c d Husain Syed, Muzaffar (2011). A concise history of Islam. Syed Saud Akhtar, Babuddin Usmani (unabridged ed.). Vij Books India Pvt Ltd. pp. 421–3. ISBN 9789382573470. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
- ^ a b c Sunan Abu Dawood 3044
- ^ a b Sahih al-Bukhari 3158, 4015, 6425
- ^ Jamiʽ al-Tirmidhi 1588, Muwatta Imam Malik 615, 618
- ^ Robinson, Francis, ed. (1998). The Cambridge illustrated history of the Islamic world (Repr. ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 132. ISBN 9780521669931. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
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