Traditional Weaving Houses | Aur Atoll

Information

Landmark: Traditional Weaving Houses
City: Aur Atoll
Country: Marshall Islands
Continent: Australia

Traditional Weaving Houses, Aur Atoll, Marshall Islands, Australia

Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa is a historic house museum located in the village of Barbar, Bahrain.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is constructed primarily from coral stone and gypsum plaster. It features traditional Bahraini architectural elements including arched doorways, wooden doors with decorative metalwork, and a central courtyard. The exterior walls are whitewashed, with exposed coral stone visible in some areas. The building consists of multiple rooms arranged around the courtyard, with a two-story section on one side.

Location & Access Logistics

The landmark is situated approximately 10 kilometers west of the capital city, Manama. Access is via Road 101, which connects to the main Budaiya Highway (Road 55). Parking is available in designated areas adjacent to the site. Public bus routes serving the Barbar area include lines 10 and 11, with stops within a 500-meter walk of the house.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa was originally built in the late 19th century as the residence of Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain from 1932 to 1942. It served as a seat of governance and a family home. The construction utilizes locally sourced coral stone, a common building material in Bahrain's coastal regions due to its availability and insulating properties.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the restored rooms, which showcase traditional Bahraini furnishings and artifacts. The central courtyard offers an open space for observation. Guided tours are available, detailing the history of the house and the life of Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. Photography of the interior and exterior is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present within the courtyard. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the vicinity. No on-site food vendors are present, but local cafes and restaurants are located within a 1-kilometer radius in Barbar village.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is in the late morning or late afternoon when the sunlight provides softer illumination on the coral stone. The most favorable months for visiting are from October to April, when temperatures are cooler. There are no tide-dependent access requirements.

Facts & Legends

A notable feature of the house is its traditional wind towers (barjeel), designed to capture and direct prevailing winds for natural ventilation, a sophisticated climate control system predating modern air conditioning.