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Four-fifths of the population live in cities, the majority in Manama which is the capital and the largest urban center. Manama has mostly modern buildings. Muharraq is the oldest town, and used to be the capital. The city has been modernized, but in the old sections one can still see traditional architecture. The houses have tall gates and shuttered windows and are designed around a central enclosed garden or courtyard. Some have wind towers, an old-fashioned form of air-conditioning. These towers are open on four sides at the top to direct passing breezes into the house.
Most rural villages have electricity and running water. Traditional houses, called barastis, were made from palm branches, but today most villagers build homes from modern materials. |
Detail from Bait Shaik Isa Bin | 
Decoration on Bait Shaik Isa Bin in Muharraq | 
Typical Bahrain house |
Window of Bait Shaik Isa Bin in Muharraq | 
Windtower on the roof of Bait Shaik Isa Bin | 
Typical Bahrain architecture |
Decorated door of Bait Shaik Isa Bin |
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