Al Muharraq
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Al Muharraq (Arabic: المحرق) (meaning Place of Ashes), Bahrain's capital until 1923, has long been a centre of religiosity.
The city's origins are ancient, going back to the time of Dilmun some five thousand years ago, but it came to prominence in the historical records during the era of Tylos when Bahrain came under domination of the Selucid Greeks, and Muharraq was the centre of a pagan cult dedicated to the shark god, Awal. The city's inhabitants, who depended upon seafaring and trade for their livelihood, worshipped Awal in the form of a large statue of a shark located in the city.
By the fifth century AD, Muharraq had become a major centre of Nestorian Christianity, which had come to dominate the southern shores of the Gulf. As a sect, the Nestorians were often persecuted as heretics by the Byzantine Empire, but Bahrain was outside the Empire's control offering some safety. The names of several of Muharraq's villages today reflect this Christian legacy, with Al-Dair meaning 'the monastery' and Qalali meaning a 'monk's cloisters'.
The area remains a bastion of religious belief today as the stronghold of Bahrain's main salafist party, Asalah. With most women veiled, as a city it is considered notably more conservative than other parts of Bahrain.
Bahrain International Airport is located on the island, although religious extremist MPs have sought to have it moved to another part of the country after residents complained of 'noise pollution'. Near Muharraq there is a man made island called AMWAJ Island, which has many large buildings, hotels and beaches. Among them is AMWAJ Plaza 1, a 10 story building with all modern facilities.
Muharraq island is also home to Muharraq Club, which is the oldest sports club in the Gulf region. Muharraq Club has won the Bahraini Football Premier League 28 times.
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