Al Jasrah House Bahrain History
Al Jasrah House is a fine example of traditional Bahraini architecture,
distinguished by its external simplicity. It was constructed from
local building materials, principally coral stone from the shallow
sea-beds, gypsum, lime and clay. The trunk of date palm trees were
used for strengthening both the outside and inside walls. The ceilings
were made with materials from the date palm, bamboo reeds, rush mats
and mangrove poles. All of these materials were readily available
in the local markets.
The house was built by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa in 1907. Shaikh Sulman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, ruler from 1942 to 1961, used the house. It was here that the present Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Sulman Al-Khalifa, was born on 3rd July 1933. This architectural style was developed to provide comfortable living conditions in the hot climate of Bahrain. The thick walls insulate the rooms from external heat.
The Summer Room (Al Ghrfa) on the upper floor takes advantage of summer breezes in the same way as the traditional wind tower. The wooden shutters allow the breezes to circulate through the room.
Each room has small openings at floor level to ventilate and circulate the air.
Additional building have been added to the complex, such as the Reception Room or Majlis which has been built opposite the entrance to the house. It is of the same architectural style as the original house. Other buildings have been added to provide offices and space for visitors' facilities. The lovely gardens have been landscaped with some of the plants and trees for which Bahrain is famous, such as the date palm tree, Bahraini almond, pomegranate, wild berries and tamarind. The area is bordered by flowers and lavender.
The Director of Museums and heritage has restored the house to its original state by using the same local materials. The rooms are furnished as they would have been in the 1930s.
The house consists of four family rooms on ground level and one room on the upper floor. There is also a Black Honey Room, a Kitchen and an Animal Enclosure.
Men's Sitting Room (Majlis). This is located near the main entrance so that male visitors could enter directly from the outside. The floor is laid with rush mats covered with Persian carpets. Around the walls is Arabic-style seating with pillows and cushions embroidered with a colourful design.
Ladies Sitting Room (Al Makad). It was here that the women of the family entertained their guests.
Living Room (Hujarat al Mayisha)
Summer Room (Al Gurfa). This room, located on the upper floor, was a later addition, built as a private room for the ruler, Shaikh Salmon bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
Visiting Hours
Saturday: Closed
Sunday to Tuesday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Wednesday to Thursday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Information and pictures obtained from Ministry of Information, Culture & National Heritage