Sh. Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort Bahrain - Bahrain History

Sh. Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort is one of the significant historical forts of Bahrain. It is characterized by its strategic position, as it was built over a cliff in order to have control over the flat desert between the two cities of eastern and western Riffa.

It was in the 17th century - 11th A.H during the reign of Sheikh Al-Gabrey that the Fort was originally built by the Sheikh's minister, Sheikh Fraer Bin Rahal. He settled in Eastern Riffa and built a fort which was described as great and well fortified. After the victory of Al-Khalifa over the previous ruler in Bahrain, and during the reign of Sheikh Sulman Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa in 1795-1209 A.H., a new Fort was built on the ruins of the old Fort. Also a sweet water well was dug out which was known as "Alhenainia well', near the Fort. The construction date of the Fort has been documented in poetry on the main gate giving the exact date for this occasion as 1812-1227 A.H.

The Fort was primarily built for military purpose, constructed in a square shape with a total area of 2500 meters. At a later period, the Fort became residential after the frontiers of the Island were secured. It was divided into three separate courtyards surrounded by rooms and utility chambers, and connected by a door that could be closed when needed.

The Fort represents a model of the 19th century Islamic Military architecture and the traditional building methods of the area. The Fort was constructed on a cliff using local materials of desert stone, lime, gypsum, clay, palm trunks and mangrove poles. The roof was insulated with clay while certain rooms were decorated with gypsum carvings. All together there were 35 rooms for all purposes and household activities.

In 1987 a plan for restoring the Fort was submitted, while the work was initiated in 1989, and continued until December 1993, when the Fort was inaugurated by His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Essa Bin Sulman Al-Khalifa.

Despite the lack of documentation about the history of the mosque next to the Fort local stories have affirmed the existence of an old mosque at the same period as that of the Fort. The stories also add that the old mosque consisted of two doors in the northern and southern walls. Also, much evidence shows that a small mosque was built within the Fort for the soldiers. At a later period when the Fort became residential, the mosque was separated, in order to serve the large audience of Riffa city. The mosque since then has witnessed many alterations in its construction, the last of which was in 1954 when Sheikh Sulman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Ruler of Bahrain, ordered the reconstruction of the old mosque.

Contact details - Tel: +973 17779 394 Fax: +973 17293 820

Information from Ministry of Information - Kingdom of Bahrain

Al Jasrah House