Although many countries lack the means to preserving one's history, the task becomes more difficult due to the fact that its history and culture can not be limited to a certain period of time.
The statement above may as well be applied to the City of Manama, which was no way to be found in history except in the early literary genres of the sixteenth century during the Portuguese colonization. It seems unjust to think of the birth of this great city in this Era.
In history we find records of Belad Al.Qadeem as the capital of Bahrain before Manama. But Excavations have revealed the enormous significance of the city of Manama at that period of time and prior to it. Manama was a sea front city which had played a huge part in forming the cultural entity of the Bahraini people. The Ferdhah or Manama's harbor – which Manama derives it's fame from later on - was a crossroad for various ancient cultures.
Manama's geographical boarders were not similar to the one we know today.. the concept of building a modern state played a major role in changing the geographical features of this city, given the fact that Bahrain is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet the largest in population growth which consequently reflects on the standards of living, management, culture and geography as well.
Until the 1970s, Manama was not as connected to the neighboring villages as it is in the present day, villages like Sanabus, Jedhafs and Al.Burhama Area.
As a result of the cultural development and the increase of population, Bahrainis felt the need to give up a large part of the Green Belt Area- which used to separate the City of Manama from its surrounding villages- for the sake of Urban Development to create Complexes, Malls… etc.
Compared to other developing countries, Bahrain was and still is in the lead when it comes to Urban development. Bahrain is devoting the modern building of it's establishments to serve society and citizen's affairs.
Bahrain had shown great initiative since the early 20th century to finding ways of achieving gradual progress in Municipal services and giving the citizens the right in participating effectively in such matters.
In the Area of Municipal affairs, Bahrain is considered one of the Avant-guards due to the forming of the first Municipal council simultaneous with the lunching of the same trial in biggest Arab country, Egypt. Bahrain was the first to witness a development in the public administration published and documented on a legal basis for public viewing by establishing the First Municipality on the level of GCC countries, which is Capital Secretariat.
Capital Municipality was found in 1919. At that period of time such establishment , or anything like it, dedicated to performing the services provided now by the municipality did not exist.
It was not until the government felt the need to create such establishment to maintain the health and safety of the citizens and regulate their everyday affairs.
Capital Municipality. is considered one of the first municipalities established in the Arab Area and it is one of the first official establishments in the Kingdom when the administrations were first governed. In 1920 the first Municipal Code was issued. This Code represents the essence of the Municipal system which is to preserve the safety and the well-being of the inhabitants. It begun with issuing numbers for houses and shops.
The municipality phased through during this long period which extended from 1919 until this day bringing in an admirable development .
Area of Manama : 37.53 km2
Population : 329.51