Jidd Ḩafş, Bahrain
Region: Bahrain
Geographic Coordinates: 26.219000, 50.538000
Climate: Data not available.
Population: 44769
Language: Arabic
Jidd Ḩafş, Also known as Jidhafs or Jid Ali, Is a bustling neighborhood located in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Situated in the northwestern part of the country, Jidd Ḩafş is one of the oldest and most historic areas on the island. Its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere make it an intriguing destination for locals and tourists alike. The neighborhood’s name translates to Grandfather Hafs, Paying homage to an ancient figure who was believed to have settled in this area centuries ago.
Jidd Ḩafş is known for its traditional architecture, With narrow streets lined by charming old houses made from coral stones and palm tree trunks. Walking through these lanes feels like stepping back in time, Offering a glimpse into Bahrain’s past. One of the main attractions in Jidd Ḩafş is its lively souq (market). Here you can find a wide array of goods, Including spices, Textiles, Jewelry, Traditional garments such as abayas and thobes (robe-like dresses worn by women and men respectively), Handicrafts, And fresh produce.
The market buzzes with activity as locals haggle over prices while vendors passionately showcase their wares. Within close proximity to Jidd Ḩafş lies Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort—an iconic landmark that dates back to the 19th century. This well-preserved fort offers visitors a chance to explore its intricate architecture while learning about Bahrain’s history through informative exhibits displayed inside. Jidd Ḩafş also boasts several parks where families can enjoy picnics or leisurely strolls amidst beautiful greenery. One such park is Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre Park which features lush gardens adorned with sculptures created by local artists.
For those seeking spiritual solace or cultural immersion, There are several mosques within Jidd Ḩafş that are worth visiting. The prominent Al-Mustafa Mosque stands tall with its stunning architecture and intricate calligraphy, Offering a serene space for prayer and reflection. In terms of amenities, Jidd Ḩafş is well-equipped with various shops, Restaurants, Cafes, And supermarkets catering to the needs of residents and visitors. Whether you’re craving traditional Bahraini cuisine or international flavors, The neighborhood offers a diverse culinary scene that will satisfy any palate. Overall, Jidd Ḩafş encapsulates the essence of Bahrain’s cultural heritage while embracing modernity.
Its historical charm combined with bustling markets, Beautiful parks, Architectural wonders like Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort, And vibrant community make it an enchanting place to explore during your visit to Bahrain.
- Bahrain International Circuit: Located nearby in Sakhir, this Formula 1 race track hosts the annual Bahrain Grand Prix and offers various motorsport events throughout the year.
- Al Areen Wildlife Park: Situated close to Jidd Ḩafş, this nature reserve is home to a variety of indigenous Arabian wildlife, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, ostriches, and more.
- Al Fateh Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world located in Manama (the capital city), it features stunning architecture and beautiful interiors open for visitors.
- Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort): A UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on Bahrain’s northern coast near Manama, this ancient fort dates back to 2800 BC and offers historical insights into Bahrain’s rich past.
- The Tree of Life: Located southeast of Jidd Ḩafş near Jebel Dukhan (Bahrain’s highest point), this solitary tree stands amidst desert surroundings without a known water source—a natural wonder attracting tourists.
- Bab Al Bahrain: Situated in Manama’s old town area called Manama Souq, Bab Al Bahrain is an iconic gateway that serves as an entrance to the bustling market with shops selling traditional goods and souvenirs.
- Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House: A historic house museum located on Muharraq Island (near Jidd Ḩafş), showcasing traditional Gulf architecture with beautifully decorated rooms offering insights into local life during previous centuries.
While Jidd Ḩafş itself may not have prominent landmarks, its proximity to these attractions allows visitors to explore the diverse offerings in Bahrain.
- Retail: There are several small retail stores and supermarkets in Jidd Ḩafş, catering to the needs of the local population.
- Services: Various service-based businesses such as salons, tailoring shops, laundry services, and car repair workshops can be found in the town.
- Hospitality: Some small hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants cater to tourists visiting nearby attractions like Al Areen Wildlife Park or those passing through on their way to other parts of Bahrain.
- Agriculture: Due to its location near agricultural areas such as Zallaq and Budaiya, some farms and nurseries can be found in Jidd Ḩafş.
- Construction: With ongoing infrastructure development projects across Bahrain, including nearby areas like Diyar Al Muharraq or Hidd Industrial Area, construction-related businesses such as building material suppliers or contractors may operate from Jidd Ḩafş.
It’s important to note that Jidd Ḩafş is primarily a residential area rather than an industrial hub; therefore, major industries tend to be concentrated in other parts of Bahrain with larger industrial zones and commercial centers.
- Pearl Diving: Historically, Jidd Ḩafş was known for its involvement in the pearl diving industry. Pearling was a major economic activity in Bahrain before the discovery of oil, and Jidd Ḩafş played a significant role as one of the villages where pearl divers resided.
- Traditional Architecture: The village is renowned for its traditional architecture, characterized by narrow alleys and old-style houses made from coral stones and mud bricks. These structures represent the traditional way of life in Bahrain before modernization.
- Al-Sayyid Ja’far bin Al-Sayyid Ahmad Al-Jamri: One notable person associated with Jidd Ḩafş is Al-Sayyid Ja’far bin Al-Sayyid Ahmad Al-Jamri (1910-1997). He was an influential religious scholar who lived in the village and played a key role in spreading Islamic teachings throughout Bahrain.
- Cultural Heritage: Jidd Ḩafş embodies much of Bahrain’s cultural heritage, preserving traditions such as folk music, dance, handicrafts, and culinary arts. The village has become a popular tourist destination due to its cultural significance.
- Modern Developments: In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve and revitalize Jidd Ḩafş while also introducing modern developments that respect its historical character. Various restoration projects have taken place to maintain the authenticity of this ancient village.
While not extensively documented on an international scale like some other historical sites or figures from Bahrain’s history, these aspects make Jidd Ḩafş a notable place within the context of Bahrain’s cultural heritage and traditional way of life.
- Bahrain National Museum: Located in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, this museum offers a comprehensive insight into the country’s history and culture. It showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations, traditional crafts, archaeological finds, and more.
- Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort): Also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the outskirts of Manama. This archaeological site dates back to 2300 BC and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Al-Fatih Mosque: Situated in Manama, this grand mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers at a time. It features beautiful Islamic architecture with intricate designs.
- Tree of Life: Located in Sakhir desert near Jidd Ḩafş village, this iconic tree stands alone amidst barren land for over 400 years without a known water source nearby. It’s considered a natural wonder and attracts many visitors.
- Beit Al Quran: Situated in Hoora district of Manama, this museum houses an extensive collection of Qurans from different periods and regions around the world.
- Arad Fort: Another historical fort located near Muharraq Island (close to Jidd Ḩafş), Arad Fort dates back to the 15th century AD and provides insights into Bahrain’s defensive architecture.
- Muharraq Souq: Explore this traditional marketplace located on Muharraq Island offering various shops selling spices, textiles, perfumes along with cafes serving local delicacies.
While Jidd Ḩafş itself may not have many tourist attractions, these nearby places provide a diverse range of cultural, historical, and natural experiences for visitors to Bahrain.
- Bahrain National Football Team: The national football team of Bahrain represents the country in international football competitions. They have participated in multiple AFC Asian Cup tournaments and have made attempts to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
- Al-Muharraq SC: Al-Muharraq Sports Club is one of the most successful football clubs in Bahrain’s history. They have won numerous domestic league titles and are known for their passionate fan base.
- Riffa Club: Riffa Sports Club is another prominent football club based in Riffa, a city close to Jidd Ḩafş. They have also achieved success domestically, winning multiple league titles.
- Manama Club: Manama Sports Club is one of the oldest clubs in Bahrain and has a rich history across various sports including football, basketball, handball, and volleyball.
- Al-Najma SC: Al-Najma Sports Club competes primarily in basketball but also participates in other sports such as handball and volleyball.
These are just a few examples of well-known sports teams from Bahrain on a national level; however, Jidd Ḩafş itself does not have any notable teams or specific sporting histories documented at this time.
- Bahrain National Day: Celebrated on December 16th each year, this event commemorates the country’s independence from British rule in 1971. The day is marked with various festivities including parades, fireworks, traditional music performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Ramadan: As a predominantly Muslim country, Bahrain observes the holy month of Ramadan with great enthusiasm. During this time, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and engage in religious activities such as prayer and Quran recitation. In Jidd Ḩafş, you can witness the vibrant atmosphere during iftar (the meal to break the fast) at local mosques or visit traditional Ramadan tents for social gatherings.
- Eid Al-Fitr: This festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with immense joy throughout Bahrain. Families come together to enjoy feasts and exchange gifts while children receive Eidiya, monetary gifts given by elders as a token of blessings.
- Ashoora Processions: Ashoora is a significant religious event observed by Shia Muslims worldwide to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad). In Jidd Ḩafş, you may witness processions where participants engage in self-flagellation rituals accompanied by chanting prayers.
- Gulf Weekly Food Festival: Although not specific to Jidd Ḩafş but held nearby at The Avenues Mall in Manama (around 20 minutes away), this food festival showcases diverse cuisines from around the world along with live entertainment acts and food competitions.
It’s important to note that while these events occur annually or during specific religious occasions, it’s always recommended to check the local calendar and confirm the dates and details of these festivals in advance.
- Machboos: A traditional Bahraini dish made with rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a blend of spices. It is often garnished with fried onions and served with yogurt.
- Grilled Seafood: Jidd Ḩafş offers excellent fresh seafood options such as grilled fish, shrimp, crab, and lobster.
- Shawarma: This Middle Eastern street food favorite can be found in various restaurants around Jidd Ḩafş. It consists of thinly sliced marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) wrapped in Arabic bread along with vegetables and sauces.
- Al Abraaj Restaurant: Located near Juffair Mall in Jidhafs area, this restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring both Bahraini and international dishes. Their Machboos is highly recommended.
- Al-Mahfaza Restaurant: Situated on Budaiya Road in the nearby town of Budaiya (close to Jidd Ḩafş), this restaurant specializes in traditional Bahraini cuisine including Machboos, Harees (a wheat-based dish), grilled seafood, and more.
- Al Arisha Restaurant: Another popular spot for local cuisine located on Sheikh Salman Highway near the village of Karbabad (nearby to Jidhafs). They serve authentic Bahraini dishes like Fish Masgouf (grilled fish) alongside other Middle Eastern delicacies.
- Local Cafeterias: In addition to these restaurants, you can also find smaller local cafeterias or cafes that offer quick bites like shawarma sandwiches or traditional Bahraini snacks like Samboosa (samosa) and Foul (fava bean stew).
Remember that Bahraini cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and influence from neighboring countries. Exploring local eateries in Jidd Ḩafş will give you a chance to experience the authentic taste of Bahrain.
- Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park: Located in the heart of Jidd Ḩafş, this park offers a large green space with walking paths, playgrounds for children, and picnic areas.
- Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre: This center showcases traditional Bahraini crafts and offers workshops where visitors can learn various handicraft skills such as pottery making, weaving, and basketry.
- The Royal Golf Club: Situated nearby in Riffa Views, this golf club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Colin Montgomerie. It also includes a driving range and a clubhouse with dining options.
- Al Areen Wildlife Park: Although not located directly in Jidd Ḩafş but nearby in Sakhir, this park is worth mentioning as it is one of the largest nature reserves in Bahrain. Visitors can see various species of animals like Arabian oryxes, gazelles, ostriches, and more.
- Horseback Riding at Al-Areen Equestrian Centre: Also located within the Al Areen Wildlife Park complex is an equestrian center where individuals can enjoy horseback riding lessons or guided trail rides through the surrounding desert landscapes.
- Wahooo! Waterpark: Situated nearby in Manama city but easily accessible from Jidd Ḩafş via road connections; Wahooo! Waterpark offers thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers for both adults and children to have fun-filled aquatic adventures.
These are just a few examples of public parks and recreational activities available near Jidd Ḩafş in Bahrain.
