BD400,000 restoration of ancient spring by month-end
THE Restoration work oon the ancient Ayn Um Ish’oom (natural spring)’ costing BD400,000,will be completed by the month-end, the Head of the Parks and Beautification Design Section, Ali Salman Khalaf, told the Bahrain Tribune yesterday.The idea for reviving this natural spring is unique among many of the projects suggested by the Manama Municipal Council and special emphasis has been made to this project by the Design Section of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture throughout from analysis study to the renovation, he said.“The reconstruction work started few months month after a careful study in order to bring back the natural spring and its surrounding as it was during the olden days. About 90 per cent of the reconstruction work at the Ayn Um Ish’oom is complete and will conclude by this month end.”He said it is a brilliant concept to rehabilitate one of the natural springs, which highlights Bahrain’s historical significance and heritage. “Keeping in mind the present situation of the natural springs in Bahrain which are under threat of extinction, we wanted to recover the entire site to remind the new generation about their country’s history. The designing of this site was brought together with the idea of attracting youngsters along with their parents by offering entertainment activities for them.”Khalaf said: “The redesigning of Ayn Um Ish’oom was done with the aim of preserving the historic site and providing recreational activities for the families. The present design will create an atmosphere that will remind the parents of their childhood at this place and will also tell their children stories of this famous spring.”“The historical significance of the availability of these springs in Bahrain was that people in the old days were sure that Bahrain was the Dilmun where ancient civilisations lived. The history of Dilmun also proves that many natural springs were found on this land.”“The design section referred to the historical background and the first criteria for the design was to recall the old images of the spring. We collected whatever we could from the old pictures and we tried to copy the actual image as much as possible,” he said. “The original shape of the profile includes palm trees in the surroundings, the mosque by the spring – In the old days most mosques were found near the natural springs – so that the people could wash and clean themselves to attend prayers. In those days water resources were not available everywhere.”Khalaf said that the new look of this site would consist of the natural springs, the mosque and a garden. This is almost what the original image was, but with a new concept. Prior to the designing stage an intensive site analysis was conducted.“We inspected the location, the access roads and the directions. We also collected the activities that were taking place around this spring in the old days, so that we can utilise some of it in our garden. While designing the site, we also considered the privacy of the users and swimmers in this spring. the reconstruction will allow total privacy to the users from the road sides. We also studied the urban context, we matched the buildings with the urban characters, for example, we did not suggest minarets because in the old days most mosques did not have any.”He said that one of the major difficulties which faced the design section was the services such as electricity cables, water system and sewerage networks.Khalaf said: “We had to make adjustments in our design wherever there were cables. The site has two historical natural springs Ayn Al Kabeera ( the big spring) and Ayn Al Saghera (the small spring), with the mosque and access between each spring. The access roads to this spring is also a historical one, it was a major entry point to Al Mahoos village.“At the centre of the area the spring has two accesses for the residents of Mahoos village and another one for visitors coming from Adliya. This site leads to the open ceremonial plaza, which was requested by the Manama Municipal Council because historically this open space was also used for wedding receptions. So in order to maintain its background we had made this ceremonial plaza for parties.”Khalaf said: “In order to attract passersby to this site, there will be two water fountains on either side of this location. With the success of this unique project, the Ministry has issued orders to develop such natural springs and to revive two or more of such springs in all the five governorates.” Last update on: 16-8-2005
