When History Is Shortened In One Place - Al Mubarakiya

Al-Mubarakiya "Durra Al-Kuwait" has shaken off the traces of the fire that nearly emptied and destroyed the heritage, has recovered consciousness after the smoke muffled its breath, and has regained a brilliance that emanates history, individuality, and grandeur.

The fire that raged in the heart of Mubarakiya and even spread to multiple markets did not want the flames to linger any longer, in response to all Kuwait's supplication, "O fire, be cool and peaceful," and out of respect for the people of Kuwait who felt their heartbeat had almost stopped, especially since Kuwaitis regard Mubarakiya as the lung of pleasure, shopping, and reminiscence, and every Kuwaiti has a story to tell about Mubarakiya.

Al Mubarakiya is home to historical sites such as the Mubarak Kiosk and the Mubarakiya School, as well as markets such as the gold market, the sweets market, the bashout, the money exchanges, the house for Ghatra, the Aql, the tasbeeh, the fish, the meat, the vegetables, the souk harem, and the dates all under one roof, in addition to the Ruwaih library, Q

The Mubarakiya market is distinguished by its historic urban form, which has been updated to make it more appealing to visitors and suited for the present period. The market's historical character provides historical aspects, making it a popular destination for heritage enthusiasts. Here's a glance at what's within.

Mubarak's booth... The government's seat

The Mubarak booth, located in the heart of Mubarakiya, was built 130 years ago by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Kabeer, the seventh ruler of the State of Kuwait, and is considered the basic building block for establishing the rules of modern Kuwait. It was used to discuss the affairs of the country, where problems and obstacles facing the country were examined and the ruler found solutions, and thus the booth served as a shura council.

Al-Mubarakiya School is a private school located in Al-Mubarakiya,

The Mubarakiya School was established in a Qusai corner of the region, as Kuwait was the first in the region to establish a regular school, based on curricular and an educational plan implemented by the teaching staff, as opposed to what was happening in the primitive schools where schooling was limited to teaching the basics of reading and arithmetic.

When the Mubarakiya School opened in December 1911, the school administration decided to form a financial council to oversee financial matters and expenditures in order to ensure the smooth operation of the educational process, especially since the school relied on donations to purchase the necessities of a modern educational institution.

Café Abu Nashi

The Abu Nashi Café was Kuwait's earliest and oldest café, and one of the city's most well-known monuments, with a rich history brimming with events and political developments. The café was constructed under Sheikh Abdullah bin Sabah I's rule, which began in 1762. In the past, the café was an important part of Kuwaiti social and economic life, as it was frequented by merchants, snorkelers, and the general public to exchange conversations, conduct commercial transactions such as buying and selling, and host Arab Gulf merchants for trade exchange and the conclusion of various deals.

The Bonachi Café was first located near the entrance to Al-Manakh Square, then moved to the indoor market, and finally to Safat Square after the café was dismantled.

The government gave this café to the Bonachi family after remodeling the current indoor market to preserve Kuwait's ancient legacy and memories. Kuwaitis' recollections of the café are etched in their minds, conveying nostalgia and bearing witness to the passage of time.

Ibn Rushdan's Caesarea... Al-headquarters Bazzazin's

The Ibn Rushdan Caesarea was built in Mubarakiya a century ago to house the bazaars (cloth sellers) who preferred to relocate from their old headquarters in the Khalil al-Qattan market to the merchant's market in order to take advantage of a tempting offer made by the market's owner, the late Rashid bin Rashid al-Azmi, one of the largest real estate merchants and shipowners at the turn of the twentieth century.

Ibn Rushdan attracted textile merchants to migrate to the merchant's market by exempting them from paying rent for a year, after which the monthly fee was one rupee per store, and the Ibn Rushdan market grew, becoming one of Kuwait's most important marketplaces due to its prominent location and low rates.

Al-Dalloah Café has a strategic location in the middle of Mubarakiya, and is well-known for its legacy and substance, particularly because it has a long history. Its establishment dates back more than a century, and the aroma of history wafts from the walls of this historic café.

The Harem Market is a women's destination

The harem market, which was not burned, drew a lot of attention because it was the first of its kind in the Arab Gulf region, where women showcased their wares and conducted buying and selling transactions.

Despite the fact that there were few sites for female merchants at the time, more than 90 years ago, the market's fame went far and wide, attracting women seeking their requirements, and the market, in general, provided other things required by all family members. The market got its name from all-women salespeople who were looking for a way to make a living during hard times and poverty.

The market for fish

Kuwaitis have always had a strong affinity for the sea. They looked to the sea for a source of income and security and armed with steel determination and an iron will, they did not back down in the face of adversity.

They discovered a hidden pearl in the depths of the sea that gave wealth and wonderful food, which helped to alleviate the hardships and confines of existence.

Fish has an obvious market, especially since it was an essential item on the ancient Kuwaitis' tables, and the earliest sailors and fishermen encountered the sea and discovered its bounty, so they were able to enjoy the bountiful goodness that gave them a lot of money. The sea was the foundation of the early Kuwaitis' friendship.

Kuwait Hospital... Al-Attarin Market

There were no doctors or pharmacies in Kuwait more than 120 years ago. Rather, people relied on Al-Attar – the perfumery store owner – to heal them for diseases or ailments using herbs or other natural remedies.

Al-Attar worked as a perfumer and was well-versed in medicinal plants and herbs, earning him the moniker "Al-Hawaj" in Kuwait. The perfumery shops had a wide variety of herbs and plants, including anything that sprang to mind.

The foreign exchange market- A global trading center

In terms of location, the money market was not far from the various shops; there is a strong link between the money exchange market and other financial transactions, as well as the shops that surround it; and Kuwait's geographical proximity paved the way for it to become an important commercial center, and the presence of money changers in this location facilitates customers who want to exchange money.

The wealth of the exchange businesses indicates a market boom, or, in other words, economic prosperity. It's a chain of events. If one of its links fails, the remaining links will inevitably suffer as well.

The present method of money exchange differed from the one that had previously been approved. The money changer used to rent a small shop and sit in the midst of it on the ground, with a wooden box less than a meter long in front of him containing the coins he required.

The box also included a glass cover with a wooden frame that could be removed to reveal the currencies inside. The teller purchased various currencies from merchants who travel to Kuwait to purchase their necessities.

The market of Dates... The best quality dates were found in the market near Sikkat Al Ateeqi, which was the largest in terms of the number of shops and the most popular at the time. Another market in Mubarakiya, located near the pigeon market, was dedicated to selling dates to people with low income or to ship captains, for the purpose of providing it as food for sailors during diving, while the best quality types were found in the market near Sikkat Al Ateeqi, which was the largest in terms of

The Al-Bashout Market is a symbol of refinement

It dates from the early 1930s, when it relocated from the merchant's market to its current location on the eastern side of Al-Gharbally Market, overlooking the Exchange Square, and extending to the Exchange Square.

Despite changes in men's design and apparel in Kuwait, the Bisht maintained its social standing, grandeur, and loftiness, serving as a symbol of elegance, a witness to reverence, and an emblem of the wearer's regard.

In the past, notables and the privileged desired to wear the bisht at all times and on all occasions, but it was eventually restricted to official functions and weddings.

The bisht industry was linked to a number of Kuwaiti families that traded and sold it and saw it as a tradition and an ancient vocation.

The Najafi bisht, which is spun and weaved by hand and is characterized by its lightweight and fine thread, is one of the most popular varieties of bisht among Kuwaitis. Also, light and medium bishts, such as London, are preferred, followed by Japanese Najafi bishts, with black and cream being the most popular colors.

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