BAHRAIN’S dhow making tradition is at risk of dying out, it has been claimed.

Experts say the industry, which stretches back hundreds of years, is not being given enough attention despite once being a source of national pride.

Only around 50 dhow makers are estimated to still ply their trade in Bahrain, many of who are expatriates.

Leading dhow maker Yousif Bahr pointed to the fact that Qatar had been chosen as the location for a major traditional dhow festival for the last three years.

“The tradition of dhow building goes back decades and was something renowned for in the region,” he said.

“Bahrain was a leading country for the craft.

“Ship owners and sailors used to talk about the preciseness of dhows built in Bahrain, so it was a source of national pride for us.

“That’s why a festival like the one in Qatar should also be held in Bahrain, it being the capital of dhow making.”

Mr Bahr said festival at Qatar attracts Bahraini dhow builders every year, as well as enthusiasts of the region’s tradition.

“It should be also held in Bahrain to highlight this craft, which has been here for more than a century,” he said.

“The Culture Ministry is doing its best to revive crafts and heritage of Bahrain.

“But I call on them to bring this festival to Bahrain as well to showcase how it was a main business.”

Bahrain’s dhow making tradition peaked during the early 1900s at the height of the pearl diving industry, which was the country’s main source of income before the discovery of oil in 1929.

Mr Bahr, who learnt the craft from his father and grandfather, said attempts to safeguard the tradition in Bahrain were very rare.

He believes organising workshops that teach dhow making and its history to youngsters and starting centres that safeguard such crafts are vital to ensure it does not die out.

“This can be a unique way to keep the tradition of dhow building alive and bring interest in the industry,” said Mr Bahr.

“It can be something not only aiming at reviving the tradition but bringing an industry back to Bahrain.

“Old dhow makers used to tell me that Bahrain was a favoured place for those wishing to have dhows built.

“Bahrainis were known for their precise and excellent work in building dhows and this should not go to waste.

“We can have young Bahrainis taking the industry as a career and learn the old and new means of building ships and import it to the world.”

The father-of-four says he is doing his part to teach the craft and its history to his children.

“My children have enjoyed watching me build dhows with my brother since a young age,” he said.

“They are slowly giving a hand.

“This craft should be safeguarded as it not only teaches you about ship building, but also about patience and challenging yourself to build something triple your size.”

Culture Ministry officials could not be reached for comment, but Mr Bahr’s comments were backed up by Bahraini author Nooh Khalifa.

“Dhow making is one of the main crafts in Bahrain and has been throughout its history,” he said.

“It should be safeguarded and revived as it not only represent parts of our proud heritage but is also a craft that is cherished.

“Crafts like this can help in the future when energy costs rise and help protect the economy.”

basma@gdn.com.bh