An Analysis of Commerce and Personal Identities at the Pearl Fishing Settlement of Muharraq Town, Bahrain, 1600-1950 AD.

The aims of this thesis centre on the analysis of material culture recovered from two seasons of excavation at MUH-3, an archaeological site in Muharraq Town, Bahrain. In the period 1600-1950 AD, to which the majority of material dates, Muharraq was the most prominent urban centre in Bahrain and was reliant on the pearl fishing industry. Pearl fishing was the most economically important industry of the Arabian Gulf, with Bahrain as its centre since the beginning of the pearl trade. 1600-1950 AD saw the intensification of Gulf pearl fishing, culminating in the 19th and 20th century boom period. This period also saw the integration of the region into global networks connected to Europe, urban expansion and population increase. This period and the Gulf region have been neglected in archaeological studies of the Islamic world, especially regarding the archaeology of identity. This thesis explores MUH-3 and its materials to understand the effect of these changes on commerce and personal identities of those living at Muharraq, and so begins to fill this gap. To interpret this analysis in the specific context of the Late Islamic Gulf and illuminate past personal identities, a theoretical framework combining post-structuralism, practice theory, and critical theory was derived. From this work, site use pre-1800 AD is evident, including remains relating to industrial activity. Additionally, the response of pre-existing regional trade networks – and the persistence of their importance – is shown throughout the rise in long-distance global networks. Through the theoretical framework this thesis uses the nature of commerce is characterised, and manifestations of ethnic and gender identity are identified. These findings highlight the consequences of the neglect of Gulf historical archaeology, especially regarding heritage presentation and preservation. From this, recommendations are made on how to rectify this to the benefit of the urban environment and Gulf peoples.<p></p>

Author dc:creator

• Samantha Dobson (21041297)

• Late Islamic
• Historical Archaeology
• Pearl Fishing
• Commerce

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved
• Open Access after 2027-12-15

Identifier

10779/exe.32617551.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/32617551