Liwan

Liwan is a beautifully photographed tribute to Bahrain’s architectural soul — a visual study of traditional Bahraini homes and the cultural symbolism embedded in their design.

The book focuses on traditional architecture in Bahrain and the Gulf, addressing its images and text, identity, terms, definitions, stories, characters and biographies of builders and architects, houses, landscape, interior design, publications, projects, and construction tools, in order to contribute to restoring the value of that architecture which has parallels to the essence of humanity.

The liwan — a shaded, open-air hall or sitting space — once stood at the heart of the Bahraini house, reflecting warmth, hospitality, and a seamless bond between indoors and nature. Through the lens of master photographer Abdullah Al Khan, this book captures the elegance of wooden doors, arched windows, and intricate carvings that define local heritage.

More than architecture, Liwan tells a story of lifestyle, memory, and identity, preserving the details of spaces that are fading with modern transformation. It is a vital record of Bahrain’s lived environment — its textures, light, and soul.