Al-Amn Magazine

wind. They also lack worms and microbes, which do not remain in the water for long periods due to their rapid boiling and flowing. The number of sea springs known to them by specific names is about 25, not including the small and unknown ones. Some of them are about 25 miles from the mainland, and the sea rises above them by about five «cubits» or more. Sea springs and popular memory Sea springs or small islands associated with these springs are linked to popular memory. Some of them are inhabited by jinn, while others contain the footsteps of saints and prophets. Here we give two examples of these beliefs. «Dousat Al-Rasoul» and «Bu Kadaw» in Al-Saya Al-Saya Island is a large rock west of Muharraq Island, opposite Busaiteen. It is distinguished by the presence of a hole in its centre, a water spring known as «Kawkab Al-Saya.» This spring was a source of water for the people of the Busaiteen and Ras Ruman regions. Dr. Fadl Al-Amari states that the popular mind in Bahrain associates this island with a fleeting visit by the Prophet (peace be upon him), who placed «Dousat» (meaning the place where his blessed footsteps were placed), as well as his jug and cane. The people would make celebratory visits to it on joyful occasions. More than one source confirms that vow ceremonies were held on this island in ancient times. Some locals have claimed that a genie called «Bu Kadaw» inhabits this island. Its name is derived from «Al-Kadu» (the popular tobacco smoking instrument). A sound resembling the gurgling of a «Kadu» can be heard in the hole of the spring, which is actually the sound produced by the ejection of air during high and low tides. Visitors to this island used to leave food for Abu Kadaw to protect themselves from its evil. «Sanqur» in Qasar Jarthi Qasar is the name of a small island located approximately three-quarters of a mile northeast of the village of Qalali on Muharraq Island. Near Qasar Island are two sea springs known as Jarthi or Qasar Jarthi. Some locals claimed that a genie called «Sanqur» guarded these waters. Locals used to approach him by offering food, and some sought his blessings to heal their sick or to grant a childless woman pregnancy. Sea springs and the waste of water and money When we reflect a little on these sea springs, we find that their water is wasted in the sea. In the past, people used these springs for their daily needs to a limited extent, and their water was not used for agriculture. The process of supplying water required a specific technology, not to mention the financial cost. Some of these springs were exploited on a limited scale, with pipes being installed on them, while others connected them to taps. However, exploitation was limited. In 1952, Bapco conducted a study of a number of marine springs to determine their water production. Since the company was not specialized in such studies, their figures were lower than the actual figures. In 1979, a specialized company, the Groundwater Development Consulting Company (GDC), conducted a study of these springs. The company’s report indicated that millions of gallons of water were wasted daily from these springs into the sea without being exploited. The figures indicated that just three marine springs could provide 10 per cent of Bahrain’s water needs. Exploitation of Umm Al-Suwali spring Umm Al-Suwali Spring is one of the largest marine springs in the Kingdom of Bahrain and is considered one of the most successful examples of exploiting and developing marine springs instead of discharging them into the sea. Umm Al-Suwali Spring is located approximately 800 meters southeast of the southernmost point of Hidd and 3.5 kilometers from the gate of ASRY. It can be reached on foot during low tide. Umm Al-Suwali Spring is located in a circular depression approximately 14 meters in diameter and one meter deep at its deepest point. The depression is filled with coarse sand and is surrounded by a beach platform. This spring has two main water springs, the larger of which is located directly in the center of the depression, while the other is located approximately one meter away on the northeast side. The spring also has three other scattered springs.