A[n] Absent Space: 1355

Absence is shaped by presence, and presence is shaped by absence – both meeting at a liminal point before one replaces the other. This chapter occupies that liminal space of erasures, where absences are revealed and presences are obscured in a cyclic manner, and utilizes this liminal space as a means to reflect on and expose challenges facing discourse on Modern architecture heritage in the Gulf. A venture into the literature of urban development in the Gulf reveals a fascination with quick urbanization reflected in the rise of towers and the rapid, inconsistent planning over the years among other connected issues. The chapter claims that Modernity started in Bahrain in the Hijri year of 1355. Bahrain, and the Gulf in which it is located, have yet to reconcile with intertwining Modern and colonial heritages. A citizenship law was introduced that restricted property ownership to Bahraini nationals, and as a result many Persians had to become Bahrainis to maintain their properties.