Bahrain mourns the loss of Aisha Ahmed Al-Moayyed, a prominent social and cultural figure who passed away at the age of 98 yesterday.

Aisha leaves behind a profound legacy, marked by her contributions to documenting the vibrant community life in Bahrain, particularly in Fareej Al-Fadil, where she spent her formative years.

Born in 1926 to parents Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Moayyed and Maryam Al-Sahhaf, Aisha hails from a family deeply affected by the plague that swept Bahrain at the turn of the last century, claiming the lives of many of her relatives.

She was the youngest among her siblings, with an older sister, Latifa, and a brother, Muayyad, who played a pivotal role in her education.

Despite her upbringing in a prominent merchant family, Aisha’s childhood deviated from traditional gender norms.

Assigned tasks like milking cows and household chores, she learned resilience and independence from an early age.

Her educational journey began with learning the Holy Quran under the guidance of a volunteer named Safia Umm Muhammad Baqir.

However, due to rumours surrounding the Christianization of Muslim students, Aisha was withdrawn from the American Mission School by her father.

Later, she briefly attended Aisha Umm Al-Muminin School before opting for home education, where her brother Muayyad played a pivotal role in teaching her to read and write.

Throughout her life, Aisha remained deeply connected to Bahrain’s cultural and social fabric, leaving an indelible mark on the community she dearly cherished.

Her contributions will be remembered fondly, serving as a testament to her enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to preserving Bahrain’s rich heritage.