Al Zubarah Fort
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah Fort was built in 1938 and stands as a testament to Qatar's pearling and trading heritage.
Al Zubarah Fort is one of Qatar's most significant historical landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Built in 1938, the fort was originally used as a coast guard station during the pearling season. The fort stands in the abandoned town of Al Zubarah, which was once a thriving pearling and trading center in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The fort features traditional Qatari architecture with thick walls, watchtowers at each corner, and a central courtyard. The site offers visitors a glimpse into Qatar's rich pearling heritage and the region's important role in Gulf trade networks. Archaeological excavations around the fort have revealed the remains of houses, mosques, and defensive walls from the ancient town.
Today, Al Zubarah Fort houses a museum displaying artifacts found during excavations, including pottery, coins, and jewelry that tell the story of the settlement's prosperous past.
Sources
- Carter, R. (2005). The History and Prehistory of Pearling in the Persian Gulf. Journal of the Economic & Social History of the Orient, 48(2), 139–209. https://doi-org.qulib.idm.oclc.org/10.1163/1568520054127149
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (2013). Al Zubarah Archaeological Site. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1402/