When we talk about the emirate of Dubai, the second largest emirate in the Union after the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, we can not stop to tell the ancient history of the most important landmark and the most prominent fort known to mankind, a fort or Al Fahidi Fort, which is one of the old buildings and still exist to this day. Due to its strategic location amidst the heritage area of Bur Dubai, it represents an important era in the history of the emirate, as it represents the link between the old past and modern developments, which is witnessing the United Arab Emirates in general, and Dubai in particular as one of the seven emirates of the country.
History of Al Fahidi Fort
Al Fahidi Fort occupies a prominent position, because of its privileged position in the heart of Dubai, it is located in the southern side of the Dubai Creek, and dates back to the year 1787, and an area of about 1535 square meters. Located on the eastern side of the Diwan is the seat of the ruler, this building is characterized by Islamic decoration, similar to the heritage area surrounding, and is located in the north of the castle old market, in the south and west, we find modern commercial centers.
The purpose of the construction of Al Fahidi Fort was to protect the city from the dangers and damage that might be inflicted on it by enemies, where it was once the seat of the rule of the state, and continued in this case until 1896, to transfer the seat of government to the Shindagha area, and then was benefited From the castle's place in the center of the city, it became a place of observation, defense of the city, prediction and knowledge of the danger before it happened to take necessary action as a result. The citadel then became a place to store weapons and ammunition, and was used as a prison for detainees.
Recently a new section has been opened inside the Dubai Museum, built underground, and a depth of about 5.3 meters, and includes inside the castle, and the museum was opened for visit for the first time, by the public and tourists in March 1995, this museum Which includes the highest audio-visual and modern techniques, which are used by visitors, in order to visualize the ancient history of Al Fahidi Castle, and to know the form of life in it two hundred years ago, and to identify the form of life in the past.
Restoration of Al Fahidi Fort
As mentioned above, the purpose of the construction of Al Fahidi Fort is to protect the city from the dangers and damage it might inflict on its enemies.Therefore the roof of the castle was built of solid stones, and the roof is made of palm trunks associated with wood.The castle includes three towers, two circles, The third has a square shape, built of gypsum-coated marine stones. The castle was restored in 1970 by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (may Allah have mercy on him) and opened the castle as a complete museum that includes the history and heritage of Dubai. This museum included all the artifacts, tools and equipment and others, made of porcelain, pottery and copper, which were found in the tombs and date back to the forty-three thousand years ago.
In 1995, the castle was renovated, and not only the restoration and restoration, but an underground museum was built and annexed to the Dubai Museum, which aimed to clarify the ancient life of the city's inhabitants, from the houses they lived in, the shape of the markets, Mosques, agricultural life in the oases, the form of agriculture in the old, and the plantations they are famous for, and old irrigation methods, ie everything related to the old life in the city of Dubai.
In addition, attention has also been given to the presentation of life in the coastal coastal cities, illustrating the lifestyle prevailing at the time, through the professions among the people, namely fishing, diving, pearl fishing and the manufacture of marine vessels. Hence, the museum displays the historical development, according to the historical era of the masterpiece displayed, and it starts from the ages of BC, to the era of Islamic civilization and beyond. This castle is a remembrance of ancient memories, and tournaments will remain engraved in the minds of all of us, and to be recognized by future generations after generation.
Al Fahidi Fort as part of Dubai Museum
In the present time, there is a good arrangement and a good presentation of the section of Al Fahidi Fort, satisfactory to visitors, where it includes halls containing models of the castle towers, tools that have been used over the past centuries, and there is a section of antiquities, where tools and equipment belonging to more than Five thousand years ago, through the Islamic civilization. Modern technology has been used for film and television screenings and documentaries about the ancient history of this ancient castle.
