Mentions J’aime

A perfect example of a typical Arabic fort, Al Zubarah Fort has 3.2 feet (1 metre) thick sandstone walls that protected it from invaders and kept it relatively cool during the hot summers. The massive crenelated circular towers occupy three of the four corners of the square enclosure. The series of dotted holes that adorn the base and the top of the walls are in fact a very ingenious natural ventilation system that creates draughts of fresh air regardless of the outside temperature. Al Zubarah Fort was built in 1938, long after the city was abandoned by its inhabitants. In the 18th century, the town of Al Zubarah – which owed its prosperity to fishing and trading pearls – was protected by Qal’at Murair Fort, now in ruins.