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UAE > AIDhaid Fort
AIDhaid Fort
AIDhaid Fort is attributed to be one of the oldest historical structures in
the region. The construction of this monument dates back to the second half
of the eighteenth-century AD (Approx. 1750 AD). Honing a pivotal location in
AIDhaid, the fort mainly functioned as a defensive, to protect the populace
and residents of AIDhaid, which is emphasized by the existence of several watchtowers
and the prevalent fortification methodology. The fort was also the abode for
the Ruler, serving as a summer retreat during hunting season, as well as being
a critical gathering point To providing hospitality and host many guests. AIDhaid
Fort several rooms, mostly attributed to thekruier, with the rest being assigned
to the courtiers and guards.
AIDhaid Fort follows a square-shape formation, demarcated with four pivoting
towers. The building is 32 meters long and 26 meters wide. With the entrance
of the fort situated west of the structure as shown, in documentation from that
era, facing the Falaj, which is an aqueduct, running in the middle of the fort,
feeding the numerous number of 'palm plantations. The fort demarcates political
importance within the region, as it hosted a variety of meetings and assemblies
between the rulers in the region as well as overlooking and withstanding many
wars and battles.
Various categories of weapons were wielded and utilized in AIDhaid. One of the most prominent Stone Age- Arrows, discovered
and excavated 1 i the surrounding context of Al. d, dating back to circa 4th millem ium BC. In addition Ito the aforementioned, the variety of knive^ and blades that were used. Furthermore. The variability of firearms typology, such as imported guns, in various profiles and dimensions from innumerable sources. The entire collection of weapons displayed in the hall were found in the central region of the emirate of Sharjah.
Despite the availability of construction material within the immediate context
of AIDhaid, which was used in the erection of the stone tower that was built before
the fort, in addition to the construction of the aqueducts and falaj system. The
Fort was constructed by integrating mud and gravel imported from the Kadra and
Mleiha region, which was transported in Juffairs (a basketmadeof palmfronds) on
camel backs, both materials infused together to create mudbrick, the main component
of constructing the fort. In addition to the aforementioned, wickers and trunks
of palm trees were used in building the roof and enhancing the structural stability
of the building. Those construction methodology were accessible via the knowledge
instilled by master builders and architects brought forth to AIDhaid by Sharjah
rulers and sheikhdom.
Clay Mud brick is the output of the synergy of clay and coarse-grained sandstone.
With thorough investigation and analysis conducted, there was a note that straws
and wickers were used о strengthen this mixture as an adhesive mortar to maintain
the shape and durability of the bricks. The fort's finish was coated and plastered
by an earth-based material commonly known as Sarooj, a traditional water-resistant
mortar.
The Fort's roof materiality varies between the usage of grove (Jandal) wood
imported from coastal areas or Africa, or the usage of palm tree trunk, which
is readily available in the region in abundance, by electing the appropriate
dimension and structural capability to enhance the building, whilst the floors
were finished with Sarooj.
Under the Instruction of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sulten bln Muhemmed Al Qasimi,
The intervention of restoring Al Dhaid fort was kickstarted. The first agenda
of this Intervention revolved around removing the police station that occupied
a majority of the monumental structure. Following that, an intensive amount
of architectural, structural, archaeological, historical and anthropological
studies were conducted. In 2020, the restoration of the three deteriorated towers
took place, and In conjunction, the foundations of the walls and rooms were
being excavated, eventually being repurposed as rooms and halls that serves
the fort's museum.
The stone tower was restored using the same construction methodology used in
anclenttime. and by integrating the same materials by tracing it to the original
source. The mud tower was restored using a mud brick methodology. As for the
interior, the roof was rebuild by using mangrove wood or palm trunks, as evidence
from the excavation done indicated the existence of the previously mentioned
in residue form. In regards to the details and other architecture elements,
the process was more Idiosyncratic to the oral narration and archived documentation
of the fort, thus pushing the narrative to the people, creating a monument that
Idolizes the importance of Al Dhaid, and acts as a museum that embraces the
authentic Bedouin life that characterizes the residents of the central region
of Sharjah.
Welcome to Al Dhaid Fort Museum - the largest Mud-brick structure In the central
region of Sharjah and a symbol of the Qawasim power and authority in the region.
The creation of the fort began With the construction of a stone tower adjacent
to Falaj Al-Dhaid to protect the source of life in this lush desert oasis, the
blessed tree, the palm t ee.jThe rulers of Qawasim continued to upkeep and preserve
the fort; and expanded various purpose's, the most important of which
the watchtowers apd defensive elements formed within the courtyard for the gathering
of soldiers, in addition to the implementation of elements of everyday life
inside the fort.
Over the course of time, noteworthy and significant events took place nbide
and on the peripheral area the fort. The fortress has hosted many social events
for Al-Dhaid residents. It also, remained the faithful guardian of Falaj and
Shariat Al-Dhaid until circumstances changed the importance Of .the oasis and
the fort diminished and replaced by a police station that was erected op one
of the corners of the dilapidated watchtowers. In 2018, His Highness, the ruler
of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi issues an order to restore the Fr.rt
to remain as a striking witness to civilization and repurposing this monument
as a museum of the vernacular life of Albhaid and the people of the central
region, thus preserving the cultural heritage. A Sabah (The Morning Gate) is
the main entrance of the fort, allocated on the western side. Bab al Sabah is
a ’ common denominator in ail of the Qawasim Fort-based I architecture. This
gate was built in rectangular form that houses stone benches on the wings and
niches embedded J inthe wail where weapons are hanged. The name is derived L
since from the function, in whtutrthe soldiers occupy this space in the morning
as a method of security thus the name (The Morning Gate). The door contains
apertures to allow surveillance and. possibly firing weapons. AIDhaid Fort is
attributed to be one of the oldest historical structures in the region. The
construction of this monument dates back to the second half of the eighteenth-century
AD (Approx. 1750 AD). Honing a pivotal location in AIDhaid, the fort mainly
functioned as a defensive, to protect the populace and residents of AIDhaid,
which is emphasized by the existence of several watchtowers and the prevalent
fortification methodology. The fort was also the abode for the Ruler, serving
as a summer retreat during hunting season, as well as being a critical gathering
point To providing hospitality and host many guests. AIDhaid Fort several rooms,
mostly attributed to thekruier, with the rest being assigned to the courtiers
and guards.
AIDhaid Fort follows a square-shape formation, demarcated with four pivoting
towers. The building is 32 meters long and 26 meters wide. With the entrance
of the fort situated west of the structure as shown, in documentation from that
era, facing the Falaj, which is an aqueduct, running in the middle of the fort,
feeding the numerous number of 'palm plantations. The fort demarcates political
importance within the region, as it hosted a variety of meetings and assemblies
between the rulers in the region as well as overlooking and withstanding many
wars and battles.
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