Page 10 - Al Zubarah_Neat

Al Zubarah: The first UNESCO

World Heritage Site in Qatar

th
At its 37 session (Cambodia, 22 June 2013), the World the major coastal towns of the region from the early The inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage List is a unique The Convention defines the kind of cultural and natural
th
Heritage Committee inscribed Al Zubarah Archaeological Islamic period to the 20 century. Beyond providing an opportunity for a country to build local and international sites that can be considered for inscription in the World
Site into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Representing the invaluable example of urban-planning capability, the whole awareness for a site and the values of the World Heritage Heritage List; specifically, sites must be of Outstanding
first entry for Qatar, this international register comprises archaeological site at Al Zubarah reflects on the harmonious Convention. Moreover, it represents a strong incentive for Universal Value and meet at least one out of ten
more than 900 natural and cultural sites across the world. coexistence of different cultures and ethnic groups from the Qatar to protect its local and national heritage. selection criteria, including, among others, to represent
Arabian Peninsula and features examples of traditional a masterpiece of human activity, bear a unique testimony
The listed site stretches from Al Zubarah Fort some 2.5 Qatari building techniques, many of which are endangered Within that context, the Convention Concerning the to a cultural tradition, and contain superlative natural
km to the coast and incorporates three major features, the by the rapid urban development of the country. In addition, Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage phenomena of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic
largest and most exceptional of which are the archaeological the whole site illustrates a sustainable way of land use is an international agreement that was adopted by the importance. The protection, management, authenticity and
remains of the town of Al Zubarah, which dates to the and exploitation of underground water resources, and is General Assembly of UNESCO in 1972. It is based on the integrity of properties are also important considerations
1760s. Connected to the early town is the settlement of representative of traditional Gulf cultures as attested by the premise that certain places on earth are of Outstanding for the inscription.
Qal’at Murair, which was fortified to protect the city’s inland ruins of ‘ madabis’ and the series of old wells surrounding the Universal Value and should therefore form part of the
wells. Al Zubarah Fort, built in 1938 at around the time that site. Consequently, the site is a notable example of human common heritage to mankind. The countries that have The UNESCO World Heritage Listing grants the site
Qal’at Murair was finally abandoned, is the most prominent interaction with both the sea and the desert environment of ratified the Convention (190 State Parties to date) are protection by international law, and has increased focus
feature at the World Heritage Site. The Fort now serves as a the region. therefore part of an international community that is united on conservation and research at the site. In particular,
visitor centre and showcases information about the earlier in a common mission to identify and safeguard the world’s research is focusing on the town of Al Zubarah and its role
town and surrounding environment. Both the integrity and authenticity of the site have most outstanding natural and cultural heritage sites. within a period of transformative change in the Gulf, as
been largely conserved owing to the preservation work Furthermore, the State Parties recognise that nature independent city states were created outside the control
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site and its cultural landscape undertaken by Qatari authorities using traditional conservation and the protection of cultural properties are of external imperial powers.
are outstanding examples of the socio-economic techniques and materials, and to the fact that most of the the duty of the international community as a whole and
transformation of the land, serving to shed light on the structures remain covered by a protective layer of sand, that there is a fundamental need to preserve the balance PREVIOUS PAGE: The UNESCO World Heritage site plaque
urban trading and pearl-diving traditions that sustained waiting to be fully uncovered. between nature and culture. in Al Zubarah.

4 5