Page 9 - Al Zubarah_Neat

Introduction

Ruwais
Madinat ash Shamal
Al Jumail
0 5 10km
Zone 79
Al Arish
Freiha
Ain Mohammad Zone 78
Al Zubarah
Qal’at Shuwail
Zone 77
Qal’at
Murair Lisha Musaikah
Helwan

th
th
Dating to the 18 and 19 centuries, Al Zubarah is the
Gulf’s most complete and well-preserved pearl trading
town. Unlike many similar pearling towns, the absence
of modern development has preserved its entire planned
layout, including streets, mosques, houses and a 2.5km-
long defensive wall. In the surrounding area, wells, further
defensive structures and a canal that is contemporary
with the occupation of Al Zubarah have also survived.

At present, the site is best known for its fort from the
th
20 century that dominates the landscape, although the
nearby archaeological remains are much earlier. The town
of Al Zubarah was founded in the 1760s as a pearl fishing
and trading settlement by the Utub tribe that arrived from
Kuwait. The town flourished over the following decades
before repeated attacks and invasions led eventually
to its abandonment in 1811. A smaller settlement later
emerged within the earlier town before it too became
th
th
uninhabited in the late 19 or early 20 century owing to
the increasing scarcity of drinking water.
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site and its surrounding
landscape are reminders of a way of life that has now
disappeared, stemming from the collapse of the pearling
th
industry in the early 20 century and the subsequent
discovery of oil in the region shortly afterwards. With
that in mind, the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) in
partnership with the University of Copenhagen is currently
engaged in a programme of excavation, conservation
and presentation of the site. This is set to highlight
Al Zubarah’s role in the history of the region, as well as to
protect this important and unique site.

2 3