Falayah Fort |
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The Falayah Fort is an old summer residence of the Qawasim family built in the early 19th century. However, it is of more historical importance, as it was here that the General Treaty of Peace was signed in 1820 between the local sheikhs and the British. The treaty commenced more peaceful relations on the Gulf waters and patronage of the British in the region. It was also agreed that those who had signed the treaty would fly awhite rectangular flag with a red rectangle in the centre when at sea. This is still the flag of Ras Al Khaimah. The fort was built in the early 19th century and is contemporary to the Hudaibah Tower and Al Araibi Fort. It served as a residence of Ras Al Khaimah sheiks, but also it was a part of a larger fortifications structure of the sheikhdom. Its first purpose was to pr otect the palm gardens of Falayah and its inhabitants, who could hide in the fort’s courtyard. Residential use is also evident and the complex, being close to cooling palm gardens, would have been used during hot summer days.
The complex consists of two buildings that in the past were linked by a high wall creating the courtyard. First building served as residential quarters and second one was a defensive stone tower. The compound also has a mosque, which was built just outside the fort’s walls. All the buildings and a part of the wall were carefully renovated using the same materials and techniques as when they were first built.
The main residence included a majlis, private quarters with a plastered bathroom, stables or a storage room and a mud brick tower in the centre. In the past, the east side of the private quarters had a walled private courtyard, although now it is gone. The tower was used as a protection of the residential quarters, and its upper floor could only be accessed by an outside ladder.
The large stone tower is a classical defence structure with loop holes and crenelation on top. Together with the walled courtyard it formed a public part of the complex. It has three levels of which the highest is an open roof, the second floor was used as an official majlis, and the ground floor served as a hall and storage. In the past, it had two attached buildings and a type of porch by the entry, but these constructions are now gone. The fact that this tower is built from stone and not from mud brick demonstrates the importance of this place.
Falayah Mosque
The mosque on the site, in the west corner of the compound was used by the Qawasim sheiks who resided at Falayah, and it was also the main Friday mosque in this area. It was built from stones and mortar, and constructed slightly above the ground level to avoid the flood water from the nearby Hajar Mountains. It consists of an courtyard and a prayer hall, all surrounded by a low wall with two entrances. The courtyard is partially shaded with a roof supported by two square pillars. Another part of the courtyard is in a form of an open platform with additional mihrab (praying niche) in the middle. In the north-eastern corner of this platform a small walled area is designated, probably used to call the faithful for prayer.
All the buildings in the complex have beautifully carved doors and window shutters, which are reproductions of the original ones.
After thorough investigation, the archaeologists learnt that the land on which the complex was built was occupied in the centuries before. Remains of small farm predating the stone construction were discovered underneath. Furthermore, in the area closely surrounding the compound more farm houses, mud-brick structures and a large well were found. In the past this district must have been a well cultivated land, enabled by the run-off water from the nearby Hajar Mountains. |
LOCATION: Falayah, 3km south of the centre of Ras Al Khaimah. From the Lantern R/A drive towards RAK Airport. After 2.5km you will see a brown board pointing to the left saying Falayah Fort (and indeed the fort is on the left). 400m further take a U-turn and go back. Pay attention to the exit as it can be easily missed. You have to turn into a dirt road, just after the Emirates Pearl Market and at the end of the palm fence. From here you can already see the fort.
GPS: N25o44.28.83’ E55o58.51.21’
PERIOD: 18th Century
NOTE: fort area is fenced off, so it can only be viewed from the road, although in the future, it will be opened to the public.
Falayah Tower |
