RAK Towers |
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WATCH TOWERS
LOCATIONS: many locations around the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. E.g.: RAK City; opp. Al Hamra Village; Kharran R/A; Rams; Dhayah; Shamal; Khatt. PERIOD: 19th century
The watchtowers, or control towers, of Ras Al Khaimah were built to detect approaching enemy and to serve as a first line of defence. From the towers advancing intruders could be noticed, and in event of an attack the towers provided a shelter. Towers that belonged to larger fortifications usually had an entrance on the ground, but smaller, separate towers had the entrances situated well up the walls, accessible only by a casted down rope or ladder. In Ras Al Khaimah there were more than 60 watch towers constructed in the early 19th century, which together created a strong defence network. They were positioned in strategic locations, entrances to settlements and vital areas such as gardens and palm groves. The materials from which these towers were constructed also varied and included mud-brick, stone, coral and mortar, depending on the materials available in a particular area. Several towers around Ras Al Khaimah have been renovated to preserve the rich history of the town, while others are slowly declining.
HUDAIBAH TOWER
LOCATION: Al Hudaibah district. Drive along Oman Rd until you reach the crossroad with Al Mamourah St. Here, at the traffic lights, turn right into Al Hudaibah St and after around 800m, on your left side, you should see the tower. It is located almost opposite to the entrance of Saif bin Gobash Hospital. GPS: N25o47’ 55.91’’ E55o59’ 05.13’’ PERIOD: 19th century NOTE: nowadays, the tower is fenced, but usually there is a guard who will let you in. The tower is to be open for public access in the near future, and there are also plans to open a traditional tea house for visitors.
The Hudaibah Tower was built in the first half of the 19th century and is an example of a construction that survived the test of time due to its strong building material. In the past most of the houses were constructed from palm tree branches or were built from mud brick. Only the wealthiest, mostly sheikhs’ families, could afford a strong construction built from stone and mortar. The tower was previously a part of a larger compound; however the other buildings have collapsed over the years. Originally, the tower was a defence structure, although its purpose had changed into a residential one. Loopholes and lookouts are the remains of its fortified functions, but crenellations, which used to top the roofing, have disappeared. The tower has two levels. The downstairs includes a store room and a staircase that leads up to the upper floor. The upper level consists of a majlis, where the sheiks would welcome guests, and a small living room with a bathroom. From there, doors lead onto a veranda, which provided shadow for the ground floor but also served as a sleeping platform in the hot summers.
AL ARAIBI FORT
LOCATION: Al Nakheel district. The fort is located near the Safeer Market on Oman Rd. Take a turn just before the supermarket, continue to drive for about 700m and then take a turn to the left. Already, from here, you should see the fort. After further 200m you will reach the fort. GPS: N25o47’ 17.26” E55o58’ 38.55” PERIOD: 19th Century NOTE: the tower is closed and it can be seen only from the outside.
Originally the fort was a summer house and a residence of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr, who was an eminent ruler of Ras Al Khaimah in the years 1803 – 1866, and the great-grandfather of the current ruler H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed. The fort was built in the first half of the 19th century and at that time it was situated in the centre of the Al Nakheel’s palm gardens, which in the past vastly covered the area. The construction has two distinctive parts. The oldest was built from stone and mortar and it served as a defence tower with small windows, loopholes and battlements topping the walls. In front of the tower a veranda, typical of most constructions of that type, was constructed to offer a shaded area for the lower floor. The other part’s purpose was residential. This much later addition has large windows and relatively simple construction. Ras Al Khaimah has more similar constructions built in the 19th and 20th century that can be discovered around the Emirate, for example the above mentioned Hudaibah Tower or the Falayah Fort.
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Old Watch Tower in Shimal
Hudaibah Tower
Hudaibah Tower
Al Araibi Fort in Al Nakheel |
