A Fort That Has Seen Many Battles in Doha

The Doha Fort has been a silent witness to the checkered history of the Middle East since its construction in the 1880’s. Some of the fiercest battles fought against the Ottomans centered on this fort. Therefore, it is not secret that many heroes were made within its walls and many more died outside it.

The reasons for building the fort are as complex as the politics of the Middle East but it is historically important as the location where the Qatari Sheikh Qassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani defeated the Ottomans, thereby rejuvenating Qatar’s struggle for independence.

Despite its bloody history, the Doha Fort today houses a museum and serves as centre for showcasing traditional arts and crafts to tourists. The architecture of the building is notable, as it is one of the few Arabic war forts to exist in good condition until the present day. The thick mud brick walls were meant to keep out powerful armies and the tall towers were used by archers to rain down arrows on enemy positions. The design of the fort was primarily intended to give the defending army a tactical advantage; nonetheless, the intricacy of their masonry and the subtle details lend it a much more refined air.

The museum houses a number of artifacts dating back to the 19th century, particularly those concerned with the Ottoman War such as daggers and muskets. It also holds a few Moorish works of art and historical manuscripts that detail the action on the battlefields of yesteryear.

Because of its reputation throughout the Middle East as an important historical landmark, the Doha Fort can be seen teeming with tourists. Doha accommodation such as Somerset West Bay offers you the chance of being close to this attraction, luxury serviced apartments Doha being usually popular with business travelers and long stay tourists.