Qasr al-Hosn
| Qasr al-Hosn | |
|---|---|
|
The first tower (1761) seen from the gate | |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed the First Street |
| Coordinates | 24°28′57″N 54°21′17″E / 24.48239°N 54.35482°E |
| Built | 1761 |
| Type | Historical fort |
| Designated | 1976 |
| Country |
 United Arab Emirates |
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi |
  Location of Qasr al-Hosn in United Arab Emirates | |
The Qasr al-Hosn (Arabic: قصر الحصن) is the oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.[1]
Location
It is located along Sheikh Zayed the First Street[2] and houses the Cultural Foundation within its grounds.[3]
History
Qasr al-Hosn, also known as the White Fort (originally not in white colour but painted bright white during 1976–1983 renovations) or Old Fort,[4] was constructed in 1761 as a conical watchtower to defend the only freshwater well in Abu Dhabi island.[1] The tower was later expanded into a small fort in 1793 by the then ruler, Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan, and became the permanent residence of the ruling Sheikh.[1] The tower took its present shape after a major extension in the late 1930s, aided by revenues received for granting the first oil license in Abu Dhabi.[5] It remained the emir's palace (hence the name Qasr al-Hosn, meaning Palace fort) and seat of government until 1966.[1] The fort has been developed several times and is now partially open to public.[6][7]
Current research
The Qasr al-Hosn is currently the subject of extensive historical, archaeological, and architectural research.[3][8] The fort houses a museum displaying artifacts and pictures representing the history of the country.[4] It also has a range of weapons, used through the region's history, on display.[4]
Qasr al-Hosn festival
Qasr al-Hosn festival is an annual 11 day cultural event staged on the grounds of the fort.[9][10] The fort is open to public during the festival, including some of the restricted areas[10] and features live music and dance performances showing UAE's cultural heritage.[7]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "UAE museum: Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi". Gulf News. 2 November 2008. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ "Cultural Foundation". Cultural Foundation. 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "National". National. 12 February 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "My destination". My destination. 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ "Dubaifaqs". Dubaifaqs. 22 April 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ "UAE Interact". UAE Interact. 29 July 2007. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Khaleej Times". Khaleej Times. 12 February 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ "Muntada Qasr Al Hosn serves as key platform". Gulf News. 2 March 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ "Festival home". Qasr al Hosn Festival. 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Take a trip down memory lane at Qasr Al Hosn". Gulf News. 11 February 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
External links
- Frauke Heard-Bey (2004). From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates. Motivate Publishing. p. 540. ISBN 9781860631672.
- Reem El Mutwalli (1995). Qasr al Husn, An Architectural Survey. Royal Publishing House.
- Jayanti Maitra (2001). Qasr al Hosn: The History of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi 1793–1966. National Center for Documentation and Research. p. 262. ISBN 978-1860631054.
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Coordinates: 24°28′57″N 54°21′17″E / 24.48239°N 54.35482°E