Q Life Magazine Q Magazine December 2016 | Page 72

| Issue 1 | Closeup of the main entrance door, Zubarah fort, Qatar Al Zubarah Clues to a Cultural Past 72 Al Zubarah reveals invaluable clues to Qatar’s cultural identity. Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qatar’s Al Zubarah is considered one of the best- preserved historic merchant towns in the Gulf region. Founded in the mid-18th century, the abandoned coastal town sits about 100 miles northwest of Doha. Once a thriving centre of pearling and international trade, Al Zubarah rose to become the country’s largest and most important merchant town. Its success attracted the attention of other Gulf powers and repeated attacks ensued. In 1811, Al Zubarah was burned to the ground and never fully recovered. The town was abandoned by the mid-20th century.