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.