Q Life Magazine Q Magazine (US) May 2016 | Page 70

| Issue 2 Al Zubarah: Clues to Cultural Past Al Zubarah reveals invaluable clues to Qatar’s cultural identity. | Closeup of the main entrance door, Zubarah fort, Qatar R ecently 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 center 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. With the help of local and international archaeologists and scientists, the site of Al Zubarah—and the visitor center in the nearby fort—provides important clues to Qatar’s cultural identity. The 60-hectare archaeological site includes remains of houses, mosques, large fortified buildings, and a market. Such archaeological evidence offers invaluable insight into the history of the pearl trade and the development of the modern Gulf region. | The rectangular eastern tower of Zubarah fort, Qatar 70