Qasr_al-Hosn

Qasr al-Hosn

Qasr al-Hosn

Historic site in Sheikh Zayed the First Street

The Qasr al-Hosn (Arabic: قصر الحصن, Qaṣr Al-Huṣn, "Fortified Palace") is a historical landmark and the oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It was designed by Mohammed Al Bastaki[1] and built in 1761.[2]

Quick Facts Location, Coordinates ...


Interior of the palace

Location

It is located along Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St[3] and is a part of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.[4]

History

Qasr al-Hosn, also known as the White Fort (originally not white in colour but painted bright white during 1976–1983 renovations) or Old Fort,[5] was constructed in 1761 as a conical watchtower to defend the only freshwater well in Abu Dhabi island.[2] 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.[2] 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.[6] It remained the emir's palace (hence the name Qasr al-Hosn, meaning Palace fort) and seat of government until 1966.[2] The fort has been developed several times and is now partially open to the public.[7][8]

Current use

The Qasr al-Hosn is currently the subject of extensive historical, archaeological, and architectural research.[4][9] The fort houses a museum displaying artifacts and pictures representing the history of the country.[5] It also has a range of weapons, used through the region's history, on display.[5]

Qasr al-Hosn festival

Qasr al-Hosn festival is an annual 11-day cultural event staged on the grounds of the fort.[10][11] The fort is open to the public during the festival, including some of the restricted areas[11] and features live music and dance performances showing the UAE's cultural heritage.[8]

References

  1. [1]
    "قصر الحصن حارس تاريخ أبوظبي". صحيفة الخليج (in Arabic). Retrieved 2021-01-26.
  2. [2]
    "UAE museum: Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi". Gulf News. 2 November 2008. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  3. [3]
    "QASR AL HOSN - Abu Dhabi Culture". Cultural Foundation. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  4. [4]
    "National". National. 12 February 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  5. [5]
    "My destination". My destination. 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  6. [6]
    "Dubaifaqs". Dubaifaqs. 22 April 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  7. [7]
    "UAE Interact". UAE Interact. 29 July 2007. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  8. [8]
    "Khaleej Times". Khaleej Times. 12 February 2015. Archived from the original on 12 February 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  9. [9]
    "Muntada Qasr Al Hosn serves as key platform". Gulf News. 2 March 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  10. [10]
    "Festival home". Qasr al Hosn Festival. 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  11. [11]
    "Take a trip down memory lane at Qasr Al Hosn". Gulf News. 11 February 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.

24.48239°N 54.35482°E / 24.48239; 54.35482
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