Qatar is a country of iconic marvels and is famous for the historical tours that it provides to travelers. Over the years, the country has been welcoming millions of tourists and explorers who either come here to know about the history of the country or to explore the old fortresses that are located here. Speaking of old fortresses, for instance, the Al Thaqab Fort Qatar is also known by the name Qal'at al Thaqab and lies about 12 KM to the south of Al Ruwais.
This is a deserted fort nestled close to an old village of Qalaat al Thaqab. While there are many stories behind its origin, historical explorers find Al Thaqab interesting for its architectural looks and history. Let’s dig in deep and understand what the fort is all about.
When Was Al Thaqab Fort Built?
A historical marvel nestled south of Al Ruwais, it is unsure as to when the Al Thaqab Fort was built. There are sources that the fort was built around the 17th/18th century while there are also claims of the fort having been built in the 19th century. For those who love historical places, this is still a perfect spot to visit regardless of when it was established.
Why Was Al Thaqab Fort Built?
There are many forts in Qatar that were built to protect the water resources in the early days, and Al Thaqab is certainly one of them. In fact, Thaqab is believed to mean 'the water in the bottom of the valley after the rain'. If this is to be believed, then it is clear that the fort was built for protecting the water sources in the region.
What is interesting is that to the west of Al Thaqab Fort lies a deep well. This is a well from where villagers used to get their water. It was one of the most precious things to the villagers and the fort was there to guard the well. In fact, the fort also provided shelter to the villagers in case of an attack.
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What Does The Al Thaqab Fort Offer?
The appearance of Al Thaqab Fort is pretty similar to the Al Zubarah Fort. For travelers, this is a spot that looks almost identical to Al Zubarah. In fact, Al Zubarah is located right to the south of Al Thawab Fort. Speaking of the appearance of the fort, there are three circular towers at Al Thaqab and a rectangular tower. With a square ground plan, this is a fort that looks exactly like any other typical desert fort in Qatar.
As for the entrance of the fort, travelers would find it to be a little bent while the building material that has gone into the construction of the fort is coral and limestone.
What is interesting to note is that the restoration of Al Thaqab Fort that happened in the 1980s was criticized for many reasons. There was a view that the restoration was not done properly and the fort lost its authenticity. Hence, this historic site was renovated again in 2003.
How Can I Reach Al Thaqab Fort?
Reaching the Al Thaqab Fort isn't a big hassle for travelers today. However, travelers planning their visit do need a 4-wheel drive in order to reach the fort. Since the fort lies in the desert, it is perhaps best for travelers to have a local guide along and travel to the fort without any hesitation.
Since Qatar is a country where unprecedented heat can be a big factor, travelers are advised to carry enough water with them as that will help bear the scorching heat of the sun. Interestingly, the Al Rakayat Fort lies to the north of Al Thaqab and those visiting here can plan a visit to both the forts.
One of the finest historical attractions in the Middle East, the Al Thaqab Fort Qatar looks pretty much like the other desert forts in the country. This is a place of real enjoyment for those who love to explore the historical past of distant destinations.
The fort was built for the protection of water sources and to provide shelter to villagers.
Having played a crucial role for the villagers during the course of history, Al Thaqab underwent a series of renovations in the past and is now a valuable piece of history that should be preserved. For travelers, this is a fort that throws light into the kind of architecture that was found between the 18th and the 19th century.
So, if you're interested in exploring the historical sites of Qatar, plan your visit to Al Thaqab and catch a glimpse of this unique structure in the middle of the desert.
FAQs
A historical marvel nestled south of Al Ruwais, it is unsure as to when the Al Thaqab Fort was built. There are sources that the fort was built around the 17th/18th century while there are also claims of the fort having been built in the 19th century. For those who love historical places, this is still a perfect spot to visit regardless of when it was established.
There are many forts in Qatar that were built to protect the water resources in the early days, and Al Thaqab is certainly one of them. In fact, Thaqab is believed to mean 'the water in the bottom of the valley after the rain'. If this is to be believed, then it is clear that the fort was built for protecting the water sources in the region. What is interesting is that to the west of Al Thaqab Fort lies a deep well. This is a well from where villagers used to get their water.
Reaching the Al Thaqab Fort isn't a big hassle for travelers today. However, travelers planning their visit do need a 4-wheel drive in order to reach the fort. Since the fort lies in the desert, it is perhaps best for travelers to have a local guide along and travel to the fort without any hesitation.
The appearance of Al Thaqab Fort is pretty similar to the Al Zubarah Fort. For travelers, this is a spot that looks almost identical to Al Zubarah. In fact, Al Zubarah is located right to the south of Al Thawab Fort. Speaking of the appearance of the fort, there are three circular towers at Al Thaqab and a rectangular tower. With a square ground plan, this is a fort that looks exactly like any other typical desert fort in Qatar.
No, it isn't a tough ask to reach Al Thaqab Fort in Qatar. However, there are certain things that travelers need to keep in mind. Besides taking on a 4-wheel drive, carrying the necessary aid is also important. Since Qatar is a country where unprecedented heat can be a big factor, travelers are advised to carry enough water with them as that will help bear the scorching heat of the sun.
Yes, the Al Thaqab Fort Qatar is a popular historical site. It is also known by the name Qal'at al Thaqab and lies about 12 KM to the south of Al Ruwais. This is a deserted fort nestled close to an old village of Qalaat al Thaqab. While there are many stories behind its origin, historical explorers find Al Thaqab interesting for its architectural looks and history.
Qatar is a country that has time and again attracted historical explorers and travelers, thanks to the numerous forts that are nestled in the country. Here are some of the top forts that are found in Qatar - Al Koot Fort, AL Thaqab Fort, Al Zubarah Fort Qatar, Al Wajbah Fort, Al Rakayat Fort, Barzan Towers, Zekreet Fort, Qal'at Murair, etc.
The Al Thaqab underwent a series of renovations in the past and is now a valuable piece of history that should be preserved. What is interesting to note is that the restoration of Al Thaqab Fort that happened in the 1980s was criticized for many reasons. There was a view that the restoration was not done properly and the fort lost its authenticity. Hence, the fort was renovated again in 2003.
