Sharjah: Sharjah Al Hisn Fort, the emirate’s most important historic building, is welcoming visitors since it underwent extensive renovation works over a 15-month period.
The Al Hisn Fort located in the heart of Sharjah, was restored to its original appearance resembling the days when it was the residence of the Al Qasimi ruling family. Built in 1832 by Shaikh Sultan Bin Saqr l, the fort changed roles — from a royal residence and seat of government to a police station, then its demolition in 1969 and the subsequent restorations.
His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recently visited the Sharjah Fort after completion of the works.
A conservation team worked tirelessly for 15 months to restore the original appearance, colour and texture of the building and to accurately portray the fort’s distinctive architectural features, including its wind-scoops, columns and crenulations.
“Al Hisn Fort is the very heart of Sharjah, having been the seat of government, the centre of defence and the centre of justice in the emirate,” said Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department (SMD).
“Its legacy resonates in modern Sharjah like no other building,” she added.
With a number of galleries to explore, visitors can learn about the origins of the Qasimi ruling family as they battled regional and foreign powers to gain new territories, defend their existing lands, and protect their livelihood.
In one gallery, pictures, equipment, and unique pieces convey the emirate’s major historic events and challenges under the rule of Shaikh Sultan Bin Saqr ll, while another gallery displays weaponry used more than 100 years ago.
“Much of the information on display is based on the memories and oral histories of members of the community, and this reflects one of our main goals at Sharjah Museum Department; to ensure that our museums are about real people, not just antiquities,” said Manal.
The restoration of Sharjah’s most significant heritage site coincides with the emirate’s year as Capital of Arab Tourism, as elected by the Arab Council of Tourism Ministers. The renovated fort is the jewel in the crown of Sharjah’s tourist attractions and strengthens further the emirate’s diverse offerings as a destination for regional and international visitors.
One of the fort’s main galleries, the Qawasim gallery — which translates into the plural of Al Qasimi, the ruler family — focuses mainly on the 18th and 19th centuries, and highlights the Qawasim’s financial and naval strength.
The fort endured various changes over the years, including almost complete demolition, and was recently restored in 2013-2014 closely to its original form featuring objects, recreations, technology, and stories that shaped Sharjah and its people.
