Joanna James
Occupying the eastern shores of the country, Doha is one of the Middle East's most fascinating capital cities. A modern metropolis with a rich history, here are some of Doha's oldest and most iconic cultural monuments and landmarks.
Situated approximately 17 kilometres away from the Doha city centre, the towering Al Wajbah Fort is one of the city's best-preserved defence mechanisms. Built during the latter half of the 18th century, the Al Wajbah Fort played a pivotal role in Qatar's battle with the Ottoman Empire forces back in 1893. An architectural marvel in its own right, the venue is one of the oldest fortresses in the country and even served as the palatial residence of His Highness Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani for a time. The main highlights of this flat-shaped fort include its four watchtowers and other defence features.
Occupying pride of place in the Umm Salal Muhammed village in Doha, the Barzan Towers is no ordinary cultural attraction in the area. Revered for their spiritual significance, the towers were constructed as early as 1910 and were completed 6 years later and have undergone several restoration efforts. Used to predict the dates in the lunar calendar, which determines the dates on which every religious festival is marked, the Barzan Towers were also used to preserve water sources from harm. Each tower is about 15 metres in height and offers panoramic views of the ocean and the city from its vaulted location. The best time to visit the locale is between 2 pm and 7 pm.
Archaeology fanatics touring Doha should not miss the chance to explore the Al Jassasiya rock carvings which are found on the northeastern shores of Doha. The petroglyphs contained on the rock add up to well over 874 and were first unearthed in 1957. Believed to be from the Neolithic era, the shapes etched onto the rock include footprints, utensils and even drawings of boats. Although similar carvings have been found elsewhere in Qatar, they are not as well preserved as the Al Jassasiya rock carvings.
Renowned as a prime example of 20th-century Qatari architecture, the Al Koot Fort in Doha is easily accessible to those based at Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli and other hotels in the city. Located in the heart of the city, this mammoth edifice was once a police station. Visitors are not allowed inside the fort grounds. But you can admire the four-towered structure with ease during a trip to the city centre, may be after enjoying a hearty meal at one of the restaurants in Wakra.
No trip to Doha would be complete without stopping by the Qatar National Museum where all of the country's finest historical relics and artefacts are on display. Ideally situated on Museum Park, the venue not only delves into the political and economic legacy of the Arab nation but also its diverse cultural heritage with interactive exhibits and exquisitely organised galleries.
As one of the oldest marketplaces in Qatar, Doha's Souq Waqif is another unlikely addition to the historical hubs in the city. Having originally been a trading ground for livestock, the sprawling labyrinthine thoroughfare is a shopaholic's dream.
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