Sharjah, often revered as the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, has meticulously preserved its historical fabric, offering a captivating journey into traditional Emirati life and architecture through numerous beautifully restored houses. These authentic structures, built with local materials and intricate designs, are not just buildings; they are living museums and cultural hubs that tell the stories of generations past, truly inviting us to connect with the emirate’s rich heritage.
Heart of Sharjah: The Quintessential Hub of Traditional Houses
The Heart of Sharjah district is undeniably the primary destination for experiencing a vast collection of traditional houses. This ambitious heritage project has transformed the emirate’s historical core into a sprawling, open-air museum where numerous merchant houses and residential compounds have been painstakingly restored to their 1950s glory. As we wander through its labyrinthine alleyways, we’re surrounded by architecture that utilized coral stone, gypsum, and mangrove wood, designed for the local climate. These houses, often centered around serene courtyards with traditional wind towers (barajeel), provided natural cooling. The Sharjah Heritage Museum itself is housed within a traditional building in this area, offering insights into daily life before the oil boom. Every corner here tells a story of a thriving mercantile past and resilient communities.
Bait Al Naboodah: A Pearl Merchant’s Grand Residence
Within the Heart of Sharjah, Bait Al Naboodah stands as a magnificent example of a traditional merchant’s house. Built around 1845, this expansive residence belonged to Obaid Bin Eissa Bin Ali Al Shamsi, a prominent pearl merchant known as Al Naboodah. Walking through its various rooms and courtyards, we can admire the exquisite craftsmanship, including fine carved teak doors and intricate plasterwork, which reflect the family’s wealth and status. The design cleverly incorporates elements like malaqaf (wind catchers) to provide natural ventilation. This house is more than just a structure; it offers a profound insight into the social customs, family dynamics, and economic backbone of Sharjah during the golden age of pearl diving. It’s a key highlight for understanding historical Emirati domestic life.
Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn): A Fortress and a Home
While primarily a defensive structure, Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), also located in the Heart of Sharjah, served not only as the seat of government but also as a residence for the ruling Al Qasimi family. Its architecture, built from coral stone and mudbrick, reflects the robust and functional design necessary for a fort of its time. Exploring its internal courtyards and rooms, now transformed into a museum, we can appreciate how traditional building techniques were employed for both security and comfortable living. The fort’s commanding presence and its history as a central hub of power make it an essential stop for understanding the evolution of traditional structures in Sharjah, where defense and dwelling often went hand in hand.
Bait Al Serkal: A Cultural Cornerstone within Heritage
Also nestled within the Heart of Sharjah, Bait Al Serkal is another significant traditional house that has been repurposed as a vital cultural space by the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF). This beautifully preserved heritage building now hosts contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and various cultural events, creating a unique dialogue between historical architecture and modern artistic expression. As we explore Bait Al Serkal, we appreciate the traditional construction materials and courtyard layout, which now serve as a stunning backdrop for art. It’s a wonderful example of how Sharjah breathes new life into its historical buildings, ensuring their continued relevance and accessibility to the public, fostering both heritage and innovation.
Sharjah Institute for Heritage Houses: Preserving Oral and Built History
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), a key entity in preserving the emirate’s intangible and tangible heritage, actively works on the conservation of traditional houses, particularly within the Heart of Sharjah. Many of the restored houses now fall under their purview, serving as educational centers, exhibition spaces, or specialized museums. For instance, SIH often hosts workshops and events within these traditional settings, allowing visitors to experience local crafts and cultural practices in an authentic environment. Their overarching goal is to ensure that future generations can learn from and appreciate the architectural legacy of their ancestors, making these houses living classrooms of history.
Al Mureijah Heritage Area: An Artistic Enclave of Old Houses
Adjacent to the main Heart of Sharjah area, the Al Mureijah Heritage Area is a distinct district where traditional houses have been meticulously restored and adapted, largely by the Sharjah Art Foundation, to serve as art galleries, artist studios, and cultural venues. This area, with its charming lanes and squares like Al Mureijah Square, invites us to discover smaller, more intimate art exhibitions housed within these historical structures. The blend of traditional architecture with contemporary art installations creates a unique atmosphere, where the past and present gracefully coexist. We can explore these houses, each with its own story, now serving as dynamic spaces for artistic creation and contemplation.
Al Bait Hotel: Luxury within Restored Traditional Homes
For a truly immersive experience of traditional architecture, Al Bait Hotel in the Heart of Sharjah offers a unique opportunity to stay within meticulously restored heritage houses. The hotel comprises several former traders’ homes, including Bait Ibrahim Bin Mohammed Al Midfa and Bait Eissa Al Midfa, which have been sensitively converted into a luxurious boutique hotel. Here, we can observe the authentic construction methods, the use of coral and gypsum, teak and barasti (palm frond) ceilings, and the traditional recessed alcoves. Staying or even just visiting the public areas of Al Bait Hotel provides an unparalleled appreciation for the elegance and functionality of historical Emirati domestic architecture, showcasing how heritage can be luxuriously integrated into modern life.
Najd Al Maqsar Village (Khorfakkan): Mountain Heritage Houses
Venturing beyond Sharjah city, on the East Coast in Khorfakkan, we discover Najd Al Maqsar Village, a hidden gem of traditional mountain houses. Perched on the slopes of the Hajar Mountains, this remote heritage village features stone houses, some over a century old, that have been carefully restored. These houses, built from local stones and clay, blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, showcasing the ingenuity of past communities in adapting to the rugged terrain. Walking through Najd Al Maqsar, we can explore ancient residences, agricultural terraces, and even an old mosque, gaining a profound understanding of traditional mountain life and the unique architectural styles developed in such environments. It offers a breathtaking glimpse into a different facet of Sharjah’s historical dwellings.
Al Dhaid (Central Region): Oasis and Desert Traditional Dwellings
In the Central Region of Sharjah, the town of Al Dhaid offers insights into traditional houses adapted for the oasis and desert environment. While not as concentrated as the Heart of Sharjah, Al Dhaid features older residential areas and structures that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage. These traditional homes often incorporate elements suitable for the hot desert climate, such as thick mudbrick walls for insulation. Visiting places like Al Dhaid Fort or exploring the older parts of the town allows us to see how historical dwellings in this area were integrated with farming and oasis life, providing a distinct perspective on traditional Emirati architecture shaped by desert living.
Exploring Traditional Houses
To fully appreciate Sharjah’s traditional houses, we recommend dedicating ample time, especially to the Heart of Sharjah district, where most are concentrated and easily accessible on foot. Many of these houses are now museums or cultural centers, so checking their opening hours is advisable. For the more remote sites like Najd Al Maqsar, planning a dedicated trip is essential. These historical homes are not merely structures; they are gateways to understanding the soul of Sharjah, offering tangible links to the emirate’s vibrant past and enduring cultural identity. This comprehensive guide was crafted by the www.few.ae team.
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