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August 25, 2010

F is for Al Fahidi Fort

Dubai does not rank among my favorite cities I have visited. Flashy superlatives (the first, the biggest, the tallest...) and frivolous are words that immediately come to mind.

Yet I did enjoy our stop at the oldest building in the city: Al Fahidi Fort.  Built in the last years of the 1700s (the history I read does not agree on one date),  about the time the settlement was established, it was originally used for sea defense. In later years it served as a jail, an ammunition store, an emir residence and the seat of government. 

Since 1970 the building has been a museum displaying an interesting range of cultural artifacts. I was most interested in the fort itself.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2005


my Chinese "brother" Tom - then business partner


This beautiful carved door is impressive, and I can only wonder where the wood came from in those days.


The many dioramas were effective in giving me a peek into the locals' past desert life - before oil was discovered. Sorry about the flash glare, but I did think this image showed something uncommon. Lots to look at here, like the gorgeous fabric of the woman's dress. This couple must have had a high social position.


This brief glimpse into the Al Fahidi Fort Museum is posted for ABC Wednesday where the letter F is the prompt. Follow the link for many more links to takes on this letter.

25 comments:

  1. VPAugust 25, 2010 at 1:15 AM

    A surprise location and a fascinating museum. I wonder if those square things in the second picture are benches...

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  2. FranciscaAugust 25, 2010 at 1:20 AM

    @VP - I think they might be a tad low for benches, and I can't imagine anyone wanting to sit outside in that oppressive heat. (I have some benches for you, though :-) )

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  3. Vinay Leo R.August 25, 2010 at 1:25 AM

    some very beautiful photographs of the fort :) thanks for sharing! :D

    My ABC Wednesday Post

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  4. RajeshAugust 25, 2010 at 1:33 AM

    Beautiful shots of fort. It has been converted into a nice museum.

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  5. FranciscaAugust 25, 2010 at 1:36 AM

    @VP... I looked at the originals, and hey, they ARE benches, square wood slat benches! :-)

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  6. Sylvia KAugust 25, 2010 at 1:46 AM

    Marvelous captures of the fort and I think it's great that it has been converted to a museum! Great post for the F Day! Enjoy your week!

    Sylvia

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  7. photowannabeAugust 25, 2010 at 1:47 AM

    Interesting pictures of the Fort. Glad to see it because I don't think I will ever make it there.

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  8. Roger Owen GreenAugust 25, 2010 at 1:58 AM

    Never been to Dubai, but frivolous definitely came to mind, so I'm glad that there is some history preserved there.

    On behalf of ABC Wednesday team, thank you! - ROG

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  9. Gigi AnnAugust 25, 2010 at 1:58 AM

    Very informative post for F Day. Thanks for sharing.

    Have a fabulous week.

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  10. Leslie:August 25, 2010 at 2:24 AM

    Fascinating...don't know if I'd ever go there myself.

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  11. cieldequimperAugust 25, 2010 at 2:44 AM

    I am now interested in Dubai which I too associated with wealth, huge modern buildings and skiing in the desert.

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  12. Kay L. DaviesAugust 25, 2010 at 2:58 AM

    Very interesting place. I'm learning something new all the time. Thanks.

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  13. Cezar and LéiaAugust 25, 2010 at 3:36 AM

    Wow Dubai, it's definitely my kind of dream!Amazing set of pictures!
    Happy ABC Wednesday
    Léia - Bonjour Luxembourg

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  14. DinaAugust 25, 2010 at 3:56 AM

    I'm glad they still have something old.
    Thanks for this tour of a fabulous fort which I will probably never get to see in person.

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  15. Anita JohnsonAugust 25, 2010 at 5:06 AM

    I love going to places with you...the carving on the door is just beautiful, the richness of the wood compared to the gray stone is stunning.

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  16. AnonymousAugust 25, 2010 at 7:07 AM

    Great photography - thank you for this nice escape in the middle of the night.

    daily athens

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  17. ☺lani☺August 25, 2010 at 8:58 AM

    Interesting! I've never been to Dubai, although I have friends working there. BTW, thanks for dropping by and giving me more information about burning ghost paper. Actually, not all Taiwanese are following that, mostly the Buddhist Temples here have a big celebration. Happy Mid-week!

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  18. michaelAugust 25, 2010 at 10:15 AM

    Surprising location. I had thought Dubai was one of those ancient cities. Your photos show the fort well.

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  19. Verna LugaAugust 25, 2010 at 10:19 AM

    o, interesting place... humans really! You captured it well, thanks for letting us know.
    My ABC Wednesday here
    And Here Too
    hope you can drop by, Have A Nice Day!

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  20. tapirgalAugust 25, 2010 at 11:45 AM

    What a fascinating set of photos. I would have loved a visit - just wrap the place in a dome with A/C for my visit, please :)

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  21. KaoriAugust 25, 2010 at 4:40 PM

    It's amazing how the fort was used for so many purposes! The ship is very impressive as well. I can already feel the heat from your lovely photos ;-D

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  22. JulieAugust 25, 2010 at 5:28 PM

    That carved door is very impressive, Francisca. I was wondering about the construction of the fort. What is it made from? There is one shot where it looks like the ends of logs, but I suspect that is plain wrong. Even rocks is a long shot considering the natural environment. Any ideas?

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  23. WendyAugust 26, 2010 at 12:19 AM

    I can see the old Turkish influence in the architecture and that lovely door! Wonderful post...

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  24. UnknownAugust 27, 2010 at 12:03 AM

    Great photos of a place I've never been to.

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  25. AnonymousAugust 28, 2010 at 11:36 PM

    Fascinating place, good shots!

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