Fujairah Fort

Jameela Jumah Farhan

Welcome to Fujairah Fort. We are currently at the main door of the fort, which was historically known as the Gate. It consists of two separate doors. The smaller door is called the Farkha. Our guards previously used the Farkha to enter and exit discreetly, ensuring confidentiality. Now, let's continue our tour of the castle.

Humaid Ali Obaid Al Yammahi

The fort played a crucial role in protecting the emirate 100 years ago. After that, it became primarily a lookout for fires, God forbid. It was considered one of the symbols of the emirate, representing its pride and heritage. This fort was a significant symbol of the emirate, with soldiers stationed there around the clock, ensuring continuous vigilance and protection.

Salah Ali Hasan

Fujairah Fort is one of the most important and largest forts in the region. It is unique because it was built on an irregular rock formation. The fort dates back to the early 15th or 16th century. Over the years, it has undergone many phases and several restorations. However, most of the previous restorations were unscientific and not systematic. In 1998, we began a scientific restoration project, which continued until the year 2000.

Amrik Plaha

This material is basically built with stones, gypsum, and sarooj (plaster); those are all three materials, all this one, you know. But then when I restored this, I used steel. I used cement also, white cement also all these things I have I have used it to just make it more reliable, more long-living, you know. But outside we, we are always using sarooj or gypsum. We cannot use gypsum close to the ground because gypsum has a tendency to attract water. But if you say lime, you know, sarooj is a lime-based material you know, it's a lime-based material, lime is calcium oxide, so there's no water in this one. And sarooj is clay and limestone burnt together with a palm log fire. They don't remove the ashes of the palm logs; they mix them with this one because ash is a water repellant also. Then you have lime in this one, and clay is burnt up to, I think it's 500° or 600° Celsius, and then it becomes Sarooj, you know, then they grind it. That sarooj is better than gypsum but it is close to the ground you know it does not let the humidity suck from the ground.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We are currently in the main corridor of Fujairah Castle, where the guards used to sit and place their weapons on pegs on the back wall, alongside the niches where they placed lanterns. Entering this corridor, one can sense the beautiful past and appreciate how our people maintained security and safety in the emirate.

Humaid Ali Obaid Al Yammahi

The fort was struck by a cannon in 1925 and was initially rebuilt using adobe, a mixture of mud and hay. However, by the mid-sixties, it began to erode. It was then reconstructed with bricks and cement. In 1997, the restoration aimed to preserve its original appearance, so it was rebuilt using the same red gypsum material that was used the first time. This effort ensured that the fort retained its authenticity.

Salah Ali Hasan

The beginning of the restoration of the Fort brought joy and pride to the citizens because the fort represents a historical and national memory for them. Most generations had only seen the fort in its dilapidated state. The restoration was not just well-received; it was met with great enthusiasm and praise. There was immense joy and happiness after its completion, as the community witnessed the castle being restored to its former glory from 500 years ago.

Amrik Plaha

Restoration is not my profession; it's a passion for me, you know, for me. And now people have started understanding also. Now the children love to come here when they see the houses of their grandfathers & great grandfathers. They feel happy from inside, you know, and you cannot describe that happiness with words, you know. I also have a very special connection with the heritage of Fujairah, but I don't know why. It's 27 years now, but I have a feeling when I come here, I will feel relaxed. (deep sigh) I'm here.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

We are currently in the central courtyard of Fujairah Fort and can feel the calm that permeates these grounds. The weather is pleasant, and birds are flying above us. However, the fort was also a first-class defensive structure, featuring three circular towers and a fourth square tower, all connected by a wall. The wall features numerous small windows from which soldiers could defend the fort and surrounding area.

Humaid Ali Obaid Al Yammahi

Here, there used to be a wall with palm tree trunks positioned right in front. If, God forbid, enemies managed to enter the courtyard from above or through the door, the soldiers would push the trunks down to block their entry into the undefended square. This was a crucial defensive measure. It's important that these palm tree trunks, are preserved as part of our heritage, as they were essential for the fort's protection.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

We are currently in the Madbasa, or date molasses room. This room is notable for the grooves in the floor where dates are pressed, and the sweet molasses flows down into the circular hole and is collected in jars. Adjacent to the Madbasa is a small prison that was used in the past. Dates are a vital ingredient in both our traditional and modern dishes. As in the past, today, they are still used in sweet treats such as qaymat and churros.

Fatima Rashed Mohammad Al Kaa’bi

We use [dibs] for "girs" (a type of bread). Some people prefer it on large round flatbread, and this is what we use for that. Some enjoy it with honey, while others like it with date syrup. We use pure, clear date syrup filtered from dates. It's very good. For example, we make bread with roasted date syrup by adding the syrup to the bread dough while cooking. Some people prefer to add the syrup afterward, pouring it over the bread along with Arabic ghee. They say it's delicious.

Salah Ali Hasan

Processing dates to create molasses is very common here. In the past, people even did it in their homes. Why? Because date syrup, or date honey, is a very important part of the diet. It's especially relied upon for breakfast, particularly in the winter. People used to rely primarily on dates and fish, as these were essential foods. This practice continues because date syrup is a clean and nutritious food.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

We are now in the North Tower, one of the most distinguished and remarkable towers in Fujairah Fort. This tower is characterized by its central circular column and offers a breathtaking view of the Emirate of Fujairah. From this vantage point, we can gaze upon the lush farms encircling the fort, the clear sea, and the majestic, picturesque mountains.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

Now we are in the grand house, known as the House of the Sheikh, specifically the house of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi This house was a central place for the people of Fujairah, where they could come to meet the Sheikh, greet him, or request assistance. It was always open to everyone, whether they were guests from near or far. Our current ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, was born and raised here. He had his own room where he lived and studied, creating many cherished memories of this place. The house has many notable features, including the courtyard where the Sheikh sat and held council, welcoming guests. There is also a private office where he attended to important papers and matters concerning the emirate. Although it is the ruler’s house, it also served as a family home, connecting the people of the eastern region with the ruler’s family. We like to bring visitors here to show them how life used to be, highlighting the simplicity of living in the past. This house, despite being large, shares the same building materials and details as the surrounding houses. I mean, the only difference between it and the other houses is that it is the size of the house and the compound. This closeness signifies that the Sheikh did not distance himself from his people but lived among them, opening both his heart and home to everyone in the region.

Salah Ali Hasan

Locally, it's very beautiful to see these generations learning about the old Fujairah village. They can see how the village was, how the locals lived, and how they struggled for a decent living. They also learn how the villagers utilized local resources and the natural environment for their development. This history shows the journey from those times to today's prosperous community. For the young ones, it opens their imagination, It actually brings them back or connects them connecting them to the past and bringing history to life.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

We are currently in the house of Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamdan, known locally as the House of Art. This house has been taken over by the Culture Authority and transformed into a center for educational courses and cultural workshops as well as manual workshops affiliated with the Culture Authority. It also hosts heritage and national celebrations.

Humaid Ali Obaid Al Yammahi

Among the things I remember now is the way houses were built, either as a storehouse or a larder. These start with clay. Here, locally, they used to call it "toul," and in Arabic, it's called "al-laban." It's basically regular clay put in a mold to make bricks. This clay is mixed with straw to give it strength. When they build with the bricks, they make what we call "al-salha," which is in English, "the plaster," also mixed with straw.

Fatima Rashed Mohammad Al Kaa’bi

We made lots of memories in this area, especially at the Sheikh's house. In the mornings, we would have breakfast there, knocking on the door to join them. My mother, may Allah have mercy on her, used to work for them before coming home to her children. It seemed like everyone worked at the Sheikh's house. My father, may God have mercy on him, was given a piece of land with palm trees by the Sheikh. We planted and worked there, my father, my mother, and I. We were always around this area, eating and drinking together Every house had food, and sharing was normal.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

now we are at the old mosque, which has more than one name: The Old Mosque, Muhanna Mosque and Ibn al-Haytham Mosque. This mosque has changed over time, especially in its size. It includes a prayer hall for men, a well, and some space for prayer. Outside, there is an exterior courtyard. Over the years, the mosque has expanded, and now it covers a larger area than before. Additionally, a women’s prayer hall has been added in recent times.

Humaid Ali Obaid Al Yammahi

Yes, the mosque really did serve as a gathering place, especially on Fridays. On Fridays, everyone prayed together and checked on each other. However, back then, people met daily unlike now. Today, people only meet in the mosque or at events, often for condolences or on Eid. Unfortunately, people have become isolated. In the past, people would meet anytime. They would pray Fajr, have breakfast, and then go to the farm, the sea, or wherever they worked. They would meet again at noon, in the afternoon, and after Isha. Now, people don't meet as often. Before, everyone knew each other without needing the mosque. Now, people rely on the mosque more than ever.

Fatima Rashed Mohammad Al Kaa’bi

The old mosque, they used to call it Muhanna Mosque, had a minaret. My grandfather used to lead the call the prayer from there. It was close to our house, and you could hear the call to prayer from here. Praise be to God.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

One of the important sites in the heritage village is Al-Sablah, which is a place where the sheikh used to sit after daily prayers and hear from local residents.

Humaid Ali Obaid Al Yammahi

People used to sit in the majlis, each one in front of his house, or in the "sabla", which is a paved area in front or under the shade of a "ghaf" tree or a sidra (date palm). This is where people would gather to discuss, what they did that day and where they went, reflecting their simple way of life. Yes, there used to be specific times or occasions when people gathered to tell the sheikh their problems and complaints So he could solve them. However, there wasn't always a specific time; anyone who wanted to could go at any time. Life was very simple back then, and minor issues wouldn't reach the sheikh. Each person would handle their own complaints. For major problems, such as tribal conflicts, they would go to the sheikh. However, minor problems were usually resolved among themselves without involving the sheikh.

Jameela Jumah Farhan

Thank you for joining us on the virtual tour. We hope you can join us in person for a real tour in the Emirate of Fujairah. During your visit, you will meet many friendly faces and discover even more of the landmarks in Fujairah.

Humaid Ali Obaid Al Yammahi

What I wish for them [young people], and I pray to God Almighty, is that He guides them and reconnects them first to their religion and their country, their customs and traditions, and their relatives. The distance between religion and family has increased so much that people don't know their brothers, their fathers, or their own country. It has become a tragedy in the present time. My wish is that people return to their roots, fostering social cohesion and promoting strong community bonds.

Salah Ali Hasan

What makes us proud and fills us with admiration and pride for this community is the growing awareness of the value of heritage. We see it becoming stronger and stronger in society every day. Even young children are deeply interested in heritage and regard it with great affection. Alongside this immense love, we hope that this interest will continue to rise, fostering feelings of care, pride, and love for our heritage.