Al Koot Fort most commonly known as the Doha Fort, is a historical military fortress located in the heart of Doha, Qatar's capital city. It was built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani, better known as Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1913 until 1949, after Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, Sheikh Abdullah's brother, abdicated in favor of him.[1] The fort was later converted into a museum.[2][3]
| Al Koot Fort Doha Fort | |
|---|---|
قلعة الكوت | |
Near Souq Waqif, Doha,  Qatar | |
 The Fort in 2023 | |
  | |
| Coordinates | 25°17′12″N 51°31′51″E / 25.2866°N 51.5309°E |
| Type | Historical Fort |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Qatari Government; Ministry of Tourism, Qatar Museums Authority |
| Controlled by | 1938–present: Qatar |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1880 |
| Built by | Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani |
| In use | 1927–1977: Police Station/Jail/Military Fort 1978–present: Museum |
Qatari traditional handicrafts, products and photos of daily life with illustrations are housed in the fort. Exhibits and artworks include handicrafts, gypsum and wooden ornaments, fishing equipment and boats, historical photos and paintings including oil paintings of craft workers and daily life.[2][3]
History
editThe Al Koot Fort was rebuilt in 1927 by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani, after it was abandoned by the Ottomans. It was originally built to serve as a police station in 1880 and afterwards used as a jail in 1906, although some sources prove that the Al Koot Fort was built by Sheikh Abdulla to protect the Souq Waqif from notorious thieves.it was also renovated in 1978.It was one of the most important forts during that time.[3]
Geography
editThe Al Koot Fort is located in the Al Bidda neighborhood, in the midst of the famous Souq Waqif, near Doha Corniche, and is now a preferred landmark, museum and tourist spot, most especially for foreigners.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Historical Landmarks". qatar.hu. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
- ^ a b "Doha Fort (Koot)". Qatar Museums Authority. Archived from the original on 2012-11-13. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ a b c d "Forts :: Qatar Tourism Authority". Qatartourism.gov.qa. Archived from the original on 2012-06-17. Retrieved 2012-11-13.