Ghayl Fort

Ghayl Fort is located inland of the coastal city of Kalba in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Built in the late C19th, the current fort was constructed on top of the foundations of a C17th watchtower.

Ghayl Fort
Ghayl Fort
Coordinates: 25°0′0″N 56°20′0″E
CountryUnited Arab Emirates
EmirateSharjah
Elevation
21 m (72 ft)

The 18th century construction of Ghayl Fort was commenced by Ali Bin Zahi in 1800 but completed by Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi, the Al Qasimi wali of Kalba.[1] Four and a half kilometres inland of Kalba, the fort has a commanding view of the lower reaches of the Wadi Helo. The entrance to the fort faces West and it has a prominent four-story watchtower to the North. With an inner area of 15 x 20 metres, the fort was reduced once again to the role of watchtower[2] in the 20th century before being restored.[1] Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi also maintained a seaside house in Kalba.[3]

The area was long dominated by Mazari tribesmen, latterly by Khawatir.[4]

Al Ghayl Fort

The Fort today is adjacent the Kalba Birds of Prey Centre and forms part of the centre property.[5]

References
  1. Carita, Rui. "The network of fortifications in the Emirate of Sharjah". Centro de Estudos de Arquitectura Militar de Almeida. 22 2020: 120 – via Academia.edu.
  2. "AlShindagah Online". www.alshindagah.com. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  3. "Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi". www.visitsharjah.com. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  4. Lancaster, William, 1938- (2011). Honour is in contentment : life before oil in Ras al-Khaimah (UAE) and some neighbouring regions. Lancaster, Fidelity. Berlin: De Gruyter. ISBN 978-3-11-022340-8. OCLC 763160662.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. "Kalba Birds of Prey Centre".
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