Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah

For the second day of the trip, we decided to take a drive around the coast. We made a couple of stops, including one at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and had some shopping to do. Our first stop, though, was Bir Zekreet. There is a famous rock formation that we never found, but did see some cool limestone rock formations.

Qatar’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Al Zubarah Fort and Archeology site. The fort was built in 1938 and is comprised of 4 towers. The highlight, though was the bus ride to the waters edge to the town, which was founded in 1811 and abandoned in the early 20th century.

Al Zubarah Fort

This fort, the first Qatari UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani (1913 - 1949). Around 200 years ago, the city was a profitable pearl-fishing town, but now the area is in ruins.

Al Zubarah

The City Wall at Al Zubarah

Al Zubarah

The Northern House. This is one of the largest homes within Al Zubarah. Originally it was a 2 story building and outfitted with all the luxury one could imagine including ten courtyards with porticos, shaded areas, wash rooms, and reception areas. In addition, it had its own defensive tower.

Al Zubarah

Date Storage area at The Northern House.

Al Zubarah

This area is the city Souq, the center of the city’s financial activity. It’s location near the beach reflected how closely connected commerce was connected to the water and maritime activities.

Al Zubarah

This is a typical high-status home in the town of Al Zubarah. To the back left, you can see the stairs that led to the upper floor. The hom eonce contained an impressive portico that overlooked a courtyard.

Around dinner time, we found ourselves in a small town called Madīnat ash Shamāl on the northern coast of Qatar. It was the Qatari equivalent of Lands End, and we had to eat. One of our guidebooks recommend a Turkish restaurant called Iskandar Pasha and it turned out to be quite tasty.

Iskandar Pasha Restaurant

Iskandar Pasha Restaurant

Iskandar Pasha Restaurant

Shawarma

Iskandar Pasha Restaurant

Baba Ghanouj

Iskandar Pasha Restaurant

Pide