A Fortress of Echoes and Legacy: Our Enchanting Day at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), the Beating Heart of Emirati Heritage

Hi World Mappin friends!

This time we didn’t go to the beach or go camping. We dropped into a museum, and it was a different kind of escapade. No campfire or swimming, just walking slowly and looking at things from the past. Join me as I share what we witnessed and felt during our museum visit.
It was one of those simple, sunlit days when you don’t really plan anything. But somehow end up with something unforgettable. My husband and I were out in Sharjah, just driving with no specific destination in mind. We came to pass by a place that directly caught our eye, a design that looked like it belonged to another time.

Al Hisn stands proudly in the heart of Sharjah. It echoes the days when it was used as the seat of Sharjah's Government. The fort has endured various changes over the years. It was restored to resemble its original appearance.

The first room we entered. It was called Al Muhalwasa, this room held people who were waiting for their trials. It was dark and uncomfortable, showing how hard life was for prisoners in the past.

The next room was the Armoury, used to store the fort's weapons. Rows of rifles were leaning against the wall. This room was located close to the main entrance to allow the guards to quickly grab the weapons.

As we continued, we saw these in the corner. Al Hisn was equipped with a Kharreja, a saltwater well. The water was mostly used for domestic purposes. And these jars beside are used to cool water or store food.

The next room we entered was the Treaties Room. Where important historical agreements were kept. It was filled with a sense of importance, as if the papers still held the weight of the decisions made long ago. It was interesting to see how important decisions were made through these agreements. And how they helped build relationships with other nations.

One of the most interesting displays in the museum was a collection of letters written by the Somali people to Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr. These letters reflected a deep bond and mutual respect between the Somali community and the ruler of Sharjah.

In the next room, we saw a beautiful model of a Baghlah, a traditional wooden ship that was once used for trade and long sea voyages. Beside it was a naval cannon, once used to guard Sharjah’s shores from threats.

The next room we visited was the Al Medbasa, where date syrup was made in the old days. People would place ripe dates on palm mats and press them with heavy wooden beams or stones. The setup in the room showed how simple tools were used in smart ways to make use of natural resources.

The next room featured the building materials used in Sharjah’s traditional architecture. Blocks of coral were cut from the sea, which were used to build the city walls. Chandal mangroves and parts of palm trees, which were used to support roofs and walls. These natural materials were carefully chosen to create homes that suited the hot and dry environment.

Al Kabs Tower is a historic lookout tower in Sharjah that played a key role in defending the city. It's a symbol of the city’s strength and the importance of security in earlier times.

Another room in the museum honored the Al Qawasim royal family. Focused on Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi and his brothers. These displays gave a respectful view of a family whose unity and leadership played a big role in making Sharjah’s history and identity.

The next room was the Tower Guard, where the guard was stationed to help defend the fort and monitor the inmates inside the prison. The cannon was placed to protect the fort and the city. The Al Muhalwasa Tower caught our attention with its fluted polygonal shape. This unique design added both strength and style to the structure.

The next room we entered was Al Ghurfah. The room was relaxing, with floor mats, cushions, and elegant furniture that made it comfortable and inviting.

Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr’s formal attire was traditional and showed his important position. His clothes were simple but elegant, perfect for the hot desert climate. This traditional dress represented his leadership and pride in his culture.

In one of the rooms, we saw a display of old weapons that included the Mayzar (Martini-Henry rifle), shotguns, and Joseph Dumares pistols. These weapons were once used by the guards and warriors of Sharjah to protect the fort and the people.

We saw the Al Raggas, also called the dancing cannon. It got this name because it would shake or move a little when fired. The cannon was used during special events and celebrations to make loud sounds and show joy.

The Sheikh’s room gave us a closer look at how the ruler once lived. Inside, we saw his personal belongings, including traditional clothing, and other daily items that showed his simple but respected lifestyle. His bed was placed neatly in one corner, made with wooden frames and covered in soft white fabric. The room was quiet and modest, yet full of meaning. It showed how the Sheikh lived with dignity, leading his people while staying close to his culture and traditions.

The Al Zeweya showed a simple and traditional kitchen space from the past. The heart of the home, where meals were prepared with love and care. The Al Qateea was a traditional pantry used for storing food and kitchen supplies. Important in every home, helping families keep their food fresh and ready to use.
Our stopover at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) was memorable. This castle, with its echoes of the past and legacy marked in every wall, gave us more knowledge.

Photos taken using Samsung S21
Collage using Canva

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