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- Fortification guarded the maritime village<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Careful restoration used traditional materials and methods<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiquities and Museums has completed major restoration works to one of the Emirate\u2019s historic watchtowers.<\/p>\n
Located just outside Al Jazirah Al Hamra – an ancient maritime village renowned for its fishing, pearl diving and boat building – the watchtower is about 100 years old and was a crucial part of the area\u2019s defense system.<\/p>\n
The tower was constructed using traditional materials, such as coral and beach stone, mangrove beams, and palm fronds. Situated on sand dunes back on the mainland, it guarded Al Jazirah Al Hamra\u2019s water wells along with protecting the settlement, which was once an island, from attack. The restored tower is one of two standing to this day on these dunes.<\/p>\n
Its use as a defensive fortification slowly declined from the 1950s with the advent of civil development, while Al Jazirah Al Hamra was connected to the mainland by the 1970s through land reclamation works.<\/p>\n
Over the past few years, parts of the tower\u2019s roof collapsed and some of its stonework fell into disrepair. The Department of Antiquities and Museums created a detailed record of its architectural features and decided on the repairs that needed to be done. Work began in April, with workers injecting a mortar made of traditional materials, such as lime, into the walls to stabilize the building.<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rakmediaoffice.ae\/media\/2581\/watchtower3.jpg\")
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\u201cThe traditional technique of wall-building leaves voids and gaps in the structure. The tower was built using the same technique, which is one of the reasons for its partial collapse,\u201d said Ahmed Hilal, Director of Archaeology at the Department.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo chemicals or modern materials were used in the repairs to reflect the original process and maintain the tower\u2019s historical integrity,\u201d said Mr Hilal. \u201cWe have also tried to avoid material containing salt, which is a major problem in many structures because it can cause corrosion.\u201d<\/p>\n
The restoration took about four weeks, with workers also rebuilding its roof, repairing its main door and rejuvenating some of its plasterwork.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 11.9-metre high tower is a classic example of a traditional defensive building,\u201d said Mr Hilal. \u201cIts restoration forms part of our mandate to safeguard Ras Al Khaimah\u2019s priceless heritage and secure it for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rakmediaoffice.ae\/media\/2582\/watchtower2.jpg\")
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The Department of Antiquities and Museums is working on plans to open the tower to the public and thereby display a facet of the Emirate\u2019s rich historical tapestry to a wider audience. Al Jazirah Al Hamra, meanwhile, has been the subject of a separate major restoration effort by the Department over the past few years.<\/p>\n
The conservation efforts combined form part of a plan to document all traditional buildings in Ras Al Khaimah. More than 1,600 structures have been recorded and mapped as part of the Department\u2019s plan so far, with 75 being towers. A number of these towers are similar defensive fortifications to the Al Jazirah Al Hamra building, while others are part of larger forts or civilian buildings.<\/p>\n
Once the plan is complete, a digital database will be created by the Department showcasing all Ras Al Khaimah\u2019s traditional buildings. More information on the Department\u2019s work can be found at:\u00a0www.rakheritage.rak.ae<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
- Careful restoration used traditional materials and methods<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n