Qasr al-Hosn
| Qasr al-Hosn | |
|---|---|
The first tower (1761) seen from the gate
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| Location | Sheikh Zayed the First Street |
| Coordinates | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. |
| Built | 1761 |
| Type | Historical fort |
| Designated | 1976 |
| Country |  United Arab Emirates |
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi |
 Location of Qasr al-Hosn in United Arab Emirates
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The Qasr al-Hosn (Arabic: قصر الحصن) is the oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.[1]
Contents
Location
It is located along Sheikh Zayed the First Street[2] and houses the Cultural Foundation within its grounds.[3]
History
Qasr al-Hosn, also known as the White Fort (originally not in white colour but painted bright white during 1976–1983 renovations) or Old Fort,[4] was constructed in 1761 as a conical watchtower to defend the only freshwater well in Abu Dhabi island.[1] The tower was later expanded into a small fort in 1793 by the then ruler, Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan, and became the permanent residence of the ruling Sheikh.[1] The tower took its present shape after a major extension in the late 1930s, aided by revenues received for granting the first oil license in Abu Dhabi.[5] It remained the emir's palace (hence the name Qasr al-Hosn, meaning Palace fort) and seat of government until 1966.[1] The fort has been developed several times and is now partially open to public.[6][7]
Current research
The Qasr al-Hosn is currently the subject of extensive historical, archaeological, and architectural research.[3][8] The fort houses a museum displaying artifacts and pictures representing the history of the country.[4] It also has a range of weapons, used through the region's history, on display.[4]
Qasr al-Hosn festival
Qasr al-Hosn festival is an annual 11 day cultural event staged on the grounds of the fort.[9][10] The fort is open to public during the festival, including some of the restricted areas[10] and features live music and dance performances showing UAE's cultural heritage.[7]
References
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| Cities and areas | |
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| Government | |
| Culture | |
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| History | |
| Sister Cities | |
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