Built in the early 19th century, the castle now lays in ruins. Rectangular in shape with crenellations and thick walls of stone and mud this architectural style is often seen in the Middle East.
110km from Doha, this fort was built during the late 17th and early 19th centuries. It is a rectangular mud and stone construction with three rectangular corner towers and a round one. This fort was restored in 1988.
Built during the late 17th and early 19th centuries, this fort is a simplified example of the military architecture found in the Gulf. Situated on the western north of Qatar about 110 kms away from Doha City. Its rectangular shape with 4 towers embodies the desert forts spread around the country.
Considered the oldest fort in Qatar, it was the site of a famous battle in Qatari history. Held in 1893 AD the people of Qatar then under the leadership of Sheikh Qassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani defeated the Ottoman forces here. Located on the southwest of Rayyan suburb near Doha, the fort dates back to 1882 and is noted for its high towers and thick walls.
Built in the 20th century above the ruins of an older fort, it has 2 circular towers. Important during the Turkish occupation these defences were built along the coast of the peninsula. The fort is off the sea only by a few hundred yards.
Al Zubarah Fort lies 100 km northwest of Doha. Built in 1938, it is an impressive square shaped structure with three circular towers and one rectangular one. The fort was restored in 1987 and turned into a museum. It is open to the public on weekdays except Saturday and Friday mornings. Entrance is free of charge.
Situated in Umm Salal Mohammed, the tower dates back to the late 19th century AD and was once attached to the fort directly across from it. It is in a unique architectural style almost forming a "T". Constructed as a rectangle with three levels and an external staircase, it's thick high walls end in decorative battlements. It is accessible through the town of Umm Salal Mohammed and will be easily visible when you pass through the town.
Set in the Al Bidda district, this Moorish-style fort is one of the few remaining military fortresses in Doha, built in 1880. Once Turkish military barracks during the ottoman occupation and later a jail, the sturdy walls now shelter a superb collection of traditional crafts including weavings, intricate wood carvings, paintings and gold work. The museum surrounds a peaceful inner courtyard, where visitors can relax beside the fountain. It is open daily except on Saturday and Friday mornings. Entrance is free of charge. It is currently closed for renovation but the exterior of the fort provides excellent photo opportunities.
Built during the 9th century AD, the fort lies some 15km north of Dukhan. It was built during the Abbasid period on the foundations of an older fort, around which are 250 houses in different groups and two mosques distributed in the shape of an arch to the north of the fort.
