Acclaimed as the capital of Qatar and a city home to the finest hotels and restaurants, Doha is a land that boasts of its numerous historical attractions, one of which is the famous Doha Fort. Nestled at the heart of the city in close proximity to the iconic Souq Waqif (a traditional marketplace based on an ancient trading site), the Doha Fort has a vast history behind it and is one of the central attractions in the capital.
It is one of those places where visitors are treated with the unique history of Qatar. So, here’s what you need to know about the Doha Fort in the capital of Qatar.
The Doha Fort: From 1880 to 1915
One of the most famous places to visit in Qatar, the Doha Fort was first built in 1880 by the Ottomans and was used as a police post. Interestingly, it was built on an elevation where Bedouins and locals would come to trade a variety of goods. In many cases, this included livestock goods. As time passed and the place grew in fame, it became, what the world now calls, Souq Waqif. Besides, here’s what you need to know about the Doha Fort’s history from 1906 to 1915.
- The Fort Doha was turned into a prison in the year 1906 when only to be abandoned later on.
- As history has it, the Ottomans abandoned the Doha Fort in 1915, post which, it was rebuilt later on.
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The Fort Doha: History From 1927 Till Date
After its abandonment in 1915 by the Ottomans, Fort Doha was again rebuilt. In 1927, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani decided to rebuild the old Turkish fort and turned it into what it is today. However, even after its refurbishment in 1927, the Doha fort remained empty for quite some time until it was turned into, what we call, one of the finest museums in Qatar.
Today, travelers coming on a vacation to Doha surely visit the old fort. In fact, fort Doha has now become a go-to background for wedding photographs in Doha owing to its striking while architecture. Although the travelers cannot actually enter the museum due to the ongoing work around the area, the site is still a worthy spot for your historical adventures in the capital.
Structure Of Doha Fort
The structure of Fort is a typical Arabian one in many cases but carries considerable importance in order to be called one of the historical places in Qatar. Here’s what you need to know about it.
- The Doha Fort has a typical look of a desert fort in Qatar. The only notable difference is its white color.
- The fort is square in shape and has one rectangular tower.
- Apart from the rectangular tower, the Doha fort even has 3 round towers on its corners.
Suggested Read: Forts In Qatar: Catch A Glimpse Of The Finest Historical Sites
Opening Hours Of Doha Fort
The Doha Fort in Qatar, also known as the Al Koot Fort, is open from Sunday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (closed on Friday and Saturday afternoons). Visitors can even explore the iconic Souq Waqif while on their visit to the fort. Besides, as far as the best time to visit is concerned, 1 PM to 2 PM is considered to be the best time to visit Al Koot Fort in Qatar. In fact, nearly 55% of the visitors coming here visit during this time.
How To Reach Fort Doha?
Travelers can easily reach Doha Fort by hiring a local taxi from any prominent location of Doha. There are Karwa Taxis available that function in the city and provide transportation services at reasonable prices.
One of the finest historical sites ever built in the country, the Doha Fort in Qatar has seen multiple altercations and building phases during its lifespan. From being a police post in 1880 to turning into the kind of museum that it is today, this is a place that has seen massive turnouts during a long span of history and stands as one of the most historically rich places in Qatar. Travelers coming here can not only find its white structure striking but would also be fascinated by its location being next to the iconic Souq Waqif. So, are you a historical explorer on the hunt to find the prominent historical locations of Qatar? Visit Doha Fort and embrace the place has to offer.
FAQs
The Doha Fort in Qatar, also known as the Al Koot Fort, is open from Sunday to Saturday from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM. Visitors can even explore the iconic Souq Waqif while on their visit to the fort.
There are many top hotels that are located near the Doha Fort. Here are the top ones you need to know about.
- Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery
- Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli
- Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli
- Mandarin Oriental Doha
- Arumaila Hotel
The Doha Fort is nestled right next to the iconic Souq Waqif. Travelers coming to the fort can also visit the marketplace upon their visit.
There are many top restaurants that travelers can visit near the Doha Fort. Here are the top ones you need to know about.
- Sofra Restaurant
- Al Adhamiyah Iraqi Restaurant
- Al Matbakh Indian Restaurant
- Layali Al Qahira
- Zaatar w Zeit, Souq Waqif
The Doha Fort was abandoned by the Ottomans in 1915, post which, the fort underwent a rebuilding phase in 1927 when Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani decided to rebuild the old Turkish fort and turned it into what it is today.
The Doha Fort is nestled a mere 16 minutes' drive away from the Hamad International Airport. Travelers visiting the fort can take the Ras Abu Abboud Expy route. The distance is about 13.7 KM long.
A city renowned for its historical marvels, there are various museums in Doha that offer the best of historical experience to the visitors. Here are the top museums you need to know about.
- Museum of Islamic Art
- National Museum of Qatar
- Museum of Illusions
- Mathaf
- Msheireb Museums
- Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Yes, the Doha Fort (also known as Al Koot Fort) was used as a police post by the Ottomans. The fort was, in fact, turned into a prison in the year 1906 when only to be abandoned later on.
