Al Hisn Fort

Al Hisn Fort, sometimes also called Sharjah Fort, lies in the center of the city of Sharjah, in the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Al Hisn Fort was built in 1820 by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi. British records from 1830 described it as; "located on a little inland, mounting six pieces of cannon, together with some detached towers. In case of alarm from an enemy, it is stockaded round with date trees and wood sufficient for repelling the attack of Arabs, although of little service against regular troops." It served as the residence of the local Sheikh.

In 1970 the then ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, ordered the demolition of the fort because he wanted to erase the memory of his predecessor; Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi. Khalid's brother; Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, who was studying abroad, heard of the started demolition and rushed back to Sharjah in an attempt to halt it. He finally was able to persuade his brother but all that was left of the fort was the eastern corner tower, called Al Burj. This is the bulky tower to the right of the current entrance. After that, the site of the fort was abandoned.

Between 1996 and 1997 Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, now Sheikh of Sharjah, rebuilt Al Hisn Fort following its original ground plan and using doors and windows saved during the demolition.

The fort has a somewhat square ground plan with 2 round corner towers on one side and 2 rectangular ones  on the other.

At present Al Hisn Fort is a museum which can be visited for a fee. Sadly enough it was closed on the day when I came by. A nice city fort.

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