Barzan Towers

The Barzan Towers (Arabic: برج برزان, lit. 'high place'), also known as the Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers, are watchtowers that were built in the late 19th century and renovated in 1910 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. They are located at the southern side of the defensive system established at the end of the 19th century and start of the 20th century to protect the rawda, a depression where precious rainwater is collected after flowing downward from higher ground. In Arabic, barzan means "high place".

The buildings were restored in 2003. The towers measure 16 m (52 ft) high. The fort links to two other fortified buildings towards the west and another tower towards the north. Barzan Towers may have been built near the sea to keep an observant eye on pearl divers, as a look-out for approaching ships, and as an observatory for tracking the moon. The Barzan Towers have been rebuilt with features such as air-conditioners.

Originally built with coral rock and limestone cementing the structures featured traditional Qatari design and building methods including marazim wooden channels to drain rainwater during storms away from the building walls, a majilis room between the towers to receive guests, and four-layer roofs with "danchal" wood pole construction, basgijl, woven bamboo strips, mangrove mesh and a layer of compressed mud.

History

The Barzan Towers were built in the late 19th century and were renovated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani in the early 20th century to serve as watchtowers against the incoming Ottoman soldiers. Although his father had defeated the Ottomans several years before in the Battle of Al Wajbah, Mohammed remained weary of renewed military tensions. They were also used by the native Qataris to scrutinize the new moon during the holy month of Ramadan, since keeping track of the moon was essential. The towers were restored in 2003 by the Qatari authorities.