Al Bithnah Fort, Historic fortress in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Al Bithnah Fort is a rectangular fortress in Fujairah with two round corner towers positioned strategically on a terrace overlooking Wadi Ham. The structure commanded historical trade routes and passages through the valley below.
Built in 1735 during regional conflicts, the fort played a central role in Sheikh Hammad Bin Abdullah Al Sharqi's declaration of Fujairah's independence in 1884. These moments marked turning points in the region's political development.
The structure displays traditional Arab military architecture using materials like palm wood, stone, and mud mortar, visible in its walls today. These choices reflect how builders worked with their natural surroundings to create lasting buildings.
The fort sits about 13.5 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of Fujairah city and is open to visitors without entry fees. A caretaker is present on-site to provide information and answer questions about the structure.
A freshwater spring outside the fort draws water directly from the wadi, showing how the original water supply worked. This spring explains why the location was so strategically valuable to those who built it.
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