Fort Al-Ghwayzi, Islamic fortification in Al Mukalla, Yemen.
Fort Al-Ghwayzi is a fortification at the northeastern entrance of Al Mukalla with two floors and circular windows. The roof features traditional stone barriers, forming the typical layout of a local defensive structure.
The fort was built in 1716 under the Emirate of Al-Kassad to defend Al Mukalla from raids by the Kathiri and Quaiti sultanates. It later kept its defensive function when Al Mukalla became the capital of the Quaiti Sultanate in 1881.
The fort displays Islamic military design through its materials and methods, such as clay bricks, palm trunk reinforcements, and whitewashed walls. These building techniques show how local craftsmen used available resources to create lasting structures.
The structure sits among modern housing and dense settlements, which helps with finding your way around the area. It requires significant restoration work, so plan your visit with appropriate care for its fragile condition.
The fort sits at an elevation of about 27 meters, which gave its original defensive position extra advantages. This raised location allowed the structure to watch over the coastal town and spot threats from a distance.
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