Qasr Ibrahim, Ottoman fort in Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Qasr Ibrahim is a fortress in Al-Hofuf with thick walls made from mud and straw reinforced by palm trunks in the ceiling structure. The building displays semi-circular arches, Islamic domes, and a minaret influenced by Turkish designs from the 16th century.
The fortress was established in 1556 by Ali Ibn Ahmed Ibn Lawand Al-Burayki and later served as a Turkish military base. King Abdul-Aziz Al Saud captured the building in 1913, marking a turning point in its history.
The structure blends local building methods with Ottoman design elements visible in the arches and decorative details throughout the rooms. Visitors can see how the fortress reflects a mix of Arabian and Turkish influences in its physical form.
The site underwent comprehensive renovation in 2019 with rebuilt sections and a main courtyard for visitors to explore. Plan time to walk through all levels since the building contains multiple rooms and viewing areas throughout.
The building features strategically placed observation windows that allowed soldiers to monitor all activity outside the fortified perimeter. These windows remain visible today and show the military planning that went into the original construction.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
