The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiquities and Museums has restored a 100-year-old watchtower after parts of its roof collapsed and fell. The watchtower is located in Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an ancient maritime village in the Emirate, which is renowned for fishing, pearl diving and boat building. The restoration process has taken about three months to complete.
The Department of Antiquities and Museums is planning to open this rich cultural monument to the public. The restoration of Al Hamra Tower is part of a greater plan, which includes the conservation of 1,600 historic structures.
The tower was originally used to serve as the town’s defense system, and was constructed using traditional materials such as coral and beach stone, mangrove beams, and palm fronds. It was originally built to guard Al Jazirah Al Hamra’s water wells along with protecting the settlement.
“No chemicals or modern materials were used in the repairs to reflect the original process and maintain the tower’s historical integrity,” Ahmed Hilal, Director of Archaeology at the Department, said in a statement. “We have also tried to avoid material containing salt, which is a major problem in many structures because it can cause corrosion,” he added. The government organization will release a digital database, showcasing Ras Al Khaimah’s traditional buildings once the plan has been fully executed.
Image credit: Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office & Wow-rak.com