History of Al Bastakia
History of Al Bastakia: A Window into Dubai’s Past
AL Bastakiya was originally build by Persian merchants from the town of Bastak in Iran. these building are the ones which purely reflect the traditional middle eastern architecture and wealth with its iconic wind towers (Barjeels), Narrow alleyways and coral stone Buildings. this historic building stands as the testament to the ingenuity of the the time, as the wind towers served as an air conditioning in the scortching heat of dubai , channeling cool breezes into the homes
Today, the might and beauty of the neighbourhood is preserved beautifully , all hands and hatts off to the Dubai Muncipality and individuals like British architect Rayner Otter, Who campaigned to save the area from demolition in the 1980's
The neighborhood has since been restored to its former glory, offering visitors a chance to explore its art galleries, museums, and cultural centers, such as the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). It’s a place where the past meets the present, showcasing the rich history of Dubai while offering a peaceful escape from the city’s glitz and glamour.
Today, the might and beauty of the neighbourhood is preserved beautifully , all hands and hatts off to the Dubai Muncipality and individuals like British architect Rayner Otter, Who campaigned to save the area from demolition in the 1980's
The neighborhood has since been restored to its former glory, offering visitors a chance to explore its art galleries, museums, and cultural centers, such as the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). It’s a place where the past meets the present, showcasing the rich history of Dubai while offering a peaceful escape from the city’s glitz and glamour.
Architecture of Al Bastakia
Timeless Elegance: The Architecture of Al Bastakia
If we talk about the architecture of Al bastakia, we can undoubtedly say that it has influences from Persian and traditional arabian cultures , since they are the one who settle here during the early days and its dates back to 1890's , the Buildings of the neighbourhood was primarily build from coral stone, gypsum, and palm wood, While maintaining its aesthetic appeal these structures where also proven to withstand the harsh desert climate
The persian influence of the Architucture is purely visible on the buildings such as Wind Tower (Barjeel). which was an olden day natural air conditioning system , how it works is really fascinating the wind tower will channel the cool breezes into the homes and its cools down the home providing releif from the intense heat of middle east . and becuase of this reason wind towers where present on nearly every buildings of this historic neighbourhood
While walking through the alleyways you may think like why these alleyways are so tall and narrow, again its the influence persian architecture excellence. these where strategically designed to provide shade and create a cooler microclimate thus making it easier to navigate during the scortching hot of summer months. The courtyards within the homes where used as private, open-air spaces for families to gather, it often had lush greenery and water features to improve the sense of tranquility.
And then the most adored features of the neighbourhood was the artistry of the time , which was its intricate wooden doors and carved gypsum panels , these elements reflected the social status and cultural identity of the owners
we can say that the restored historical neighbourhood stands as a living museum, offering the visitors a chance to witness the elegance and functionality of traditional emirati and persian designs.
, Al Bastakia offers a fantastic experience. It’s a place to connect with the soul of Dubai, where the stories of the past come alive through its buildings, museums, and cultural initiatives.
The persian influence of the Architucture is purely visible on the buildings such as Wind Tower (Barjeel). which was an olden day natural air conditioning system , how it works is really fascinating the wind tower will channel the cool breezes into the homes and its cools down the home providing releif from the intense heat of middle east . and becuase of this reason wind towers where present on nearly every buildings of this historic neighbourhood
While walking through the alleyways you may think like why these alleyways are so tall and narrow, again its the influence persian architecture excellence. these where strategically designed to provide shade and create a cooler microclimate thus making it easier to navigate during the scortching hot of summer months. The courtyards within the homes where used as private, open-air spaces for families to gather, it often had lush greenery and water features to improve the sense of tranquility.
And then the most adored features of the neighbourhood was the artistry of the time , which was its intricate wooden doors and carved gypsum panels , these elements reflected the social status and cultural identity of the owners
we can say that the restored historical neighbourhood stands as a living museum, offering the visitors a chance to witness the elegance and functionality of traditional emirati and persian designs.
, Al Bastakia offers a fantastic experience. It’s a place to connect with the soul of Dubai, where the stories of the past come alive through its buildings, museums, and cultural initiatives.