Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has an impressive archaeological heritage and rich cultural history. This area has enticed settlers with its unique combination of the four different landscapes found in the United Arab Emirates: striking mountains, coastal beaches and mangroves, and the desert.
The interaction of these geographical factors coupled with Ras Al Khamiah's strategic location at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf has shaped the very special heritage of the Emirate. Archaeological excavations reveal that an advanced trading civilizations have existed in this region since 5000 BC.
This rich history dating back to the Bronze Age makes Ras Al Khaimah one of the few places in the world that has continuously had settlers for over 7,000 years.
Known through the ages as Julfar, Majan or Al Seer, Ras Al Khaimah has stood throughout antiquity as one of the most important trade centres and markets in the region.
Its position at the most trafficked maritime crossroads meant that the emirate was known to traders around the Gulf. Records show that inhabitants from RAK travelled as far afield as Bombay, China and Zanzibar as early as the 10th century.
Ras Al Khaimah's location made it a valuable target for domination by a series of invading powers. Eighteen historic fortifications, castles and towers bear testament to a turbulent history that saw Ras Al Khaimah occupied or challenged by the Sasanians, Islamic clans of the Arabian Gulf, the Portuguese, Dutch and British Forces.
Ras Al Khaimah’s history comes into sharper focus with the arrival of the Qawasim, a clan so influential that they not only united a large part of the Northern Emirates, but also created one of the strongest fleets ever seen in this part of the region.
The arrival of the British influenced a political situation of the Arabian sheikdoms and introduced many changes. These changes finally led to a unification of the seven emirates in 1971/1972, this unification is what is now known as the United Arab Emirates.
History enthusiasts travelling to RAK will find a treasure trove of archaeological sites within easy reach, waiting to bring the past to life.
Source: https://en.rasalkhaimah.ae/
Known through the ages as Julfar, Majan or Al Seer, Ras Al Khaimah has stood throughout antiquity as one of the most important trade centres and markets in the region.
Its position at the most trafficked maritime crossroads meant that the emirate was known to traders around the Gulf. Records show that inhabitants from RAK travelled as far afield as Bombay, China and Zanzibar as early as the 10th century.
Ras Al Khaimah's location made it a valuable target for domination by a series of invading powers. Eighteen historic fortifications, castles and towers bear testament to a turbulent history that saw Ras Al Khaimah occupied or challenged by the Sasanians, Islamic clans of the Arabian Gulf, the Portuguese, Dutch and British Forces.
Ras Al Khaimah’s history comes into sharper focus with the arrival of the Qawasim, a clan so influential that they not only united a large part of the Northern Emirates, but also created one of the strongest fleets ever seen in this part of the region.
The arrival of the British influenced a political situation of the Arabian sheikdoms and introduced many changes. These changes finally led to a unification of the seven emirates in 1971/1972, this unification is what is now known as the United Arab Emirates.
History enthusiasts travelling to RAK will find a treasure trove of archaeological sites within easy reach, waiting to bring the past to life.
Source: https://en.rasalkhaimah.ae/