AL HISN KALBA (The Kalba Fort)

The Fort was opened for the visitors on the 2nd of Dec.1996. Located in Kalba city facing the sea, it was one of the defensive fort used for control, reconnaissance and defense. The structure was built before 150-200 years. The quadrilateral fort is constructed on a 20-metre high platform with a thick wall around it.

The building is situated on one end of the platform leaving in front the building a large empty space. The fort is with a tower in the eastern corner and a square block in the middle. It is built in two levels with a storeroom nearby. The structure is built on the square block, the walls of which took the shape of a pyramid as the sloping are very clear.
The walls of the Hisn are built from stones, plasters intercepted by layers of adobe. The 'morabbaa' (quadrilateral upstairs) consist two storeys and built in a defensive style and has vertical and circular shooting outlets locally called 'mezaghil'. In addition to this there is the nose to protect its walls and windows as its opening settles vertically on the windows. In its south eastern corner, the Hisn has a tower buried up to about the level of the Hisn floor. The tower is also considered as a defence facility as it contains vertical and circular shooting outlets 'mezaghils' and is topped by different levels of cogwheels which enhances its defensive and control capability. The Hisn is also surrounded by wall that helps in reconnaissance and plays the role of shooting outlets (mazaghils).

The Hisn comprises a square shaped well, dug in the middle of its eastern side, as another defensive facility to provide defenders with water.

 

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