The house was built during 1898-1901, and belonged to
Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammad Al Qasimi. The building was
designed and built to reveal the artistic and traditional
identity of the Gulf architecture and Islamic pan-Arabian
style. It is rectangular in shape and divided into two
sections as eastern and western sections.
The eastern section includes the entrance, the majlis,
morabba'a, the defensive barrage with its shooting
outlets (Mazaghil) and the inner majlis that towering
the shore. This section, which is almost separated
from the other part by a wall, is used for receiving
men and guests. The western section comprises the
living units allotted for ladies and servants.
Most of the rooms are characterized by their oblong
shapes with their arched and bored walls all decorated
with gypsum arabesque. This arabesque is also visible
on the inner walls, on the arches and closed windows.
All rooms open directly into the yard, and they have
wooden doors and windows with beautiful decorations.
Air ventilation structure known as "Brajils"
tower were considered as a very important element
in this type of architecture because in addition to
the beauty that it gives to the building it is also
a source for light and fresh air.
The house had witnessed many remarkable incidents
and hosted so many important characters. The signing
of the agreement with the British authorities concerning
the eastern region took place in this house. In view
of its vital importance it was repaired with a perfect
architectural skill using local materials only such
as limestone and gypsum. It is now known as one of
the most important heritage museums in the region.
As a museum the house is divided to various
sections as follows:
Heritage section
This section includes the Ruler's room, children's
room, children's living room, sea room (Gulf of Oman),
agricultural room, public music instruments room,
two rooms allocated for old photos, a majlis and a
kitchen. The collections and other objects on display
in this section reveal the characteristic ways of
life that the people of Kalba have lead, their culture
and social life in the past. In addition, the unique
photos on display narrate the incidents and history
of the region.
Archaeology
Section
This is composed of 3 rooms displaying the archaeological
findings from the eastern region of Sharjah Emirate.
Islamic heritage
Section
This section is also composed of 3 rooms showing the
products of Islamic heritage, various collections
and findings that represent samples of various handicraft
items made up of metal, glass and pottery found in
different sites in Sharjah Emirate.
Visiting hours:
Morning : 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening : 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Fridays : 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM only
Mondays : Holiday.
Enquiries : Tel:09-2774442
Fax:09-2777689 |
