Bastakiya Old Town Opening A Portal To The Old Dubai

When you step into Dubai city the first thing that grabs your attention is its impressive skyline

, one that is ever so dynamic and futuristic. The city always strives to be the worlds number one, especially in terms of architectural expertise, presenting great number of man made wonders to the world.

As much as the city focuses on its futuristic innovation, Dubai also flaunts and promotes its rich history through museums and historical attractions. Dubais old roots run deep into the late 11th century, while traces of earliest settlements have been found around late 18th century. For those who are curious about the past of this ultra modern city, simply need to explore Dubai to track back its roots.

Dubai offers many historical attractions. Museums like the Al Ahmadiya School, Dubai Museum as well as Heritage and Diving Village provide a clear insight into diverse facets of the citys past. Dubai also provides an interesting walkthrough adventure to its past with its Bastakiya Old Town also known as Bastakia Quarter.

Bastakiya Old Town is nestled in the Bur Dubai, a district of Dubai resting on the west side of the Dubai Creek. Wrapped in scenic vistas, Bastakiya is an important heritage site of Dubai established in the late 19th century. Bastakiya was founded by affluent pearl and textile traders who arrived from the Bastak town, snuggled in Hormozgan Province in the south of Iran.

The tour in Bastakiya will lead you through narrow crisscrossing lanes flanked by old blocks of buildings that may appear to a distant like giant sand castles. The soaring houses portraying earthly tones have an almost sealed like appearance and are adorned with bits of decorations on their exterior. Almost all buildings have wind towers crowning them, with wooden poles jutting out from each side. These wind towers served like natural air conditioners in the olden days, purifying the air within with chilly fresh breezes from outside.

Declared as a heritage site, the old town of Bastakiya today flaunts a number of highlights. The old buildings have been renovated and replaced thematically with museums, art galleries and restaurants. Stop by the art galleries of XVA Gallery, Majlis Gallery and Ave Gallery for a high dose of aesthetic inspiration. Housed within charming courtyard houses are the Bastakiah Nights Restaurant and the Basta Art Cafe, where you can replenish with refreshments and get back on your adventure.

Nestled within one of the best edifices in the Bastakiya Old Town you will find Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. There are lots to see and admire in and around this site, and learn more about the emirates traditions and heritage. The Old City Wall is another highlight in Bastakiya Old Town which was built in the turn of the 19th century. Made of coral and gypsum this fortification wraps itself around the old town, old Grand Mosque and the famous Al Fahidi Fort.

Exploring the Bastakiya Old Town is akin to rediscovering the old Dubai. Tours can be arranged conveniently from your Dubai hotel and you can also include other historical attractions to complement your Dubai city tour. For those who seek opulence and elegance try the Raffles Dubai, UAE and experience the superlative hospitality of luxury accommodation Dubai. Adjoining the lifestyle sensation of Dubai, the Wafi, this premier hotel offers a myriad of amenities spiced with the bliss of a lush botanical garden and a spa.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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