Riffa Fort ( ar, قلعة الرفاع, Qal'at ar-Rifa') is a fort in

Riffa Riffa ( ar, الرفاع, ) is the second largest city in the Kingdom of Bahrain by area size. Riffa is divided into three parts: , and . The city is completely located in the Southern Governorate. The city is growing fast: during the 2001 cen ...

Bahrain Bahrain ( ; ; ar, البحرين, al-Bahrayn, locally ), officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, ' is an island country in Western Asia. It is situated on the Persian Gulf, and comprises a small archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and an ...

History

It was built during the reign of Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Al Khalifa in 1812. In the 19th century the fort was a residence for Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh and then it was inherited by his grand children. Riffa Fort is now known as Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Fort and offers a splendid view across the Hunanaiya valley. With Riffa being home to the seat of government until 1869, this fort is of considerable historical significance. Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, who ruled Bahrain from 1869 to 1932, was born in this fort. His house in

Muharraq Muharraq ( ar, المحرق, al-Muḥarraq) is Bahrain's third largest city and served as its capital until 1932 when it was replaced by Manama. The population of Muharraq in 2012 was 176,583. The city is located on Muharraq Island. Bahrain Int ...

provides a glimpse of royal life in the 19th century, complete with architecture and wall carvings belonging to that era. It is also one of the best places to feel the effects of the

wind tower A windcatcher, wind tower, or wind scoop ( ar, برجيل ; fa, بادگیر) is a traditional architectural element used to create cross ventilation and passive cooling in buildings. Windcatchers come in various designs: unidirectional, bid ...

. It was officially opened for visitors in 1993.

References

Forts in Bahrain Archaeological sites in Bahrain 1812 establishments in Asia Riffa {{Bahrain-struct-stub

History

See also

References