Description of the attraction
Fort Arad is an island fortress, whose task was to protect the sea channel and its island. The fortification was built in the traditional 15th century Islamic citadel style, popular before the Portuguese occupation in 1622. The Arad Fortress is one of the compact defensive structures in Bahrain, located in a picturesque location overlooking the sea and the shallow bays of Muharraqa, next to the modern transnational airport.
Along the perimeter, at each corner of the fortress, there are cylindrical towers with a half-closed loophole for shooting in the upper part. A small ditch was dug behind the wall, which used to be filled with water from wells drilled specifically for this purpose. Affected by the time and fulfillment of its purpose, the fort was completely renovated in 1984-87, night lighting was carried out. For the repair and restoration, only similar original materials were used - coral-limestone from the sea, sand, lime, palm logs. There are no materials in the masonry that could not have been used in the construction of the fort in the 15th century.
Fort Arad was one of the most important fortified castles in Bahrain, it has been performing its functions throughout its existence. In Portuguese official papers, the siege of the citadel in 1635 is recorded, its layout and architectural features are described. The Omani invaders used Fort Arad to control sea approaches to Muharrak in 1800.
Excavations and prospecting works on the territory of the fortress continue to this day. Found unique evidence of the technique of adobe "layered" buildings, the remains of adobe bricks, which somewhat complicates the determination of the exact date of the foundation of the citadel.
Anyone can visit the Arad Fort, which is especially good with evening lighting.
