The wide line of old wind towers along the Dubai Creek is the mark of Al Bastakiya – one of the oldest residential areas in the city of Dubai. Here, at the end of 19th century were built houses for Iranian merchants, who were emigrating mostly from Bastak region of Iran, hence the name of the district.
Strengthened by the walls around Fort Al Fahidi Bastakiya became the residence of pearl divers and wealthy merchants up to the time of oil discovery, when rich people start to move to
new parts of blossoming town leaving the old buildings. To prevent the area from destruction Dubai government in 1990’s bought up the houses from the remaining owners with the plans to
renovate the historic buildings to open museums, coffee shops, galleries and community centers to preserve the old,traditional spirit of Dubai.
Narrow lanes(sikkas) separate the traditional courtyard houses, bedecked with tall wind towers aimed to cool the buildings in the pre-electricity era.
There are about 60 buildings made of typical for this area mixture of coral and sand.
The traditional house consists of two floors with kitchen, two bedrooms and separate bathrooms on the ground floor, large living room with another bathroom, hall and storeroom.
The traditional life of Bedouins is displayed in Dubai Museum, which is situated in the oldest building in Dubai ( ca 1790 ) Fort Al Fahidi.
In Bastakiya there is also the first office building in Dubai – Bait Al Wakeel, galleries including Majlis Gallery, several small hotels, Caligraphy House and, created in 1995, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding which among the other activities organises walking tours of historical Bastakiya.
On Saturday mornings there is an open air market ( souq ) with many of musical and artistic events taking place especially during the winter months.
While planning to visit the district, take into the consideration that Bastakiya is closed for car traffic.
[photo by walter menzies]