FEEL THE PULSE OF SHARJAH’S HISTORY
The Heart of Sharjah is the largest historical restoration project in the region.
Years ago, I never enjoyed the view from my balcony. But now, I enjoy looking at the lake that reminds me of the history of this place.”
Samira Mushtaq, Indian
Every city has an area that defines its pulse and reflects its journey through time. The Heart of Sharjah not only serves as a cultural heritage site that attracts thousands of tourists annually, but is also the area that combined communities for decades.
Situated just five minutes from the city’s corniche and 10 minutes from the Sharjah International Airport, the Heart of Sharjah was the capital of the territory ruled by the Qawasim sheikhs since 1813.
Its corniche, where numerous ships and dhows are spotted, has been the main area that contributes to the maritime activities and land-bound economy.
The Sharjah government has been working to restore the historical sites and build new structures in the area, which has been attracting art and history enthusiasts, to reflect what Sharjah was like in the 1950s. But ask people who have been living in the place for decades, they’d say the place goes beyond its breathtaking historic buildings that includes a large part of the historic souq area, as well as rulers’ residences.
AbdulRasheed Mohammed from Pakistan, who owns a shop for Khaleeji garments, has been living in the area for the past 55 years. He said the incredible changes that made the historic area integrate modern aspect to it has made it feel even more “homely”.
“You often feel that you’re having guests who look different than the community you are in love with. Witnessing young creative people from all walks of life now visiting the area gives more opportunities to interact with different mindsets,” said Mohammed.
With the dhows previously docked on the residential side of the pier, Mohammed said the area used to be “extremely crowded” with the views of the lake blocked. Now as the ships are docked on the other side after an order from the authorities, the view has been a major attraction for residents and visitors who can jog, go for a walk, or hangout with their family and friends. The previously congested roads are now less noisy, he said.
Samira Mushtaq from India, who has been living in old Sharjah for the past six years, said she now enjoys hanging out in those little modern cafes set by the lake, after having her morning jog.
“Years ago, I never enjoyed the view from my balcony. But now, I enjoy looking at the lake that reminds me of the significance and history of this place,” said Mushtaq.
She added: “It’s nice to live here. Witnessing the new souqs and cafes coming to life adds more joy to the place that’s becoming a landmark in Sharjah.”
The Heart of Sharjah embraces art galleries, old traditional markets, archaeological sites and museums.
One such market is Souq Al Arsah, probably the oldest market place in the UAE, which allows residents to step into the souq and begin a journey back in time with numerous quaint stores selling local new and antique handicrafts.
Fort of Al Hisn, originally built at the beginning of the 19th century, but demolished in 1969, was rebuilt in 1996 as a symbol of new attention to the historic inheritance of Sharjah.
For Bangladeshi resident Mohammed Qasim, it’s the intimate sense of community that makes this place “so special”.
“We all know each other and speak the same language though we are in an Arab country. Here, we feel like we are home,” said Qasim, a resident in the Heart of Sharjah for the past seven years.
Mohammed Ali from Pakistan said besides its restoration and continuous development, the area has been very convenient for a living. “There’s a mosque on the right, a museum on the left, a corniche at the back. Where else do you find this?” said Ali.
He added that living in a historical place allowed him to feel the change of time and development of his surroundings.
Every corner reflects the important interchange of influences Sharjah has experienced, resulting in a major urban and technological development, while at the same time maintaining its cultural continuity.
The Heart of Sharjah is the largest historical preservation and restoration project in the region. Planned over a 15-year period and to be completed by 2025, it will feature diverse commercial, cultural and residential projects — including a boutique hotel, restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, traditional and contemporary markets, archaeological sites, museums, play areas and commercial offices.