First published: 03/01/24.

Kyle Magnuson 1

Sharjah: the Gate to Trucial States

Sharjah: the Gate to Trucial States (On tentative list)

Sharjah: the Gate to Trucial States by Kyle Magnuson

There are so few world heritage sites connected to Aviation. Ideally this nomination will eventually evolve into a transnational nomination with the UK, the UAE, Singapore, and other nations where these early 'air stations' remain preserved.

Croydon Airport (UK)

Mahatta Fort (UAE)

Kallang Airport (Singapore)

1935 Map of Imperial Airways Routes

After the UAE gets their 2nd WHS, perhaps as early as 2025 (Faya), Al Mahatta Airport might be the next dossier queued up for UNESCO. I believe ICOMOS in this case might be preferential to a narrowed UAE nomination focusing on the airport, while also being supportive of a transnational site.

For most visitors about 1 to 1.5 hours will be sufficient time at the Al Mahatta Aviation Museum. It's a short ride to Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), which I simply took an exterior photo. Walking around the Souq Al Shanasiyah there is a small building that includes archeological remains of the Old Souk. We had lunch at the 'Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe - Sharjah' and then walked further down the Souk before arriving at the Sharjah Art Museum. I felt the 'Heart of Sharjah" is a perfectly fine (albeit small) cultural district, but does not add significantly to the nomination. 

As the Emirate of Sharjah is particularly active in the last few years regarding cultural heritage, I expect we will be seeing more nominations in the coming years.

Comments

No comments yet.

Post your comment
Required for comment verification