Al Wakrah

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This article is about the city in eastern Qatar. For the municipality in which the city is located, see Al Wakrah (municipality).
Al-Wakrah
الوكرة
City
Al-Wakrah is located in Qatar
Al-Wakrah
Al-Wakrah
Location in Qatar
Coordinates (Al Wakrah): Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Country  Qatar
Municipality Al Wakrah Municipality
Area
 • Total 66.3 km2 (25.6 sq mi)
Population (2010)[1]
 • Total 79,457
 • Density 1,200/km2 (3,100/sq mi)
Time zone East Africa Time (UTC+03)
ISO 3166 code QA-WA

Al-Wakrah (also spelled Al Wakra) (Arabic: الوكرة‎‎) is the capital city of the Al Wakrah Municipality in Qatar. Al Wakrah's eastern edge is the shores of the Persian Gulf. Governed by Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, it was originally a small fishing and pearling village. Over the years, it evolved into a big town with a population of more than 30,000 and it is considered to be one of the major cities in Qatar.

History

Pre-independence of Qatar

Due to a wealth of archaeological evidence, it has been claimed that Al Wakrah served as the first urban centre of Qatar.[2] The city was historically used as a pearling center[3] during the period in which Qatar's economy was almost entirely dependent on the bustling pearling industry.[4] According to the United States Hydrographic Office, by 1920, there were approximately 300 ships situated in the town.[5] A following study carried out by the British in 1925 stated that there were 250 boats in Wakrah's port.[6] Al Wakrah was thought to encompass the so-called 'Pirate Coast', as stated by a report written in 1898.[7]

Al Khalifa rule (1783–1868)

According to records contained in the British India Library Office, a written account dating to 1845 states that the town accommodated 250 houses and had a population of roughly 1,000.[8] It was said to be located 10 miles away from one of Qatar's then-primary pearling villages, Al Bidda. The records also stated that the town's original inhabitants were migrants from Al Bidda. Al Wakrah was described as "independent of Bidda and other towns; and as thriving and more cheerful in appearance than Bidda, to which it was equal in size".[8]

In 1863, the Bahraini ruler Mohammed bin Khalifa sent his cousin Mohammed bin Ahmed to act as deputy emir of Qatar. He was soon compelled by the Qataris to return to Bahrain after arresting and deporting the ruler of Al Wakrah. In 1867, Bahrain launched a war against Qatar after the Naim tribe defeated the Bahraini army situated in the Peninsula.[9] They succeeded in gaining support from Abu Dhabi, as Doha and Al Wakrah have long been harbors of refuge for Omani seceders. As a result, Al Wakrah was sacked by the combined Bahraini and Abu Dhabi forces.[10][11] A British record later stated "that the towns of Dohah and Wakrah were, at the end of 1867 temporarily blotted out of existence, the houses being dismantled and the inhabitants deported".

Ottoman rule (1871–1916)

Almost immediately after Qatar succumbed to Ottoman control, Major Ömer Bey compiled a report on the major towns in the peninsula. The article, published in January 1872, reflected on the depopulation of Al Wakrah resulting from the war by estimating a meager population of 400, while approximating the town's fleet at 50 ships.[12] A British survey conducted on the area in 1890 asserted that the town, still suffering from the effects of the 1867 war, had since been rebuilt. The surveyors wrote that the Al Wakrah had 12 forts, at least 1,000 inhabitants, and several boats. Jebel Al Wakrah, an 85-feet high rocky hill, was noted 1 mile south of the town.[13]

Al Wakrah fort in 1908.

In 1885, a group of 100 Al Wakra natives from the Al-Buainain and Al-Jehran tribes left the town and settled at Al Ghariyah due to a dispute with Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. A coalition, led by Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab, was formed to resist Sheikh Jassim. A meeting was summoned between Sheikh Jassim and Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab and the discussion was mediated by an Ottoman commander of an Al Bidaa-situated gun boat. The Ottoman commander's proposal that the coalition be left alone infuriated Sheikh Jassim. This incited tribesmen loyal to Sheikh Jassim to attack Al Ghariyah, but they were defeated, with the Bani Hajr tribe suffering a few casualties.[14]

At the end of 1902, the Ottomans installed Ottoman administrative officials in Al Wakrah and Zubarah in an attempt to assert their authority. This was in addition to the already existing Ottoman administrative officials in Doha. An Ottoman, Yusuf Bey, was appointed as Mudir of Al Wakrah in the spring of 1903.[15] Due to British discontent, Yusuf Bey's appointment was short lived, and he was later called to act as the assistant Kaymakam of Qatar and did not return to Al Wakrah. Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was appointed as Mudir by the Ottomans in place of Yusuf Bey the same year. This elicited fresh protests by the British government, who refused the Ottoman's rights to appoint any administrative official in Qatar.[16]

From December 1907, there were a series of disputes between the governor, Sheikh Abdulrahman, and the Al-Buainain tribe. The Al-Buainain tribe had objected to paying the annual boat tax, and in reprisal, the sheikh fined the tribe 10,000 Qatari riyals and expelled 6 of the tribe's leaders. As retribution, one of the tribe leader's sons attempted to shoot Sheikh Abdulrahman. His attempt was foiled, and he was imprisoned; however he was later procured forgiveness and released in return for the payment of the tax.[17] The Al Buainains later sent an envoy, Ahmed bin Khater, to the Ottomans in Basra to request that a military garrison be erected in Al Wakrah in order to help accost the sheikh of Qatar, Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. The envoy returned with two letters from the Ottomans addressed to Jassim bin Mohammed. A fortnight later, the Al-Buainain tribe appealed to a Mutasarrıf of Al-Hasa, Mahir Pasha. This reinvigorated tensions between the British and the Ottomans, owing to the British belief that this had provided latitude for the Ottomans to exercise more authority over the Qatar Peninsula.[18]

British protectorate (1916–1971)

Shell Roundabout in Al Wakrah

A British survey carried out in 1925 recounts Al Wakrah in exhaustive detail. Concerning the infrastructure and borders, it asserts that most houses in Al Wakrah were made of mud and stone, as no other building materials were available. The town originally formed a compact block, but in the preceding years a detached quarter known as Rumailah sprung up about 800 yards northward. There were 8,000 inhabitants at the time of the census, with 2,000 individuals belonging to the Al-Buainain tribe, 1,500 to the Al-Huwala tribe, 850 to the Al-Khulaifat tribe, 1,000 black Africans, and 2,000 black African slaves. Other ethnic groups and tribes comprised the remaining 650 inhabitants. The Al-Khulaifat and Al-Maadeed tribes were described as being the sole inhabitants of the Rumailah quarter. The report also described the inhabitants of Al Wakrah as primarily being pearl divers, sailors and fishermen. It further reported Al Wakrah as being a market place with 75 shops.[7]

Post declaration of independence

An urban development plan was enacted in Al Wakrah in 2008. The most prominent features of this plan were the development of Al Wakra beach, a development of the city center and the expansion of the southern portion of the city. The plan's main purpose was to improve the infrastructure in order to accommodate more than 600,000 residents.

The plans of the new stadium which is set to be constructed for the 2022 FIFA World Cup have caused considerable internet interest after being released in mid November 2013 because of the beautiful shape and colouring, which are said to resemble a vagina.

Climate

Similarly to other cities in Qatar, Al Wakrah has a mild average temperature in January, February, March, November and December. The summer season is in April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. Al Wakrah has dry periods in January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August. On average, the warmest month is July and the coolest month is January. The following table shows the records and averages of Al Wakrah's temperature.[19]

Climate data for Al Wakrah
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 22° 23° 27° 32° 38° 41° 42° 41° 39° 35° 30° 24° —
Average low °C (°F) 13° 14° 17° 21° 25° 28° 29° 29° 27° 23° 20° 15° —
Average precipitation mm (inches) 12.7
(0.5)		 17.8
(0.701)		 15.2
(0.598)		 7.6
(0.299)		 2.5
(0.098)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 2.5
(0.098)		 12.7
(0.5)		 71
(2.794)
Source: weather.com[19]

Historic architecture

The renovated Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani Fort.

Historic architecture is abundant in Al Wakrah, particularly in its coastal areas, and it is captured in mosques, old homes and harbour.[20] One significant landmark is the Al Wakrah Fort, which dates back to the early 20th century. It was built above the ruins of an older fort that had belonged to the Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. It has two round towers and was previously used as a police office.

Houses

The house of Sheikh Ghanim Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, located on the beach, is considered to be an important historic landmark. This building has two storeys and its windows were designed to represent ornamental shapes. It was refurbished in 2004 under the supervision of the Restoration Departments of Qatar Museums Authority (QMA).[21]

Abdullah bin Saad House, formerly owned by Abdullah bin Saad Al Mutallaq, is located in a remote section on the south-east coast of the city and is considered to be a historic landmark. The house was constructed in the early 20th century; most likely around 1920. After the municipality assumed ownership of the house in 1984, it was renovated two years later and eventually re-opened as a museum.[22]

Mosques

Hamza Bin Abdulmotaleb mosque in Al Wakrah.

Previously, Al Wakrah's largest mosque was Al Ayouni Mosque, constructed around 1935. It was built near the coast because it was the most active and populated section of the city. After a new mosque was built closer to the main road, the mosque became defunct. It has a square shape, measures 16 m by 17 m, and lies 67 cm above ground elevation. A rare characteristic of the mosque is its single entrance on the east side; a majority of other mosques in Qatar constructed during this period had three entrances. The outdoor praying area is accessible from five pathways separated by narrow columns. Adjacent to this is the prayer hall, which can be accessed from three different entrances in the outdoor area.[23]

Abu Manaratain Mosque, a relatively small mosque, was erected in 1940 near the shore. It may have previously had two minarets, as its name indicates. It measures 27 m by 8 m. In the past, there was another mosque that neighbored Abu Manaratain on the west, but it was later disassembled. There are five entrances to the mosque. The minaret is funnel-shaped and extends 9 metres high. There is no outdoor praying area; only an indoor prayer hall is present.[24]

Built around 1940, the Al Subaiei Mosque, located near Al Wakrah Museum, has since been renovated, with older building materials being replaced by concrete blocks. It has been used contiguously since its construction. As a result of continuous additions and structural improvements, it now measures 22 m by 13 m. The minaret has a square base and extends 5.5 metres high.[25]

Planned developments

The recreation area is currently being redeveloped. Plans for the area in the future include a wild life park and a country club. There is also going to be a "continuous public waterfront" offering activities for the public, two hotels and a golf course. A railway station will be located near the mosque, and there will also be a climate controlled underground pedestrian area.[citation needed]

Al Wakrah New Downtown

Al Wakrah Souq

Al Wakrah's New Downtown regional center has been divided into seven segments. They include Wakrah Gateway, Wakrah South Square, Wakrah Festival Bay, Wakrah Sands, Wakrah Residence, Wakrah College and Wakrah Trade Center.

  • The Wakrah Gateway is an exclusive zone for major government and public offices.
  • South Square' will witness a mix of office complexes, residential apartments and middle and lower level retail outlets.
  • The Festival Bay will be an exciting area marked by at least two resort hotels, business investment hotels, maritime museum at water front, marina, arts and cultural centre.
  • Wakrah Sands will be dotted with family parks, recreation precincts, commercial and cultural complexes.
  • Wakrah Residence is an area reserved for construction of multi-facility residential complexes.
  • Wakrah College is an exclusive zone reserved for educational institutions.
  • Wakrah Trade Center is meant for developing malls and retail outlets.

The master plan envisages Wakrah to be developed as a preferred waterfront destinations and a vibrant city where people would be really want to visit and stay over.Considering the city's heritage history, a separate area will be developed as a heritage zone. Re-establishing Al Wakrah city's historic core with distinctive sense of place and traditional architecture is another proposal.

Construction of quality villas, regional parks, waterfront public spaces are among other projects planned as part of the model township in Al Wakrah.[citation needed]

Visitor attractions

A large quota of public parks and entertainment projects has been allocated for Al Wakrah. One of the most significant projects was Al Wakrah Heritage Village. The village includes Al Wakrah Souq, Al Wakrah Corniche and a gated mosque. It opened in December 2014, seven years after the project was launched. There are more than a hundred shops in the souq selling traditional crafts as well as several restaurants.[26]

The construction Wakrah Mall, the multi-storeyed mall located at opposite to Al Wakra Hospital, was tentatively dated for completion by the end 2015. It was launched by Ezdan Group.[27]

Education

The city's first public library was opened in 1985.[28]

Healthcare

Construction of new hospital in Al Wakrah

Al Wakrah Hospital opened in 2012. It is a general hospital has 325 beds and is staffed by 217 doctors. With its associated buildings it covers an area of more than 300,000 m². The hospital provides modern medical and surgical facilities to Qatar's southern sector, which includes the cities of Al Wakrah and Mesaieed.[29] The facilities contain surgical, obstetrics, gynecology, dentistry, dermatology and children’s wards.[30] A specialized diabetes center was created in December 2014.[31]

Sports

Al Wakrah Sports Club in 2011

Al Wakrah has a multi-sports club called Al-Wakrah Sports Club, whose football team competes in the top tier of Qatari football, the Qatar Stars League. The club’s home ground is Al-Wakrah Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium. Stadium has a capacity of 20,000 people and has plans of expanding to 43,500 for 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Transportation

Karwa Transportation company (Mowasalat) has connected Al Wakrah to the rest of the cities in Qatar using its bus route. Currently, there are several buses operating there.[32] In the future, Al Wakrah is going to be part of the Qatar railway network.

In 2015, the Public Works Authority declared their plan to construct a free-flowing road directly linking Al Wakrah to Doha in order to decrease traffic congestion in Doha. It is set for completion by 2018.[33]

Demographics

Historical population
Year Pop. ±%
1986[34][35] 17,245 —    
1997[34][35] 24,283 +40.8%
2004[34][35] 31,441 +29.5%
2010[1] 79,457 +152.7%
c-census; e-estimate

As of the 2010 census, the settlement comprised 8,436 housing units[36] and 796 establishments.[37] There were 79,457 people living in the settlement, of which 75% were male and 25% were female. Out of the 79,457 inhabitants, 81% were 20 years of age or older and 19% were under the age of 20. The literacy rate stood at 98.4%.[38]

Employed persons made up 73% of the total population. Females accounted for 12% of the working population, while males accounted for 88% of the working population.[38]

International relations

Twin towns and sister cities

Al Wakrah is twinned with:

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  39. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

Al Wakrah travel guide from Wikivoyage

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