The Emirate of Sharjah is one of the states of the United Arab Emirates. There are 7 states. The capital city is also named Sharjah - and that's where we spent the day today with friends. The emirate is a constitutional monarchy and it has been ruled by Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi since 1972.
Some of you might remember the Blue Souq from our visit last year. The shops are much like the ones at the Creek in Dubai, but they are in 2 beautiful buildings called the Blue Souq. So, instead of walking around outside, you are in air conditioned comfort. Very nice!
Our friends have developed a nice friendship with this gentleman in a great little shop. He served is Arabic tea and gave us some great deals! Do you think he could fit any more into his shop?
There are all kinds of shops...carpets, jewelry, linens and wall hangings, antiques, souvenirs, clothing, scarves, lamps...really fun stuff.
This was an antique store....you bargain for everything in the souqs. Nothing is marked. They always promise to give you a good price. Never accept the first offer. I have gotten it down by 50 percent several times.
A pretty window between the First and Second floors...possibly a tree of life.
See anything you need?
After we finished shopping we made our way to the Museum of Islamic Civilization. It opened in 2008 and is located in a beautiful building on Corniche Street in the al-Majjarah area of the city. You will find out much about Islamic culture - calligraphy, carvings, ceramics, coins, glass, manuscripts, metalwork, and scientific instruments...to name a few.
The inside was as beautiful as the outside. I just found out it was a traditional Souq at one time.
Many incredible copies of the Quran were in the collection.
The dome had a mosaic depicting the night sky and the signs of the zodiac. I couldn't get it all in one picture. There was a cafe in the dome area but it was closed. Nice setting!
Yours truly outside the museum. Humidity was low today, so the heat didn't seem so bad...
Lunch at the Sharjah Dhow Restaurant...very nice...great food...pretty setting...
Our last stop was at the Sharjah Fort Al Hisn - right in the middle of downtown, near the water. It was built in 1820, a masterpiece of old Arab architecture, by the late Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi. It was once the residence of the Sharjah Ruling Family. In 1969 the building was nearly destroyed but the Sheikh saved it from compete destruction and had it rebuilt as a museum. H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mhammed Al Qasimi gave instructions and guidance in the rebuilding.
A picture of the original fort...
Majlis - an Arabic term meaning "a place of sitting". This is where the sheikh would hold special gatherings in the fort. It had a formal living room feel to it.
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