Al Khor (city)

Initial settlement

According to oral tradition, Al Khor was first settled by members of the Al Muhannadi tribe in the mid-18th century,^[5] possibly around 1750, making it one of the oldest settlements in the country.^[3] Various versions of the story exist, but one version states that two nomadic Al Muhannada tribesmen, Mohammed bin Baddah and Majid Al Shuqairi, had gone in search of their missing camels. While searching, they discovered a stream of fresh water in a depression underneath a high ground, later to be known as Ain Hleetan. Further exploration also unveiled a suitable docking platform on a shallow tidal creek, which led to the area being settled by the whole of the Al Muhanada tribe after relocating from their home in Al Khuwayr in northeast Qatar. According to an alternative version of this story, it is stated that the two cousins stumbled upon Al Khor after unsuccessfully chasing down a hare, rather than searching for their lost camels.^[3]

It was decided that the name of the town would be prefixed with 'khor' which is the Arabic translation of 'creek', however, multiple names were used in the settlement's initial stages. The two most popular names were 'Khor Al Muhanadah', named after the founding tribe, and 'Khor Al Shaqiq', which is named after the incision in the wood used in constructing sailboats, a craft for which the settlement was well known.^[3] Of these two, 'Khor Al Shaqiq' was the more commonly used variant. Carsten Niebuhr, an 18th-century German explorer who visited the Arabian Peninsula, created one of the first maps to depict the settlements of Qatar in 1765 in which he denoted 'Adsjar', possibly referring to Al Khor.^[6]

Primarily a pearl diving and fishing village, the majority of activity took place during the summer when the pearling season was in full swing. During the winter, the nomadic tribesmen would rear livestock throughout the interior.^[3] The locals fetched their drinking water from a well known as Ain Al Jahsha, located about 10 km (6.2 mi) to the west of the settlement.^[5] Another closer-by water source, Ain Hleetan, was also used by the residents, and some even believed that water obtained from Ain Hleetan possessed medicinal properties, leading it to gain the moniker of "the doctor".^[7]

19th century

In the 1820s, George Barnes Brucks carried out the first British survey of the Persian Gulf.^[8] He recorded the following notes about Al Khor, which he referred to as Khore Sheditch: "Khore Sheditch is a small boat harbour, to the southward of Ras Mut Buck, having from one and a half to two and a half fathoms water in it ; its entrance is in lat. 25° 40' 10' N., long. 51° 34' 50' E. The point at the entrance of Khore Aegarah is in lat. 25° 43' 10" N., long. 51° 36' 40" E. The Khore is small, having only one fathom in it."^[9]

• 
  ‘Trigonometrical plan of Core Shedeitch [Khor Shaqiq] on the Arabian side of the Persian Gulf’ by G.B. Brucks (1823)

In the 19th century, several other tribes within the country began migrating to Khor Al Shaqiq as a result of its reputation and its well-known spring, Ain Hleetan. The two main tribes, Shahwan and Bani Hajer, soon intermarried with the Al Muhannada tribe and formed new families, including the Al-Baddha, Al-Missned, Al-Hassan and Al Arbeed. Further migrants came from the Utub, Al Manasir, and Al Dawasir, as well as immigrants from Persia and Najd. As a result, Khor Al Shaqiq represented a wide range of cultures and ethnicities at the time. Around 1850, many of these tribes united to form the Al Muhannada tribal confederation.^[3]

In 1871, the Ottoman Empire expanded its reach into Eastern Arabia. After establishing themselves on Al-Hasa coast, they advanced towards Qatar. Abdullah II Al-Sabah of Kuwait was sent to the town to secure a landing for the Ottoman troops, bringing with him four Ottoman flags for the most influential personages in Qatar. One of these flags was destined for Ali bin Abdul Aziz, the ruler of Khor Al Shaqiq.^[10]

For defensive purposes, in the 1890s sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani ordered all of Qatar's northernmost settlements, including Al Khuwayr and Ar Ru'ays, to be evacuated and its inhabitants moved to Al Bidda, Al Wakrah and Khor Al Shaqiq, leading to a considerable size increase for the village.^[11]

20th century

To protect both the coveted Ain Hleetan Well and the town's fledgling harbor, the villagers built the Al Khor Towers around 1900.^[12] Originally a collection of eight towers, only three survived throughout the ages. Multiple different families were tasked with maintaining and renovating each tower.^[3] Located next to these towers at the northern boundary of Al Khor was the Barahat Al-Jawhar, a cultural venue of unknown origins dating back to either the late 19th century or early 20th century. Holidays, cultural activities such as ardah performances, and wedding celebrations were held here due to the large amount of open space in this structure. It had arches on all sides, its façade had geometric patterns and it was built of a type of stone not naturally found in the region. Cannons belonging to the Ottoman garrison at Al Khor were found inside, suggesting it may have been built by the Ottomans for a defensive purpose.^[13]

During the 20th century, drinking water was obtained primarily from the Umm aş Şuwayyah area to the southwest of the village, as this well was renowned for its water's freshness. Women would fetch this water in pots and place them on the backs of donkeys to be transported back to the village. There were also several springs in the village, among them, Ain Sadd, Ain Salam, Ain Al-Dab, and Ain Masoud. Each spring was named after the individual responsible for excavating it. Furthermore, the village's basic water needs were met by three primary reservoirs: Al-Jalta Dam, a cement dam built inland in Al Egda, the Ain Al-Dab Dam built near the Al Khor Police Station on the coast, and the Roza Dam, built to the north near what is today Al Thakhira Road.^[14]

The village had an international presence during this period, with frequent trade missions taking place to the coast of Fars. Their relationship was so extensive that it was even incorrectly speculated by English diplomat Charles Belgrave that the Al Muhannada originated from Iran.^[3] Goods that were brought back from trading missions would then be sold at one of the village's three primary souqs.^[14]

Captain Francis Prideaux, who was the British political resident in Bahrain, remarked in 1906 that, although Al Bidda was firmly under Al Thani-rule, the tribes of northern settlements, including Khor Al Shaqiq, did not pay tribute to the sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, nor did they consider themselves subjects of his.^[15]

It was remarked by the British political resident in Bahrain in 1939 that the Al Muhannadi in Al Khor had about 600 fighting men led by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Essa, and were closely tied to the Bani Hajer tribe.^[16] In 1950, anthropologist Henry Field visited Qatar, publishing his findings a year later. While there, he interviewed Mansur bin Khalil, a local sheikh, who informed him that the population of the Al Muhannadi in Al Khor was approximately 2,000 people. Some lived in tents while others resided in primitive stone dwellings.^[17]

Modernization

Modernization in the town started in the 1940s and 1950s, after Qatar started reaping the benefits of its newly discovered oil fields. The first paved road connecting Al Khor to the capital Doha was constructed in the 1940s, and in the 1950s, the town constructed its first hospital. A primary school followed shortly after. The town also began to be referred to simply as 'Al Khor' rather than 'Khor Al Shaqiq'.^[3] At this time, most of Al Khor's houses, built out of stone, were located along the beachfront, being connected by a series of narrow alleyways. Many were two-story houses with cooling rooms on the top floor for summer months. In 1965, the city was integrated into Qatar's electrical grid.^[14]

In the early 1960s, pan-Arabism had established itself in the peninsula, and in 1963, the Qatar National Unity Front was created. The movement, which opposed royal privilege and advocated for increased workers rights, had a stronghold in Al Khor.^[19][3] One of its leaders belonged to the Al-Missned sub-tribe of the Al Muhannada, and the group was popular with residents. In retaliation, a small number of high-ranking Al Thani members suggested bombing Al Khor, though this idea was dismissed.^[20] After the Qatari government cracked down on the group, in 1964 they banished many members of the Al Muhannada to Kuwait, where they would remain for several months before returning to Qatar after mediation from the Saudi government.^[3] It was also stipulated that each tribe member was to pledge allegiance to the emir of Qatar, and those who refused would stay in exile.^[20]

In July 1972, the Al Khor Municipality was officially established with Al Khor as its seat. Following this decree, the government began large-scale development projects in the town, which included replacing all old housing units and establishing government office branches in the town.^[3] Residences on the shorefront were demolished, making way for modern housing built at higher elevations.^[21] Also in the early 1970s, Al Khor Health Center was inaugurated.^[3] By the 1980s, the primary and secondary road system for Al Khor was developed by the Ministry of Public Works.^[22] In 1983–84, Al Khor was included as part of a major project by the Ministry of Public Works valued at QAR 535 million to develop sewage infrastructure in major settlements outside of Doha.^[23]

21st century

Due to the continuous expansion at Ras Laffan Industrial City, the number of facilities and services available in the town is rapidly increasing. In October 2015, Ashghal (Public Works Authority) revealed that it would be investing billions of Qatari riyals into developing infrastructure in Al Khor. Its plan includes the creation of additional hospitals and schools and the refurbishment of the road system.^[24]

Climate

Fishing

In terms of artisanal fishing vessels, Al Khor had the highest amount out of any city surveyed in 2015 at 234 vessels. The city also had the most sailors (1,408) and was also the only major city to record an increase in the rate of sailors from 2010 to 2015.^[43] In 2019, the largest-ever expansion project of Qatari fishing ports was launched by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, which included an additional 208 parking lots for boats in the Al Khor Harbor.^[44]

Residential projects

Families of Qatargas were provided with accommodation in Al Khor Community, one of the largest residential complexes in the country. Al Khor International School is located within the community. An investment of over QR 2 billion has been spent on the complex over the years by Alaqaria, a subsidiary of Barwa Group.^[54]

Parks and zoos

The city has one of the largest parks – Al Khor Family Park & Zoo – in Qatar with an area of 240,000 m² (2,600,000 sq ft). Starting in June 2010, the government has invested QR 250 million in refurbishing the park.^[55] This has resulted in the development of new facilities in the park such as a mini-golf course, a railway station and a museum.^[56] The renovated park was officially reopened on 18 February 2016. The park also features a zoo, which hosts pandas, a first-ever in the Middle East.^[57]

The Baladna complex, which contains Baladna Farm and Baladna Park, is a popular local destination catering to families. Occupying an area of 2.4 million square meters, the complex offers various outdoor activities and games. A zoo hosting various animal species is also found in the complex. Baladna also has a visitors center that provides educational tours of dairy production.^[58]

Commercial attractions

Attractions in Al Khor include Al-Sultan Beach Hotel & Resort, a palace that was converted into a hotel, and its large concentrations of modern and historical mosques. The main industry of the city is fishing. There are several beaches surrounding Al Khor, and the beaches south of it are home to many beach houses owned by both residents of the city and residents of Doha.

Al Khor Mall is the primary mall in the city, having opened in 2012.^[59] The city's first cinema was slated to open in Al Khor Mall at the end of 2015.^[60]

Al Khor Corniche

Al Khor Corniche is one of the most popular and accessible attractions in the city. A seafront promenade that runs for approximately 1 km (0.62 mi) and takes up over 28,000 m² (300,000 sq ft). The corniche is dotted with numerous cafes, green areas, and recreational areas. Beginning in 2017 and finishing in 2018, Ashghal (the Public Work Authority) refurbished the entire corniche. They added two children's play areas, bringing the total to five. They also improved accessibility for handicapped people, added over 6,000 m² (65,000 sq ft) of green areas and over 250 seats, and replaced every tile of the walkway.^[61]

Natural attractions

Al Khor Island (commonly known as Purple Island) is located near the city. Considered to be a domestic ecotourism destination, the island is connected to Al Khor by a tapered dirt path that runs through several streams.^[62]

A fenced-off beach referred to as either Al Farkiya Beach or Al Khor Family Beach provides a recreational space for families. Running for a stretch of about 1,350 metres (4,430 ft),^[63] is situated on the Farkeeh Coast and accommodates bathrooms, a playground and a concession stand.^[64]

Historic architecture

Three historic watchtowers, known as the Al Khor Towers, remain near Al Khor's shoreline, having been built in the late 19th century to early 20th century. Their primary purposes were to provide a vantage point and to scout for potential attacks. The three towers, each cylindrical, have walls that are 60 cm (24 in) thick and diameters of approximately 4 m (13 ft) each.^[65]

Among Al Khor's historic sites is the Ain Hleetan Well, which oral tradition suggests led to the founding of the city. First built in the late 1800s of a mixture consisting of plaster, clay, and gravel, the water from the well was believed by locals to be of medicinal value. It is said that it was discovered by a group of hunters, and that its construction eventually led to the development of the surrounding area which evolved into the modern-day city of Al Khor. In recognition of its historic importance, a marketplace consisting of over 70 stores known as Ain Hleetan Market was erected near the well, bolstering its tourism potential. Qatar Museums is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the well.^[66]

Comprising two houses adjacent to a marketplace, the Al Ansari Property is situated in the central part of Al Khor. It was constructed around 1930 for members of the Al Ansari family, whom also owned the neighboring Al Khor Souq, which dates back to 1910. The houses underwent several expansions after their construction to lodge more family members.^[67]

Located in a former two-level police station along the coast is the Al Khor Archaeological Museum. It houses artifacts collected from expeditions carried out in the municipality.^[68] On the ground floor of the museum, handiwork relating to Qatar's cultural heritage are displayed, and there are exhibits on the maritime traditions historically engaged in by Qataris, such as fishing and shipbuilding. Ancient artifacts obtained from excavations, including those done on the dye industry in Al Khor Island, are hosted on the first floor, as well as geographic maps of Al Khor. On the second level, visitors are provided with a view of the bay and docks near the museum.^[69]

Music

Ardah performances by the Al Muhannada take place in public venues during holidays, Al Khor being the only town in Qatar other than Abu Dhalouf where such performances by a tribe take place.^[3]

A folk music band known as Al Khor Band performs at local events, such as Qatar National Day and the Eid Al-Fitr Festival held in Doha.^[76]

Ibrahim Ali is a notable musician from Al Khor, being a founding member of Qatar's first musical troupe, Al Adwaa, in 1968. He specialized in playing the oud and is considered a pioneer in Qatari music. He was a part of a local band at one point, Dar Al Khor.^[77]

Folklore

In Qatari folklore, the tale of May and Ghilân has been celebrated as a foundational narrative, often recounted through oral tradition. The Arabic term hikâya, translated as legend or story, encapsulates the essence of this tale. Ghilân, a prominent figure in Qatar's maritime history, is revered as the progenitor of pearl fishing, the historical mainstay of Qatar's inhabitants.^[78]

The narrative unfolds in Khor Al Muhanadah (now Al Khor), where Ghilân, an affluent boat owner, commands a fleet of vessels engaged in pearl fishing. His authority is challenged by the arrival of May, a daring woman who emerges as a formidable competitor in the industry. Despite Ghilân's initial dominance, May's superior boats and crew pose a formidable threat to his supremacy.^[78]

A pivotal moment occurs when May's boats, propelled by skilled rowers, outpace Ghilân's vessels on the route to the pearl oyster beds. When her boat outpaced that of Ghaylen, he became irritated and implored her for assistance in towing. She responded with a sarcastic remark: “the rope is in the minds of paddles.” During that era, pearl fishing was commonly conducted using row boats.^[79] In a moment of indignation, Ghilân devises a cunning strategy to regain his advantage. Inspired by the sight of a grasshopper's wings, he conceives the idea of utilizing sails to harness the wind's power. The implementation of sail technology enables Ghilân's boats to surpass May's, leading to his triumph.^[78]

While the legend of May and Ghilân has endured within Qatari folklore, its widespread dissemination has been limited primarily to the locality of Al Khor. According to tradition, the myth originated from the local Al Muhannadi tribe. Despite efforts to preserve oral traditions, the story's transmission has been widely reduced after several generations.^[78] A written version of the legend is currently on display in the Al Khor Museum.^[3]

Air

Aviation traffic is controlled by Al Khor Airport. The airport is mostly used by general aviation aircraft and has served as the venue of the annual Al Khor Fly-In since 2008. The fly-in lasts for two days and allows visitors to travel in and spectate aircraft. Aircraft from other GCC countries are showcased at the event.^[80]

Road

Commutes between the capital Doha and the municipality of Al Khor are facilitated by Al Shamal Road and Al Khor Coastal Road, with the latter road running through Al Daayen and the former running through Umm Salal.^[81]

Al Khor and Ras Laffan are connected through Al Huwailah Link Road. In November 2014, the 16 km (9.9 mi) road was converted from a one lane road into a four lane road.^[82] Qatar's longest highway, Al Majd Road (formerly known as the Orbital Highway), links Al Khor with the south-eastern coastal city of Mesaieed.^[83]

Al Khor Road

Construction of Al Khor Road, also known as Al Khor Expressway began in 2016 after Turkish company Tekfen was contracted to construct the road for $2.1 billion.^[84] The road runs for 33 km (21 mi) and has 29 tunnels and 5 bridges. It is the main route connecting metropolitan Doha and Lusail with Al Khor, terminating at the Al Bayt Stadium. Over 20 residential areas are served by the road, including Simaisma, Umm Qarn and The Pearl, and the industrial hubs of Mesaieed and Dukhan are indirectly served by the road via its intersection with Al Majd Road. Vital tourist destinations served by the road include Al Farkiya Beach, Katara Cultural Village and Simaisma Beach.^[85]

In 2020, an Olympic cycling track was opened to the public. It stretches for almost 33 km (21 mi) to the immediate west of the highway. A 38 km (24 mi) long pedestrian path with 18 underpasses, opened in 2021 which was connected to the cycling path. In September 2020, the development was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for two separate accolades: having the longest unbroken expanse of paved asphalt at 25.275 km (15.705 mi), and having the most expansive cycling track connected to the highway, at 32.8 km (20.4 mi).^[86]

Rail

As of 2019, the elevated Al Khor Metro Station is under construction, having been launched during Phase 1A. Once completed, it will be part of Doha Metro's Red Line North.^[87]

Al Khor Island

At Al Khor Island off the bay, excavations have uncovered four main periods of occupation, dating from as early as c. 2000 BC to as late as 1900 AD. The island is best known for being the site of operation of a Kassite-controlled purple dye industry in the second millennium BC.^[95]

Neolithic cemetery

A cemetery of at least 18 cairns is found in Wadi Al Jalta, approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) west of the city, situated atop a hillock and separated from the city by a sabkha (a type of salt flat). It was uncovered in 1976 by the French Archaeological Mission in Qatar and was dubbed "F.P.P." in the team's reports. Béatrix Midant-Reynes, a member of the team, excavated eight of the burial mounds starting in 1976. The first grave excavated had a length of roughly 2.6 meters (8.5 ft), a width of 1.6 meters (5.2 ft), and was 20 centimeters (7.9 in) tall. Two roof slabs that measured 40 by 50 centimeters (16 by 20 in) and 60 by 30 centimeters (24 by 12 in), respectively, were used as cover for the cairn. Four layers of stone slabs were found in the mound. Underneath the slabs was a sandy pit containing sea snail shells.^[96]

The second grave excavated by the team was more substantial in size, having a length of 3.5 meters (11 ft), a width of 3 meters (9.8 ft), and stood 30 meters (98 ft). Decayed skeletal remains were uncovered in this grave. Similar to the other grave, flat stone slabs were also discovered in this mound, some fitted into the bedrock, however, no pit was found. Fifteen sea snails were discovered inside this cairn.^[96]

More substantial finds were recovered from the next six excavations. The team concluded that some graves were reserved for individuals while others were family burials. Artifacts uncovered included shell beads, obsidian beads, and carnelian beads. The cairns are of indeterminable age but are thought to date from some time in the Neolithic period,^[97] possibly from 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. It has been speculated that, as sea levels would have been approximately 2 meters (6.6 ft) higher, the hillock containing the burial sites would have presented as an island during that period.^[98]