ARCHIETECTURE AND DESIGN
A nostalgic walk down cobbled Creekside alleyways with Architect Rashad Bukhash, Chairman of Architectural Heritage Society, UAE
Nestled between the impressive skylines of glistening glass and record-breaking design sits a gem of authentic Middle Eastern architecture on the banks of Dubai Creek. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, dating back to the early 20th century, features 54 historic buildings made from traditional coral stone, shell stone, and gypsum materials, topped by its iconic Wind Towers, a design element originating from Yazd in Iran, a town nicknamed the “City of Wind Towers”. Built primarily by wealthy Merchants drawn to the region by trade opportunities and incentives offered by Dubai government, in the 1970s, when Dubai’s oil industry boomed, half of Al Bastakiya and the neighbouring Shindagha were demolished to make space for the new buildings to come. Due to the intervention of Prince Charles, architects, and influential local figures, the area avoided full demolition. Dubai’s heritage district was recognised as an essential asset to restore and invest in for future generations. Now Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood home to 54 houses, museums, boutique hotels, restaurants, markets, and the annual Sikka Art, Al Bastakiya and Al Shindagha are a welcomed sanctuary from the fast-paced Dubai that shadows the area. Regaling stories of the past, BARNES met with Architect Rashad Bukhash, Chairman of the Architectural Heritage Society in UAE, who was born in Dubai and lived in Al Bastakiya when it was a thriving, growing community. A proud Emirati whose grandfather’s house was built in the area over one hundred years ago, Rashad had a magical childhood playing in the corridors of the shell-stone crumbling walls and fishing by the Creek. Rashad would sit along the creek watching dhows, fishing boats, and trade boats heading to India, Africa, full of goods, spices, and pearls. His passion for architecture started here, and it later shaped his legacy as the pinnacle leader in the restoration of heritage architecture in Dubai. It was also
© Anna Nielsen Photographer
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