Sharjah history

Roots and First Mentions

The history of Sharjah is rooted in deep antiquity. Archaeological excavations indicate that people inhabited this territory more than 5,000 years ago. The region was mentioned in the records of ancient geographers, and it began to appear on mariners' maps as an important settlement on the coast of the Arabian Gulf.

The modern history of the emirate is inextricably linked with the Al Qasimi (Qawasim) dynasty. In the early 18th century, this powerful clan established its authority in the region, and around 1727, Sharjah became an important political center under their rule.

Factors in the City's Rise

The transformation of a small settlement into a thriving city was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The presence of a natural harbor (creek) allowed ships to dock safely, which was critical for the development of navigation.
• Trade Routes: Sharjah was situated at the crossroads of maritime routes between the East and West, serving as a vital transit point for goods from India and Persia.
• Strategic Influence: Thanks to the powerful fleet of the Al Qasimi dynasty, the city dominated the waters of the lower Arabian Gulf for a long time.

Early Economy and Culture

Before the oil era, Sharjah's economic foundation was built exclusively on marine resources. The life of the local population was defined by seasonal cycles and traditional trades:

• Pearl Diving: This was the main sector of the economy. Sharjah was considered one of the centers of the pearl industry, and local divers were renowned for their skill and endurance.
• Shipbuilding and Fishing: The city was famous for its shipyards, where traditional Arabian boats — dhows — were built, used for both fishing and long-distance trade.

Key Historical Milestones

Sharjah's history is rich in events that transformed it from a trading port into the cultural capital of the region. Below are the main dates that defined the emirate's development:

• Around 1727 — The Al Qasimi dynasty establishes its power in the region, laying the foundations for independent rule in Sharjah.
• 1820 — Signing of the General Maritime Treaty, which opened a new era of maritime trade and stability on the coast.
• 1932 — The first airport in the region opens in Sharjah, becoming a key transit hub for air travel between the UK and India.
• 1935 — Foundation of the Al Islah School, the first modern educational institution, marking the beginning of the education system's development.
• 1953 — Creation of the Sharjah Municipality, the first official urban administration body in the region.
• 1963 — Opening of the first cinema in the UAE, which became a significant event in the city's social life.
• December 2, 1971 — Sharjah joins the newly formed state of the United Arab Emirates as one of the founding emirates.
• 1972 — His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi becomes the Ruler of Sharjah, initiating a course towards cultural revival.
• 1974 — Start of active commercial oil production at the Mubarak field, ensuring the emirate's economic growth.
• 1993 — Holding of the first Sharjah Biennial, which later became one of the most important events in the world of contemporary art in the Middle East.
• 1998 — UNESCO awards Sharjah the honorary title of "Cultural Capital of the Arab World" for its contribution to preserving heritage.
• 2014 — The city receives the status of "Capital of Islamic Culture," confirming its role in preserving spiritual traditions.
• 2019 — Sharjah is declared the "World Book Capital" for its efforts to popularize reading and literature among the population.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The development of Sharjah represents a unique example of how a city has managed to combine rapid modernization with the careful preservation of traditions. Here are the key milestones that shaped the modern look of the emirate:

• Aviation Gateway of the Region (1932): Opening of the first airport (Imperial Airways station) in the territory of the current UAE. Significance: Sharjah became the first global transit hub between West and East long before the oil boom, ensuring an early influx of trade and international connections.
• Institutionalization of Governance (1953): Creation of the first municipality. Significance: Transition to systematic urban planning, the appearance of organized infrastructure, street planning, and the launch of public services.
• Oil Impulse (1974): Start of industrial extraction at the Mubarak field. Significance: Provision of a financial base for large-scale construction, development of the road network, and the social sphere, allowing the city to grow rapidly outwards and upwards.
• Architectural-Cultural Strategy (since 1979): Beginning of the realization of Sheikh Sultan's vision for heritage preservation. Significance: Unlike neighboring emirates, Sharjah bet on Arab-Islamic architecture and the restoration of historical districts ("Heart of Sharjah" project), creating a unique tourism brand.
• Investment in Knowledge (1997): Founding of University City. Significance: Creation of one of the largest educational clusters in the Middle East reoriented the economy towards the development of human capital and science.
• Global Recognition (1998–2019): UNESCO titles of Cultural Capital of the Arab World and World Book Capital. Significance: Definitive consolidation of Sharjah's status as the intellectual and spiritual center of the region, attracting connoisseurs of art and literature.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Unlike neighboring emirates that opted for futuristic skyscrapers of glass and steel, Sharjah chose a unique path of development. The urban planning strategy here is dedicated to preserving the Arab-Islamic identity. The city represents a harmonious dialogue between restored historical heritage and modern development styled according to traditional canons.

Traditional Architecture (18th – mid-20th Century)

The era before the oil boom is characterized by full adaptation to the harsh climate of the desert and coast. This is the historical core of the city, which is being carefully restored today as part of large-scale restoration projects.

• Style: Vernacular (folk) architecture of the Arabian Gulf.
• Materials and Forms: Use of marine coral stone, gypsum, and palm fronds. Characterized by narrow winding alleyways (sikka) to create shade, internal courtyards, and wind towers (barjeel) acting as natural air conditioners.
• Landmarks: The historical district "Heart of Sharjah", Al Hisn Fort, Al Naboodah House Museum.

Islamic Modernism (1970s – 1990s)

A period of active economic growth and state formation. Under the personal guidance of the Emirate's Ruler, a course was set to ensure that new reinforced concrete structures did not lose connection with their roots, but rather broadcast the region's cultural code.

• Style: Synthesis of functionalism and traditional Islamic motifs.
• Features: Large-scale domes, arched galleries, use of Arabic calligraphy in facade decoration, cladding with blue tiles and mosaics.
• Landmarks: The famous Central Souq (Blue Souq), King Faisal Mosque, the Museum of Islamic Civilization building (formerly Al Majarrah Souq).

Monumental Neoclassicism and Modernity (2000s – Present)

Sharjah's transformation into an educational and cultural capital required the creation of grand ensembles. In recent years, this style has been complemented by elegant high-tech designs symbolizing aspirations for the future.

• Style: Islamic Neoclassicism and Eco-Futurism.
• Features: Strict symmetry, majestic colonnades, and huge landscaped parks in educational clusters. The newest buildings are distinguished by lightness, large glazing areas, and innovative floating roofs.
• Landmarks: The University City complex, the Government Quarter, the library of the future "House of Wisdom", designed by Foster + Partners.

Distinguished Personalities of Sharjah

The history and modern development of Sharjah are inextricably linked with the names of rulers, educators, and cultural figures who turned this emirate into the intellectual center of the region.

• Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi I
  Ruler of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah (1803–1866)
  An outstanding historical leader who ruled for over 50 years. He managed to unite the tribes under the banners of the Al Qasimi dynasty, strengthened the emirate's maritime influence in the Arabian Gulf, and played a key role in the political events of the 19th century, including the signing of treaties that defined future borders.
• His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
  Current Ruler of Sharjah (since 1972), Member of the UAE Supreme Council
  The architect of modern Sharjah. Known as a historian, playwright, and author of numerous books. It was his vision that turned the city into the "Cultural Capital of the Arab World," initiating the creation of museums, universities, and the preservation of historical heritage.
• Ibrahim Al-Midfa
  Intellectual, journalist, and public figure (early 20th century)
  A pioneer of enlightenment in the region. In 1927, he began publishing "Oman," the first handwritten newspaper in this part of the Gulf. His house, known for its unique round wind tower, is today an important historical monument in the "Heart of Sharjah" district.
• Taryam Omran Taryam
  Politician, diplomat, and journalist (1942–2002)
  One of the key figures in the formation of UAE statehood. He was a co-founder of the country's first daily newspaper "Al Khaleej" and served as Speaker of the Federal National Council, actively promoting ideas of unity and civil society development.
• Salem bin Ali Al Owais
  Poet and philanthropist (1887–1959)
  Born in the Al Heera area of Sharjah. He became famous as a talented Nabati poet and a successful pearl merchant. His legacy lives on through the established Al Owais Cultural Award, which supports writers and scholars throughout the Arab world.
• Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi
  Publisher, international public figure
  Founder of the Kalimat publishing group. She became the first Arab woman to lead the International Publishers Association (IPA). She made an invaluable contribution to the development of children's literature and Sharjah receiving the title of "World Book Capital."
• Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi
  Curator, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation
  An art figure thanks to whom the Sharjah Biennial has become one of the most significant events in the world of contemporary art. She actively works on integrating art into the urban environment and preserving the emirate's architectural modernism.