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The history of Sharjah is unlike any other Arab city. You may wonder what is distinctive about the history of the city of Sharjah and how its ancient history is unique from other cities. The prosperity witnessed by modern Sharjah in recent times leaves many questions in your mind about the starting point for this cultural and civilizational development of the city, such as when did this city begin? Who ruled it first? And what stages did it go through to become the city it is today?
We will erase all the question marks you have and satisfy your curiosity in our article, which is rich in everything you want to know and more about sharjah history.
Summary of the city of Sharjah
The city of Sharjah is a symbol of culture, civilized thought, and the development of architecture, that the United Arab Emirates has witnessed over time. It is also renowned for its commitment to this art and this civilization and has done well to preserve its local heritage so far. The meaning of the word Sharjah in the Arabic language is the ‘Rising Sun’. And this name dates back to 6,000 years ago, when Sharjah was mentioned in the written records by the navigator Ahmed Ibn Majid who crossed the gulf’s waters.
Where did the name Sharjah come from and why was it called by this name are questions that haunt the minds of many. In the old days, some historians and researchers and one of them is Sultan Al Omaimi believe that Sharjah is an idol that was worshiped and sanctified in the historical period, meaning the slave of the East (Abed Al Shareq).
And now the third largest emirate in the UAE is Sharjah emirate, and the only emirate that has land adjoining the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Sharjah extends from the northwest to the southeast, around a distance of 100 kilometers from the Arabia and Persian Gulf, and reaches the interior of the promontory of Oman.
The best time to go to this region is in the winter when the weather is less hot and the temperature is acceptable in the months (oct, nov, dec, jan, feb).
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The starting point of history of sharjah
Not many people know when was sharjah founded. Sharjah was first founded around 1727, when the Al Qasimi clan controlled the city and settlement in Sharjah and became Sharjah independent. At that time and because the population of the city was low and the income sources were engaged with trading, farming, fishing, and hunting, meaning economic activities, the city of sharjah was the wealthiest in the region.
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Most prominent events that took place in history of sharjah
Many historical events took place on the land of the emirate of Sharjah area. These events recorded the changes and developments that took place in the city century after century to prove to the world the greatness of this city with its natural landmarks, rich sharjah history and culture. Its most important events can be summarized as follows:
| 16th century | The fort at khor fakkan, kalba, and dibba were built under the command of portuguese. |
| 17th century | The British started trading with Umm Al Quwain. |
| Early 18th | Qawasim tribe rule turned out to be a more durable marin power in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. |
| Year 1804 | Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashed Al Qasimi became the Sheikh of Sharjah city. |
| 1820 | The sheikhdoms of Oman became a state of reconciliation, and the coast of Oman was known as the peaceful coast. |
| 1932 | In 1932, repatriated flights began from England to India. |
| On 2nd December 1971 | Unification of abu dhabi and Formation of the United Arab Emirates. |
| 1972 | The discovery of oil in the Mubarak oilfield close to Abu Mousa island. |
| 1998 | Sharjah had the honour to be awarded by UNESCO as the cultural capital of the Arab world. |
| 2002 | The Sharjah Calligraphy biennial was officially launched. |
| 2014 | Sharjah received the title of the Capital of Islamic Culture. |
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Factors that helped the cultural prosperity of Sharjah
Any city has many elements and resources that contribute to its development and prosperity, but what has distinguished the city of Sharjah throughout history is the many factors that make it unique from others. You may think that Abu Dhabi and dubai are a head of other emirates in terms of culture and development, but you will be surprised when you discover the achievements that Sharjah has achieved and contributed to the tremendous development that we are witnessing today until it shone with its civilization as the sun rises and became a name aptly named at the hands of its ruler and member of the Supreme Council, His highness Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi.
- Sharjah biennial.
- Calligraphy biennial.
- Theatre Days launched in March 1984, an annual theatrical event that hosts performances to enhance communications link between Arabic and international theatre.
- Islamic arts festival with the aim of exhibiting plenty of traditional Islamic arts.
- Heritage Days is a festival that lasts 15 days, beginning in April 2009. Enable the visitors to explore the aesthetics of the past by its activities and exhibitions.
- Sharjah International airport and book fair.
- Sharjah cricket.
In addition, we find mosques and many gardens, aquariums, and National Museums in Sharjah, the center of life for the city, and we do not forget the modern facilities that serve visitors.
Despite the fact that Arabic is the official language of the state throughout history of sharjah and the official religion is Islam, we find a huge spread of English, Hindi and Urdu in Sharjah United Arab emirates. And any religious activity that contradicts Islam is prohibited not only here but also in any neighbouring country like saudi.
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Why is Sharjah famous?
History of Sharjah is famous for its rich cultural heritage, museums, art galleries, and traditional souks. It is also known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens. Sharjah is considered the cultural capital of the UAE and has been named the Islamic Culture Capital by UNESCO. Additionally, it hosts several international events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair and Sharjah Biennial and arab emirates national library archives.
Who founded Sharjah?
Sharjah was founded by the Al Qasimi dynasty in the early 18th century of sharjah history.
What is an interesting fact about Sharjah?
Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates and is known as the cultural capital of the country. It has been named as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019, recognizing its efforts to promote books and reading among its citizens and residents. Throughout history of Sharjah you will foung that it is also home to several museums, including the Sharjah Art Museum the national library archives of the united arab, which houses a collection of contemporary and traditional art from around the world.
When was Sharjah found?
Sharjah is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates and has a long history dating back to ancient times. However, it was officially founded as a modern city in 1820 by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
In conclusion, Sharjah’s history is a cultural and political history, and is also a part of the history of the United Arab Emirates. Perhaps you will visit Sharjah history museums one day, then you will feel as if you have gone on a journey through time, and believe me, you will never regret this decision of yours.
