Nestled amidst its lavish and plush surroundings, there are many attractions that one could witness in Dubai. Strolling around the streets lined with skyscrapers, one could find many museums and galleries, where the city’s history and artistic talent could be vividly seen. Offering more than a handful of places of interest to visit, adventurous travellers and those who simply wish to sit back and relax have many options to choose from making the city one of the best tourist destinations in the world.
However, there is another side to the city that most do not see. Perhaps its most underrated attraction, it’s cultural and heritage sites are as charming as the metropolis’ impressive surroundings. Visiting these sites cemented in the rich and exotic Arab culture are worthy of a visit as the heritage and cultural sites explore the history of the emirate, which was once a pearl-diving town.
Bastakia Quarter is perhaps its main historic and cultural site amongst the many that are spread out in the city. Deemed as an authentic birthright site, the historical architectural brilliance was built in the 19th century. As one of the prominent sites, it is located in Bur Dubai, next to the Creek. History has it that it was built by Persian traders, who had made their living by dealing with textiles and pearls. However, as the city gained a reputation for having a plethora of pearls, the merchants migrated in hope to carry on their business in the tax-free trade economy that existed during the time. Building settlements along the Creek, the Persian merchants used limestone and coral to build their homes.
Since then, Bastakia Quarter has remained as an important architectural settlement in the city and was declared as a conversation area by the Dubai Municipality. The organization undertook the responsibility of restoring a number of homes that have been damaged over the years and changed it back to its previous glory.
Presently, it is the most serene places in the region. Having a picturesque surrounding, Bastakia Quarter attracts many travellers, especially those who are interested in experiencing the ancient settlements in the city. One of the highlights whilst travelling around the area belongs to the distinct style of the houses. Small in comparison, the houses showcase a unique architecture, encompassing the iconic wind catchers and courtyards, most common in the houses that existed during the time. The wind catchers were used by locals as a ventilation device for many centuries and as a traditional air conditioning method. This aesthetic feature has acted as a defining structure in identifying the city’s architecture, a style that can still be seen in numerous structures.
When searching for a Dubai airport hotel, one should consider in Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. Offering the best Dubai hotel deals, guests staying in this hotel will be amidst the city’s major tourist attractions such as shopping malls and entertainment destinations.
