Windtowers of Bastakiya Tour by RIBA Gulf

Al Bastakiya quarter of Dubai dates back to the early 20th century, and was particularly notable for its many Iranian style windtower houses. Through the 1970s and 1980s, its future was in jeopardy, the houses being viewed as archaic and backward, exacerbated by rapid deterioration after being largely vacated by the original community. In 1985 the western, and oldest portion was demolished to make way for a new Diwan, for HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. However, the 1990s saw a detailed conservation plan prepared, and under the leadership of Arch. Rashad Muhammad Bukhash, the Municipality ensured that the remaining houses were accurately restored, and put to new uses, both cultural and commercial, completed in 2008.

On this walking tour, which will include visits to a few significant houses, architect Peter Jackson will talk about his memories of Al Bastakiya in the early 1970s, about the history of the district and the architectural significance of these once grand merchant houses.

PETER JACKSON FRIBA first worked in the UAE in the early 1970s with John R Harris Architects. His researches into the Bastakiya quarter of Al Faheidi district in Dubai began in 1974, with a detailed measured survey of a Bait Bukhash. This formed the beginning of a long collaboration with social geographer Dr. Anne Coles, and co-author of their book, Windtower, now in new English and Arabic editions by Medina Publishing.

He enjoyed a long professional career in Zambia and Zimbabwe for 26 years, as well as in Oman, Jordan, Botswana and Mozambique. Peter authored Historic Buildings of Harare (1986) and was for many years Hon. Historic Buildings Advisor to the City of Harare. He returned to the UAE in 2002, and as Architect Advisor in HH the Ruler's Office since 2007, has been involved with the planning and design of award-winning museums and visitor centres in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Instagram @sharjaharchitect

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bastakiya, Dubai, United Arab Emirates