Barzan Towers
Ad Dawḩah
The Barzan Towers are a pair of historic watchtowers located about 20 km north of Doha in the village of Umm Salal Mohammed, Qatar. Constructed between 1910 and 1916 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, the western tower, known as the Barzan Tower, features a unique 'T' shaped design uncommon in the Gulf region. The eastern tower, built after 1958, mirrors the western tower's height of 14 meters but adopts a more typical rectangular Qatari tower shape. Historically, these towers served as lookout points to monitor the surrounding arable land and wells rather than pearling ships, as local folklore suggests. The towers were part of an extensive wall that once enclosed the village and its gardens, remnants of which remain today near a small mosque. Both towers, along with a madrasa and a mosque, were restored in 2014 and now stand within a garden of indigenous plants, offering visitors a glimpse into Qatar's architectural and cultural heritage.
Plan your trip to Qatar with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The Barzan Towers are temporarily closed until further notice, so check current opening status before planning a visit. When open, visiting early in the morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid midday heat. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Exploring the surrounding park and mosque can enrich the visit. Booking is not necessary due to free access, but guided tours may enhance understanding of the site's history and architecture.
Interesting facts
- •The western Barzan Tower has a distinctive 'T' shaped design unique in the Gulf region.
- •The towers were historically used to monitor wells and arable land, not pearling ships, despite local folklore.
- •The site includes remnants of an extensive wall that once surrounded the village and its gardens.
- •Both towers were restored in 2014 along with a madrasa and mosque nearby.
History
The Barzan Towers were built between 1910 and 1916 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani as part of a defensive wall around Umm Salal Mohammed village, which he developed in 1910.
Earlier towers likely existed on the site during the 19th century.
The eastern tower was added after 1958, designed to match the western tower's height but with a traditional rectangular shape.
In 2014, both towers underwent restoration along with a madrasa and mosque adjacent to the site, preserving their historical significance and structural integrity.
Place Guide
Western Barzan Tower1910-1916
The original tower built between 1910 and 1916 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. It has a unique three-level 'T' shaped design uncommon in the Gulf region and served as a lookout for the surrounding agricultural land and wells.
Eastern Tower (Al Burj Al Sharqi)Post-1958
Constructed after 1958, this tower matches the western tower in height (14 meters) but features a typical rectangular Qatari tower design. It complements the western tower and continues the site's historical function.
Surrounding Wall and GardenEarly 20th century origins, restored 2014
Remnants of the extensive wall built to protect Umm Salal Mohammed village and its gardens still exist near the towers. The area now includes a garden planted with indigenous flora and a small mosque, enhancing the cultural atmosphere.
Contact
Phone: 4402 8888
