Tiny BASTAKIA - ONE OF THE COOLEST PLACES IN OLD DUBAI. IT WAS FOUNDED AT THE END OF THE XIX CENTURY THE RICH TRADERS OF FABRICS AND PEARL FROM THE IRANIAN CITY OF BESTEK. TODAY THIS AREA IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK INTO THE PAST DUBAI.
Dubai is not only sparkling skyscrapers, luxury and world records. The city also has old quarters in which history and traditions are alive. One of them is called the Al-Fahidi Historical District, or Bastakia. No cars are heard in the narrow streets of Bastakia. On the sides of the pedestrian streets there are restored sand-colored houses with badgirs - scoop towers that previously served as air conditioners. About 50 old houses have been preserved, in which today art galleries, an artcafe and two boutique hotels are open.
Earlier this quarter, representatives of noble families of the emirate who were close to the ruler built houses. By the 70s, their homes were desolate, residents began to move to new, more comfortable areas. But when in the 80s the district was decided to be demolished, local residents, expats and even Prince Charles personally opposed this. Today, Bastakia is more like a labyrinth than a regular network of neighborhoods. It is full of surprises - for example, here you can stumble upon an "old tree" planted in 1910, and a piece of the old city wall - it was built from plaster and coral at the beginning of the 19th century, but was soon demolished so that the city had room to grow. Therefore, you can roam Bastakia without any specific purpose, simply by studying its relics.
WHERE TO BEGIN?
Although Bastakia is a fairly small area, getting lost there is pretty easy. We recommend starting the morning at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding (www.cultures.ae). The center is located in one of the most beautiful houses in Bastakia - a spacious courtyard, elegant grilles, hanging oil lamps and wooden decorations on the second floor. Cultural breakfasts and dinners are a rare opportunity to get to know the locals, authentic Arabian food and learn about the country's traditions. Do not forget to go to the roof of the Center and enjoy the view of the roofs of the rest of the houses in the area.
After leaving the Center, turn left and go to the Bastakiyah Nights restaurant, also located in the courtyard of one of the houses. The waiters will be happy to tell you about the traditional decoration of the halls and demonstrate a beautiful view from the roof of the bay of Dubai.
Follow the sandy path to the new white mosque, on the way admiring the ancient houses of gypsum and limestone, carved wooden doors with copper knockers and exquisite decorative grilles.
Then turn left again and go straight until you see the last remaining part of the Old City Wall. It was built of plaster and coral in 1800 around the old city of Bur Dubai to protect Al Fahidi Fort and the old Main Mosque.
Now turn left again and go straight along the narrow street. Be careful - in any of these houses with beautiful turrets, some museum or art gallery of the United Arab Emirates, Iran and the Middle East can be located. The first stop is the XVA Gallery (www.xvagallery.com), dedicated to contemporary art. Several museum halls surround a shady cafe in the courtyard. Arthouse films (including Middle Eastern ones) are shown in one of these rooms - do not forget to find out the schedule of sessions.
In the neighboring houses, the oldest Majlis Gallery in Dubai (www.majlisgallery.com) is located - it has been working here since the 70s, specializing in more popular forms of art - watercolor and oil landscapes of deserts, calligraphy and sculpture. In this gallery you can buy great souvenirs - for example, ceramics, handicrafts and jewelry.
Then cross the road and have tea at the Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Café - is it worth saying that this restaurant is also located in the beautiful courtyard of the old house? We advise you to try Basta Special - a refreshing drink made from mint and lime.
And if you like coffee, then in the very heart of Bastakia the Coffee Museum hid. Contrary to the name, this is not only a museum, but also a cafe, a shop and generally a great place to relax with taste. Settle in the beautiful Majlis lounge, enjoy a cup of coffee, discover its history and admire antique accessories. If you like coffee so much that you want to make it at home, then you can immediately buy a variety of equipment for the barista and books on all conceivable "coffee" topics: from roasting at home to recipes and the history of the drink.
If you are looking for something interesting and unusual, stay on course at the Local House cafe-restaurant - they serve traditional dishes of the United Arab Emirates, and you can, for example, try such exotic things as a camel burger.
Leaving Bastakia and walking about 20 meters, you will see the Dubai Museum - the last incarnation of Al Fahidi Fort. This is perhaps the oldest building in the city: it was built in 1787 and managed to visit the palace, garrison and prison. Today in it you can find a variety of exhibits - from archaeological finds and paintings of old city life to aerial photographs and multimedia presentations of how the city grew and developed in the second half of the 20th century.
And at the end of your walk at sunset, we advise you to walk to the Dubai Creek (5 minutes walk) and sit on the coast to enjoy the atmosphere of the old city.
Address: Al Fahidi historical area, Bur Dubai. The nearest metro station is Al Fahidi.
Text: Anna Pavlova
