posted by Savanah on Feb 26
While very little is recorded about the origins of Dubai, the area was the home of ancient trading villages that served as a meeting place for traders from both the West and the East. Much of the history of the Arabian peninsula was transmitted by oral tradition rather than the written word. It is believed that the area was settled thousands of years ago, even though Dubai doesn’t appear in written records until 1095.
During the installation of sewer lines for Dubai Internet City, the remnants of a 7,000 year old mangrove swamp were uncovered. Geologists note that 5,000 years ago the coastline retreated inland, leaving the entire area covered in sand.
Early settlers in the area are believed to have worshipped Bajar or Bajir. The region was controlled in ancient times by the Sassanian and Byzantine empires before coming under Islamic rule. The Sassanians were driven out by the Umayyad Caliph. The Dubai Museum has discovered several artifacts from that period.
While much of the ancient relics of Dubai have been lost in time, visitors to the city will find some evidence of bygone eras throughout the city. In addition to the Dubai Museum and several historic mosques, visitors can visit “Old Dubai” which features historic buildings and ships. The city is also home to many souks or traditional markets that are visceral reminders of earlier times.
Of course, Dubai is a modern city as well as an ancient one. While the desert vistas, camels, and markets may remind one of the timeless history of the Middle East, the city itself has plenty of 21st century conveniences and technology. There are business towers, shopping malls, five star Dubai hotels, and countless modern entertainment venues throughout the city. Dubai is also on the leading edge of manufactured environments. The three largest artificial islands in the world are located just off the city’s coast.
Whether stepping back into ancient Dubai or enjoying the leisure and comfort of modern Dubai, visitors will find any trip to this exciting city to be relaxing and even magical.
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