Jebel Al Wakrah Explained

Jebel Al Wakrah (ar|جبل الوكرة) is a hill and local landmark of the city of Al Wakrah on the eastern coast of Qatar. Located just off the shoreline, Jebel Al Wakrah is a level-topped rocky hill of brown color standing from to in height, and is visible from approximately 12 miles.[1] It was formed almost entirely from wind-blown deposits.[2]

Etymology

According to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the city of Al Wakrah derived its name from a hill that was a popular nesting spot for birds (bird's nest transliterates to "wakar" in Arabic), most likely referring to Jebel Al Wakrah.[3]

History

In 1868, the Battle of Jebel Wakrah, the final military engagement of the Qatari–Bahraini War, took place here after Bahraini forces pursued the Qatari forces fleeing from their defeat in the Battle of Al Damsah. The Qataris defeated the Bahrainis in the ensuing battle after capturing two of their commanders, prompting the start of peace negotiations.[4]

Archaeological artifacts were uncovered at the jebel by the Danish archaeological expedition during the 1950s and 1960s and by the British Mission led by Beatrice de Cardi in 1973.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: . The Persian Gulf pilot: comprising the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Omán; and Makran coast. Hydrographic Dept. Great Britain. 122. 1890.
  2. Book: de Cardi. Beatrice. Qatar archaeological report: excavations 1973. Published for the Qatar National Museum by Oxford University Press. 1979. 13.
  3. Web site: Geoportal. The Centre for Geographic Information Systems of Qatar. 20 February 2019. 24 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201124143437/https://geoportal.gisqatar.org.qa/qmape/index.html. dead.
  4. Mitchell. Jocelyn Sage. Transnational identity and the Gulf crisis: changing narratives of belonging in Qatar. International Affairs. Oxford Academic. 97. 4. 929–944. July 2021. 10.1093/ia/iiab013. free.