Al Zubarah - Qatar

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Listo n June 22, 2013, representing the first, and only so far, entry for Qatar.

The town of Al Zubarah, Qatar’s largest archaeological site, lies on the country’s northwest coast 85km from Doha. This now abandoned town was once a thriving cultural and political centre with an economy based on pearl fishing and trade. As one of the largest and best preserved examples of an 18th-19th century

merchant town anywhere in the Arabian Gulf, Al Zubarah is an outstanding testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Gulf Arabs. - in: http://www.qm.org.qa/en/project/al-zubarah

Heidi sent me a card with Zubarah Fort,  built in 1938 and is the youngest, most prominent feature at the site. The site also includes the archaeological remains of the town, dating back to the 1760s and the settlement of Qal’at Murair, which was fortified to protect the city’s inland wells. 

The Fort now serves as a visitor centre and showcases information about the earlier town and surrounding environment.

Souq Waqef - Doha

Another card sent by Sandra and this one is from a new country in my collection, Qatar. This is an used card, which means was written, and in this case, and stamped to someone else, which i really don't mind.

The card is from Doha, the capital city of Qatar and it shows the Souq Waqif, an important souq in Doha. Literally translated to "the standing market," this shopping destination is renowned for selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is also home to dozens of restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world, as well as Shisha lounges. Although this market dates back at least a hundred years, it has been recently restored back to its original glory. It is now considered one of the top tourist destinations within Doha.

Thousands of people from across the region frequent this market to purchase traditional goods such as wool, traditional thobes, jewelry, and perfumes. - in: wikipedia