If you have been following Culturally Ours for any length of time, you know how much we love exploring the world – especially from the eyes and words of our readers and followers. One of our favorites to follow around her global explorations is Hanna Kirstiina Amy. Hanna has the most incredible travel adventures and her images and narratives make us want to pack our bags and jet set off to all the off-the-beaten-path adventures she shares with us.
Today we take a virtual tour of Old Dubai as she visits the area and it seems to be the perfect way to explore the cultural and lessor known areas of cosmopolitan cities like Dubai.
Finding understated magic in Old Dubai and Al Bastakiya
Al Fahidi is the historical neighbourhood also known as Al Bastakiya in Bur (old) Dubai that shows the middle east in a more traditional sense. Since most of Dubai is all about grandness, modernism, sky scrapers and a somewhat artificial surroundings, Al Bastakiya is a step back in time into the 19th century. The little village dates back to 1980s and is made up of beautiful winding streets originally built by Iranian immigrants who needed housing. Most of the village was destroyed in the 70’s, but still the remaining allows you to be captivated by the peaceful beauty of it all. The art district area fills with museums, cafes, little shops that sell rugs, spices and all kinds of ornaments.
Before exploring the old quarter, allow your journey to begin at the quaint Arabian Tea House that leads you into a secret garden with flowing white curtains, white rattan chairs and turquoise benches. My husband and I wanted to start the day bright and early so we arrived to the tea house just when it opened creating a luxuriously tranquil setting, just a few people and the birds chirping gently in the apple trees. We loved the place so much that we later came back for lunch after exploring the spice and gold souks. We ordered the most fragrant jasmine tea that burst into bloom as it sat in the water long enough, a cup of gahwa (coffee in Arabic) flavoured with cardamom and fresh dates with tahini. It felt like a middle eastern dream that set a dreamy mood for the entire day, surrounded with wind towers, stone architecture, spilling trees and the sound of the prayers echoing from minarets in the background. Dressed in a well covered all white silk gown, a sleek bun with henna rising up my arm, we allowed the Arabian culture to take us under its spell.
Old Dubai is significantly important and exciting to explore in the midst of modern infrastructure as it sheds light on the lifestyle of the people before the UAE was formed. It is a far less glamorous side, but magical and full of charm with its understated beauty. I loved observing the arches and designs in the architecture and exploring the antique shops. We purchased a beautiful tea/coffee set that now sits in our showcase in the kitchen. Since then I have made many golden milks infused with ginger/cinnamon that bring me right back to Dubai.
Thank you Hanna for sharing such beautiful images of Old Dubai. The old world charm and character of the neighborhood is so apparent here – certainly a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the more modern parts of the city.
From Hanna,
I am a photography from living in Finland and my true passion is photography that tells a story, far stronger than words allowing life to stand still for a while.
{Photo and Words by Hanna Kirstiina Amy, Website: www.xoamys.com, Instagram: @xoamysnordic}
Travel Log Exploring Old Dubai
0 Comments