Traditional boat of Qatar

[Sawdust]

I just stumbled across dozens of photos of traditional boats on the Persian Gulf at http://catnaps.org/islamic/boats.html
Wonderful photos of amazing craftsmanship, especially considering the medieval tools still in use. A site not to be missed if you love boats. Look carefully in the list at the top left--there's a second page with more pics.

Stu
AndersonBoatworks

[BPL]

I only wish the photos were larger. They are quite something. Thanks for the link Stu.

[Petros]

Those pictures remind me about a book the British adventurer Tim Severin wrote about building a replica, using traditional materials and techniques to duplicate the voyage of Sinbad. Following the ancient trade route from the Arab peninsula to the far East. In the book about it, he details the construction methods: wood planks stitched together with rope made from coconut husks. No caulking, so the fit of each plank was critical.

A great read, as are his other books about Brendan the Navigator, and Jason and the quest for the Golden Fleece. You learn a lot of ancient boat building, and what sea travel was like in ancient times in open boats.

[BPL]

Qatar dhows traditional Arabian Gulf fishing/cargo boats galleries on flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3941174...7626651925671/