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Portuguese Colonialism United Arab Emirates

The Portuguese forts of Mada and Libedia

The two fortresses of Mada and Libedia were located along the eastern coast of the present United Arab Emirates.

Libedia has been identified in the present town of Bidyah (25 ° 26’N – 56 ° 21’E) along the coast midway between Fujairah and Dibba.

The two forts were square or rectangular shape with bastions at each corner.

Portuguese forts of Mada and Libedia from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia
Portuguese forts of Mada and Libedia from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia

For the image thanks to Prof. Nuno Varela Rubim and Prof. Rui Carita (“O Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia, na Fortaleza de S. Julião da Barra, com 22 plantas de anónimo (I Manuel Godinho de Erédia, de cerca de 1620), e 55 plantas de anónimo (II de cerca de 1640)”).

Mada and Libidia. Text of the document from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia
Mada and Libidia. Text of the document from Prof. Rui Carita Lyvro de Plantaforma das Fortalezas da Índia