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NIZWA
FORT
Nizwa Fort was built by Iman Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al Ya’arubi
in 1649, it took about 12 years to build and it is today a
magnificent historical site. Standing proud in the heart of Nizwa,
it is connected to the Nizwa Castle which was built earlier by Imam
Alssalt bin Malik Al Kharusi in 845 AD. Adjoining the fort and
castle area is a bustling souk. Also, there are two cannons guard in
front of the entrance to the fort which opens into a veritable maze
of rooms, high ceiling halls, doorways, terraces, narrow staircases
and corridors. The most striking feature of the fort is the massive
circular tower characterizing Nizwa Fort and soaring about 115 feet
above the rest of the fortification. Solidly built, the 150 feet
diameter structure radiates an aura of might, complete with
battlements, turrets, secret shafts, false doors and wells. Its
traditional doors are inches deep with holes through which date
syrup, a liquid that oozed from bags of dates stored in special date
cellars and boiling oil were poured on enemies. In 1990, the
Ministry restored and furnished the fort, and visitors here can see
handicrafts and artifacts unique to Oman. A tour through Nizwa Souk
leaves visitors enchanted with the vast variety of souvenir shopping
- mud pots, silver coffee pots, incense burners, finely worked
silver amulets, anklets, bangles and khanjars on display.
SOHAR
FORT
The Sohar Fort is located in Harat Al Hajara, the oldest part of
Sohar town. The fort is unique with its square shape. Magnificently
white-washed, it has been beautifully restored in 1985, and used as
a museum in 1993. The architecture of the fort is similar to the mud
brick tower houses of the Hadramaut region. High, pointed arches add
a distinguished quality to the central hall of this fort. They open
on to a side majlis. A souk with a cluster of small shops, and a
corniche bordered by the sea, keep company with the fort.
NAKHAL
FORT
Crowning
a 200 metre high rocky prominence, the 350 year old Nakhal Fort lies
in the Al Batinah region. The 17th C fortress overlooks palm
plantations and beautiful countryside. The gate, fence and towers of
the fort were built during the reign of Imam Said bin Sultan. While
visiting the fort be sure to stop by the famous mineralladen hot
springs flowing from the mountain rocks, all year round.
Al Hazm
Fort
This
massive fort was built in the 18th century, it has two
large towers at opposite corners and was designed so that the
invaders could not capture it easily. The gigantic, carved, 30
centimeters thick doors once sealed the entrance to the fort. From
the top the view stretches across the Batinah Plains. There was also
an escape tunnel which went all the way to Rustaq, 30 KM away.
The
architectural skills of the Arabs are beautifully exhibited with Al
Hazm fort. " Al Hazm " means strain or stress and the verb "hazm"
means to brace or make firm. So, if there was a fort that could be
said to be a near perfect example of a military type, it is Al
Hazam. It is about 160 KM from Muscat.
RUSTAQ
FORT
It is about 131 KM from Muscat and it is a short drive from Wilayat
Nakhal. Rustaq was first renovated in 670 AD when the Yaruba family
was in power. The first Yaruba ruler, Nasier Bin Murshid made Rustaq
as his capital and the fort the center of its government in 1624.
The height of the fort was raised a second time almost 1000 years
later in 1668 AD by Imam Saif Bin Sultan Al Yarubi and earlier this
century in 1902, Al Sayyid Said Bin Ibrahim. Sultan Faisal Bin Turki
completed its present day look in 1906. The area at the springs has
been modernized for tourists. They are encircled by a concrete wall
and are only for viewing. Rustaq was a major trading center between
the coast and the mountain during the ancient days. To visit Rustaq
Fort head for the edge of Batinah plain, to the foothills of Al
Jabal Al Akhdar. It was carefully built with stones fixed together
with mortar and mud bricks. The fort has four towers and contains
several wells. It also houses many buildings like habitation and
storage constructions, a mosque, weapon’s room, prison, and a
reception area.
JIBREEN
CASTLE
This Castle has the distinction of being one of the most impressive
forts of Oman. It has been embellished with sophisticated artistry
such as beautiful carvings in the rooms, elaborate balconies, and
ceilings bedecked with finely painted flowers and symbols. The
Castle was built by Bil’arab bin Sultan, an Imam of the Ya’aruba
dynasty. It is now a resting place for his tomb
BAHLA
FORT
The fort is one of the oldest remaining forts in Oman, and this fact
puts it in a position of great historical importance. The UNESCO has
listed it among its World Heritage Sites. The Bahla Fort has a
walled building in a triangular shape. It has a 12 km city wall and
132 watchtowers complete with guardrooms. The Ministry of Heritage
and Culture undertook the renovation, and work is still in progress
at the site.
FORTS
OF MUSCAT
Looking down from prominent positions in the cliffs of Muscat bay
are the Al Mirani Fort, Al Jalali Fort and the Muscat Fort. All have
vantage views of the area around, perfect for keeping watch on
incoming visitors and approaching enemies in the days of old. Today
they give the modern skyline a touch of history
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